You don’t have to play music to enjoy it
August 13, 2012 3:06PM
Updated: September 15, 2012 6:05AM
Dr. Wallace: I am aghast that you were against a 13-year-old girl continuing to take violin lessons because after 3 years of lessons, she felt she still wasn’t any good and she learned to detest taking private lessons. She said that the money her parents are “wasting” on her lessons could be put to better use.
Money is never wasted on music. Music is the food that feeds the soul; music is comfort for the infirm; music provides wisdom to every human being; music is freedom to the convicted; music brings joy to all who are 2 to 102; music is love to all who give and receive love; and, most of all, music is spiritual.
Have I now convinced you that you made a grave mistake in telling this young lady that she should stop taking violin lessons? Do you like music? If so, what kind?
Nameless, Newark, N.J.
Nameless: I agree with most of what you say, but one doesn’t have to be a musician to enjoy the enriching pleasures of the universal language — music. This young lady gave violin training a good chance — 3 years. It was a good experience, and I’m sure it will help her enjoy and understand music more fully in the future.
All of us who enjoy music are not necessarily musicians. You didn’t convince me to change my mind, but I do respect your passion for music. I can’t play a note on any musical instrument, but I enjoy listening to music. The range runs from country and western to classical — Hank Williams Sr. to Luciano Pavarotti.
Write to Dr. Wallace
at rwallace@galesburg.net
