75 things to do before you die – 10 – Learn an instrument

I think everyone should have a couple talents that make them unique from everyone else.  I want to learn how to play an instrument… actually either guitar or piano to be exact.  

When I was younger, I took piano lessons for about 10 minutes and got bored.  When I started college, I bought a cheap acoustic guitar and learned a few songs through tabs.  (Tabs are a way for music illiterate people to actually play music.)

I can play songs like wonderwall and wish you were here, but I can’t read music and I sure as hell can’t really ‘play guitar.’  

I really think learning how to play one of these two instruments would be a difficult but fantastic task.  I think it would also be very rewarding and therapeutic.

Music is one of my passions.  I always have my ipod with me in case I have a few minutes to listen to a song to reflect on how I’m feeling.  Wouldn’t it be fantastic if I could actually play a song to reflect instead of listen to the music through my headphones.  

Now the fun part.  As an expansion for my 75 things series of blogs I am working on, I will include a short list of how I intend to actually to each item on the list.

How I will accomplish this goal:

1. Decide what instrument to play – That’s a coin-flip.  I am leaning towards guitar, because I am more familiar with the instrument and it would be easier to get ahold of one.
2. Find a Teacher – I don’t just want to learn to play from tabs.  I want an actual teacher that can teach me the chords, proper placements, etc.  I’m sure craigslist will be a valuable resource for this
3. Go to Lessons –  I have a bad habit of losing interest quickly. This will be the most difficult part.  If I can continue to go, I will be unstoppable.
4. Practice – practice, practice, practice.  Without practice, I will not get any better, even if I do take lessons.