Hobbies
Lessons Learned
The Sounds of Music
By Margaret Briller
Maybe you were a piano lesson dropout, or gave up the guitar after mastering a few chords. Or perhaps money was scarce — and time and attention were even scarcer.
These local music lovers put music lessons back on their bucket lists and are glad they did.
Going for It
Rick Brouman of Pepper Pike started guitar lessons at 63.
“I’ve wanted to play since I was a kid, but my mother always wanted me to play piano, so I played piano,” Brouman says.
“As time passed, life — working and raising a family — got in the way, so I had to put this hobby on the back burner. I’ve always loved the guitar, and the time seemed right, so here I am now.”
Brouman takes lessons from instructor John Rupert at the Sam Ash Music Store in Lyndhurst. He purchased a striking red PRS SE Custom 24 electric guitar.
“I’m a sucker for red,” Brouman says. “The bird inlays are a pretty cool option on many PRS models. But I didn’t want to make the investment without taking lessons from a qualified instructor. I’ve only had four lessons so far, and I’m still at the stage where I might struggle to find the correct placement of my fingers. But I have noticed that I can now pick up the guitar and play some chords reasonably well. I’m thrilled that I am starting to actually make sounds that resemble music, and I’m looking forward to getting better with time”
Having a flexible work schedule gives Brouman more time to pursue his dream. “I work from home so I can pick up the guitar and practice multiple times during the day, which I do.”
Berneice Dycks retired in 2012 from the registrar’s office at Case Western Reserve University. She took piano lessons in the past but didn’t continue them.
“I have played piano at nursing homes through my church, Christian Fellowship Center, as well as for personal enjoyment,” Dycks says, “but I always had the desire to become more skilled in playing and to take voice lessons.”
When she turned 60, Dycks promised herself that if she had the opportunity she was going to enroll in Cuyahoga Community College’s Program 60. Through Program 60, residents of Ohio ages 60 and older may register for regularly scheduled credit and noncredit classes on an audit, tuition-free, space-available basis.
Private lessons are available for a nominal fee. Dycks began with ear training and learning to read music with instructor Stephen Enos, then signed on with voice instructor Carie Volkar and piano instructor Jackie Warren, whom she calls her jazz guru.
“I know I’ve progressed, but I still get nervous sometimes,” Dycks says. “Being able to memorize a song and play it straight through is progress to me. Sometimes when I’m trying to learn a song, I’m a little slower, but eventually I get it. I like the challenge.”
Dycks says, “I think it’s better to learn music when you’re younger. It’s not impossible to learn when you’re older but one needs to be disciplined, and I believe you have to love music like I do.”
A Career Interruption
Ennis McNulty, 73, was an artist throughout his career in the animation industry, working as an animator, storyboard and layout artist. He also illustrated children’s books for Walt Disney, Hanna-Barbera and American Greetings. He retired in 2010.
With seven children, McNulty’s parents could not afford to buy him an instrument and pay for lessons. At 20, he bought a bass, took a few lessons and started playing in a popular dance band, the Dan Zola Orchestra.
“I wasn’t very good. In fact I was very bad. I couldn’t read music, played by ear and learned the tunes by listening to recordings,” McNulty says. His playing was put on hold when the animation studio he worked at moved to Los Angeles in 1978.
McNulty’s career brought him back to Cleveland, and in 2006 when he was 62 years old, he heard about Cuyahoga Community College’s Program 60. He signed up for acoustic bass lessons with instructor Demetrius Steinmetz.
“The challenge is trying to rid myself of all the bad habits I’ve developed over all the years,” McNulty says. “The lessons I’ve been taking have really helped. Although I missed the opportunity to play an instrument in grade school, I’m glad it came along later in life. Thinking musically is a kind of exercise for the mind, and I’m healthier for it.”
[sidebar]
7 Reasons to Learn a Musical Instrument Now
Research on the brain indicates that while it’s harder for the mature brain to learn an instrument, it’s not impossible. Besides the “cool factor” of playing music for yourself and others, here are other reasons to learn:
- Improves performance on cognitive tasks
- Increases memory capacity
- Refines time management and organizational skills
- Enhances coordination
- Teaches discipline, responsibility and perseverance
- Sharpens math skills
- Relieves stress
Margaret Briller is a freelance writer in Northeast Ohio who practices an electric keyboard from time to time.
