I am definitely not talented in the music field, but I enjoy what it has given me. However, all those memories playing from the piano and clarinet to singing in choir still linger. Growing up in a not so Asian family, my parents never forced me to learn any musical instruments. Not until when I was around five, I watched my mum playing on our old, dark brown colored Baldwin piano. Dashing fingers on black and white keys fascinated me. I didn't know what harmonies and melodies were, so I just imitated what my mum was doing on my toy piano, just because the piano looked pretty interesting and since that night, the piano had become one of my childhood companions until now.
I'm not trying to sound cocky, but every piano teacher who has witnessed my growth from "Mary Had a Little Lamb" to Chopin's "Fantaisie-Impromptu," has given me praise on the potential I have. I am like a shiny diamond in the rut but I never really knew how bright I can shine due to my laziness, and once I got into college, my piano has long been covered with dust. I didn't make good use of the gift of long and slim fingers. Of course, it is a myth that people with long fingers tend to be better musicians. However, without a doubt, it is one of my advantages since I can reach more than an octave with ease.
My journey with music didn't actually stop before college. I also play the clarinet. In high school, I was part of the symphonic band. Recalling those days and nights practicing to participate in competitions, I miss the union with my bandmates and when different instruments came together and created music that could touch one's heart. I was also part of the school choir -- those choir scores are still piled up at home. From time to time, I reminisced about those singing practices standing with friends or to call soulmates who accompanied me on this journey. Sometimes, I wish that one day we can all stand on the same stage and sing the familiar melodies.
As of right now, my life is no longer surrounded by music -- the life I got used to and, honestly, love to indulge in the most. I still remember those stressful practices for my piano exams. It is a trend for people to take piano exams by Associated Board of the Royal Schools Music of Music. I reached the eighth grade and stopped. When I look back now, I have invested so much time just for practicing and passing the exam. I am writing this article and thinking that although I told myself I enjoyed music as my childhood company, the one thing I regret is I didn't pursue it further -- not for the sake of exams and practices, but the real passion and love for the joy it has given me.
