Listening to music is a wonderful way to relieve stress and feel happy, but some may argue that playing the music yourself is even better. Communities all over the world have been encouraging children and adolescences to gain the skill of being able to playing an instruments. Through schools and other youth activities, this fun, musical art form has been thriving. After traveling to various places on Whyville, I found several citizens who know how to play an instrument (or two) and are willing to share with us what they feel it takes to become a musician, and how it has impacted their life for the better.
Kittieme: What instrument(s) do you play?
Jaymay13: I play piano, violin, baritone sax, alto sax, and tenor sax.
Flysheep: Alto sax, drums, trumpet, piano.
Oacute: I play the flute and I can also play bells.
Jaxs11: I play the clarinet and a little piano.
Aivilo81: I play the clarinet.
Kittieme: What is one challenge you have faced while playing music?
Jaymay13: Being able to read the music in the bass clef.
Flysheep: Trying to fit enough time in to get the practice in order to get better.
Oacute: One challenge I faced was not giving up because it got hard.
Jaxs11: Some challenges I've faced are memorizing the notes and figuring out songs.
Aivilo81: One challenge that I have faced while playing the clarinet is when I was at lessons. My music teacher wanted me to play a very difficult, challenging piece of music in front of all the other clarinetists
Kittieme: Have you ever thought about having a career that uses the skill of playing a musical instrument?
Jaymay13: Yes. I want to play in an orchestra or professionally play piano or violin.
Flysheep: Nope, it's always just been a hobby.
Oacute: No, I haven't thought about that, but I think it would be fun and interesting.
Jaxs11: I have thought of a career in the orchestra or playing the piano for bands or singers.
Aivilo81: I have dreamed of having a career that uses my clarinet skills. I think it would be magnificent if I was a female clarinetist. If I was a professional female clarinetist, I could perform in a bunch of concerts, make music, and follow my dream.
Kittieme: What is your favorite instrument to play?
Jaymay13: Piano, because it makes me feel so inspired and fresh. It relieves stress and it's beautiful.
Flysheep: Piano - music I've written has always been to that.
Oacute: My favorite instrument is the flute because it is so pretty to listen to.
Jaxs11: My favorite instrument is the piano because I learn songs without learning the real notes in it.
Aviolo81: My favorite instrument to play is the clarinet. The clarinet is not like all the other instruments. It's long, thin, black, with silver keys all over. When I play my clarinet, a beautiful, sharp sound comes out giving me chills all over my body. The clarinet is the best instrument you can play
Kittieme: How has being able to play an instrument impacted your life?
Jaymay13: I have been able to inspire many people and share my talent with others.
Flysheep: It has definitely improved my creativity, also has given me more of an interest in music in general.
Oacute: Playing an instrument has made me more responsible and I have more self-esteem.
Jaxs11: Being able to play has allowed me to be able to participate in school plays, events and talent shows.
Aivilo81: Being able to play the clarinet has impacted my life. It impacted my life because now I feel I can do something successfully. All my friends, are athletic and do all different kinds of sports. But, I don't. I play the clarinet, so I think the clarinet impacted my life because now I feel I can do something just like my other friends
Kittieme: Do you participate in any bands, or do you play for recreational purposes?
Jaymay13: I do participate in three bands. Jr.jazz, Jr.band, and concert at my school (high school) and I also take violin and piano lessons.
Flysheep: I used to be in a concert band and in drumline, but now I play just for recreational purposes.
Oacute: I don't play in any bands, but I have band class at my school.
Jaxs11: I just play whenever. You know for fun and sometimes I make money, but I donate most of it to the American Cancer Society.
Aivilo81: Yes I am participate in a band. I am in the jazz band, and my school band.
Kittieme: What advice do you have for any aspiring musicians out there?
Jaymay13: I have the advice that people should follow their dreams and if they want to learn something to try and never give up. Music makes people feel wonderful and it is really inspiring, so everyone should have some type of music in their life whether it's listening to it or playing it.
Flysheep: Keep at it; practice isn't that much fun, but it pays off.
Oacute: I say never give up even when you think I stink just keep practicing. You only learn when you practice. And just have fun.
Jaxs11: Some advice I'd like to give is to keep trying. It's hard at some points, but it's worth it. I mean imagine - you could meet a famous person just by playing the piano! I also suggest practicing whenever you can.
Aivilo81: For all the other musicians that play any instrument, clarinet, trumpet, saxophone, etc, all I have to say for you is to do your best, try your hardest, practice up to potential, and then your dream of playing well will come true
I'd like to thank Aivioli81, Jaxs11, Oacute, Flysheep, and Jaymay13 for their outstanding answers. It has been really interesting to see what inspires and helps young musicians like them achieve musical greatness. I hope that while I continue to learn how to play the piano, I can remember their words of wisdom and try to become a better musician myself. And who knows - maybe you will, too!
