The one thing I would really claim is a burning passsion for the harp in
all it's form. I do not consider myself talanted...it was all (and is
still!) down to hard slog and bloody-mindedness. I am not in any form a
'gifted' musician, I just worked hard at it and cared enough about the
instrument and it's music to keep fighting the restrictions of what I could
do.
I did have classical lessons on violin, bassoon and piano and didn't get
too far with any of them...I believe this is because I was constantly made
to play music that I didn't like and coaxed towards a tone that didn't work
for me (19th C Romantics were very *in* whilst I was far more interested in
Corelli. Then I discovered early music and completely flipped over viols
and recorders!)
If my parents had been able to afford a harp for me (No chance!) and had
there been a teacher to hand, I would probably have failed just as quickly.
Looking at the exam sylabuses over here, the bulk of the stuff is 20th C
and doesn't interest me in the slightest... I just get all hot and bothered
by a different feeling music..I actually find the Naderman Sonatas
Progresives *exciting*. Must be wierd, huh?
Be happy,
Mike.