Friday Fun: Little Louis Armstrong

Once upon a time, waaaay back when I was young, I used to play the trumpet. I grew up with a mother who's a church pianist and organist and a father who also used to play piano and organ, so it's no surprise I wanted to play a musical instrument too.

My first effort in that regard was to try to learn to play piano.  But, I quickly realized it was really difficult to make my little hands do different things at the same time, and it was also difficult to learn from my mom when I was a stubborn kid. That's a shame, because she's a brilliant pianist and a good teacher too.  But I was 4 or 5 and obstinate. Unfortunately, my piano career was very brief. 

In middle school, though, I found the trumpet. It only had 3 valves, so that was easier, and required a lot of hot air, which I had in abundance. I played classical and jazz competitively for 10 years and absolutely loved it. I still regret quitting, and have held onto my trumpet, which has been lonely in storage in my basement.....until now.

Anna knows I used to play, but it's not something we really talk about.  When a character on Dragon Tales played a trumpet, though, Anna decided she should play it too. That's how I ended up giving her her first trumpet "lesson."

I had an awesome time watching her try to play, and it was fun to try to show her what to do.

Although it would be awesome, I won't get my hopes up that I can seriously teach her myself when she's bigger, though, since she's a strong-willed little girl too! 

But when she's ready to play an instrument, whether it's the trumpet or something else, I will definitely encourage her to play lessons and get involved in band or orchestra, because music is a big part of our lives and it's so wonderful for kids to develop those talents.

Do your kids show interest in learning to play instruments too?  Tell us about it!

Anna puts the trumpet nighty-night