[donwest]

Hi Steve,

I feel your frustration (I’m old (82) and achy and thoroughly enjoy playing the ukulele. And this site with the videos and ability to slow things down for awhile and the tutorials has been perfect for me. Often what I have had to do is take one bar at a time of the song I like (right now it’s Amazing Grace) and play it over and over (until my wife starts screaming) and then put it down for awhile til she calms down and maybe play a simple arpeggio I’ve memorized (she likes arpeggios). Then back at it later when she goes to Curvesor grocery shopping.

I really didn’t think it would require 1000 repetitions to get something comfortably under my fingers and into my head….But it does. But I don’t mind because when it finally becomes mine I’m lovin it.

I tell anybody that will listen, what my Dad told me seventy five years ago: “If you stick with it long enough it will give up it’s secrets.”

Keep on keepin on….

[donwest]

Beautiful people sharing their talent is an uplifting experience that motivates. And listening to others is an inspiration. There are so many exceptional musicians one must just take the time to seek them out. One I enjoy listening to is Del Rey.

[donwest]

I love the sharing of ideas (about most topics) and I’ve experienced many of ideas shared here. I’m coming from being a classical violin player (absolutely no improvising) to the ukulele where things spill out all over the place and I love it. I’m 82 years old and have been playing ukulele a bit over a year and can’t imagine being deprived of practice with this lovely instrument. About 70 years ago, when I was struggling with the piano, my Dad said, “If you stick with it, it will eventually give up it’s secrets.”
My Dad’s advice is the way I learn. Until I have memorized a piece of music I don’t consider it mine. I practice my songs daily and have three or four others to work on depending on my mood.

Thanks to you all for taking the time to share….

[Author]

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