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Making music at any age
“The idea here is for adults to learn to play an instrument,” By Gerard Creces
Friday March 28, 2008 “The idea here is for adults to learn to play an instrument,” said Goderich District Collegiate Institute (GDCI) music teacher Hugh McGregor. “Maybe one that they played in high school but it’s been 20-30 years since they played.”
McGregor and fellow instructor Jason LeRoux have just finished their second successful session of “It’s Never Too Late”, a music class for the 19 to 99 crowd, and whether it’s woodwinds, brass or percussion, having fun and enjoying yourself is truly instrumental.
So how easy is it to learn music the second time around? More important, how easy is it to teach the second time around? McGregor said his pupils’ good nature drives their own success.”
“They’re very enthusiastic learners,” he said. “They inspire each other to want to do well.”
He said a typical session splits the class into groups for those just starting out and those who have experience but neither need to brush up or perhaps head in a different direction.
“It’s like a band class,” he said. “They play together as a small group.”
With 30 years of music teaching behind him, Mcgregor stands by his knowledge of the instruments and his ability to bring out the ability in everyone.
LeRoux, an accomplished French horn player himself, is an excellent addition to the classroom setting.
Method, learning to read, play and learning to play together are the the staples of the classes, and he said many students have already caught the fever.
While instruments are available for rent through the course, many pupils have decided to purchase their own - seeing a definite future in the noisy arts.
Some aren’t content with just one instrument, and decide to pursue a second when the next installment of classes comes around.
“As soon as I can make enough noise to wake the neighbours, I’m onto the next one,” joked Bill Rowsell, a guitar player who’s taken on the trumpet as his surrogate muse.
They say the power of music transcends ears of all ages, but it’s also accessible for players of any age. Norah Anderson makes no secret of her age and at 71, she said it’s never too late to come out to class.
“It keeps the mind engaged,” she said.
“It really is great. It doesn’t matter how old you are,” agreed Laurie Little.
With classes that look like an impovised jam session, each of these musicians-in-training is eager to learn, happy to be among like-minded individuals and glad for the chance to make increasingly beautiful music together.
McGregor said the 10- session class will be starting up again in April. The cost is $100, and the skills are something that will last forever. |
