This weekend the B
aby and Tots show took place in Abbotsford at the Tradex so we organized a booth to promote our lesson program. My granddaughter, Amanda, and one of our teachers, Bobby Wieler, had a lot of fun meeting and greeting lots of families. I have always know what a huge part enjoying music and learning to play an instrument has in our overall enjoyment and fulfillment in our lives. I was raised on a farm in Saskatchewan and my childhood memories include the wonderful experience of having teachers who played the piano and sang with their students. Every morning we gathered around the old acoustic upright and began the school day participating in the group vocals and having fun! We were lucky to have a good piano teacher in our little village and many of us were taught to read music and play the instrument. One of the interesting facts I have learned since volunteering at Sound of Music is that learning to play an instrument uses every single part of our brain at once. It makes sense when we stop to think our eyes, ears, voice, hands and feet are used simultaneously as we learn and become completely engaged in making music. I experienced a very big gap playing an instrument when I was raising my family but made sure the children had the opportunity to take lessons. We could see the benefits very soon and as adults they are grateful and continue to play and enjoy their musical experiences. I was in my late forties when I resumed taking music lessons and it was amazing how much came back to me once I sat down at a piano with my excellent instructor. We have many adult students who all benefit enormously from participating in learning to play and sing. Now I have 2 great granddaughters that show an affinity for music and are constantly listening and singing along with their favorite songs. I believe that encouraging and facilitating music in our lives is the best way to ensure that we experience happiness and maintain a positive and fulfilling life.