Do you have any musical training?

[Mark]

When I say 'musical training', I'm talking about having a technical understanding of music, whether simply theoretical or practical (i.e. ability to play an instrument). Such training needn't be formal, so long as you feel you've understood and/or can apply what you've learned.

I ask because I have no such training, and when I read far more learned posts about matters technical here on the forum or in books and magazines, I'm acutely aware of my ignorance. I'm also reminded that I'm too lazy to do anything about it!

Are you perhaps like me? Curious to know more, but not motivated sufficiently to progress beyond listening and making half-intelligent comments on the music you so enjoy?

[Florestan]

None whatsoever but I'd like to learn playing the piano.

[Mark]

None whatsoever but I'd like to learn playing the piano.

Why the piano?

[beclemund]

It has been almost two decades since I have ever read a sheet of music to play, but yes, I played French horn for a few years. I did not live far from the school I attended, so I lugged a horn and case about half my size to and from school daily... But I would be hard pressed to remember a thing. Every time I read one of the more detailed accounts on GMG, I am reminded that I really should take up an instrument anew. This time, I would opt for something a little lighter to move around... say a flute or clarinet.

In college, where I lived, there was a French horn player there as well, he let me try to play it, but my embouchure was so completely changed that it was impossible. I was looking over the score from Bruckner's 8th a few days ago, and I can still read music, so I guess that never leaves you. It was not easy, however and I did get lost frequently. Much of the terminology used on GMG escapes me though, so I have to often Google terminology to even pretend to keep up with some exchanges.

[dtwilbanks]

Junior high trumpeting. Self-taught otherwise. I bought a guitar and purchased a stack of books on how to play. I don't pull it out much though.

[Mark]

Much of the terminology used on GMG escapes me though, so I have to often Google terminology to even pretend to keep up with some exchanges.

In my case, almost ALL of it goes over my head.

[Florestan]

Why the piano?

Firstly, because it's my favourite instrument and secondly because, unlike the violin, for instance, it sounds pleasant even if you touch the keys randomly.

[dtwilbanks]

Firstly, because it's my favourite instrument and secondly because, unlike the violin, for instance, it sounds pleasant even if you touch the keys randomly.

Yes! The piano is awesome.

[craig]

Just piano lessons when I was about 12.  It's still my favorite instrument, and I pretend I can still play when I hear something I like. 

[rockerreds]

Nine months of Voice.
Three years of Guitar.

[Wendell_E]

I played clarinet and bass clarinet in junior high and high school, but unfortunately didn't continue into college.

[not edward]

About eight years of violin (and a similar number, on and off, on piano). I was beginning to get OK at violin (could play the solo part of the Dvorak and Tchaikovsky concerto with at least moderate competence) but quit after shoulder damage left me in constant pain when I played.

[Norbeone]

About 9 years of violin lessons. Self-taught on piano, and I think i'm actually better at it than the violin!

Studied music in Grammar school (high school) and am studying a degree in music at the moment. Want to go on and do post-grad after the degree.

[mahlertitan]

i have had only about 4 years of theory, mostly self taught. I also know the basics of musical composition, but i have been putting all that aside ever since getting into college.

[Mark]

Well, it would appear from the votes so far that those with some technical understanding of music far outweigh those of us without. Which, I have to say, is broadly what I supposed.

Thanks to all who've shared.

[Don]

As a youngster, learned to play piano and clarinet.  Also studied music theory.  That was all decades ago.  Although I still play these two instruments, my proficiency sucks compared to "once upon a time".

[marvinbrown]

As a youngster, learned to play piano and clarinet.  Also studied music theory.  That was all decades ago.  Although I still play these two instruments, my proficiency sucks compared to "once upon a time".

  Don, I too took piano lessons and clarinet.  I used to play in the school band (clarinet) and was taught piano at home- sadly lack of talent prevented me from becoming proficient in either instrument- I guess some were born to play and others (me) to only listen    I can still read scores though...

  marvin

[jochanaan]

Bachelor's in Music Education.  I was a performance major my first three years in college, and only changed on the advice of my faculty advisor.  Since then I've done a lot of performing with amateur and semi-professional groups, but have only started to teach privately in the last three years.  (Long, personal story. )

Edit: My instruments are oboe/English horn, flute, recorder, and piano, with some percussion.

[Sergeant Rock]

Wendell, Don, Marvin, Karl...quite a few clarinet players here. I'm another although my main instrument was saxophone. I played both for six years: junior high and high school. I took a few theory classes in college and learned enough to know now what an augmented seventh is   I can pick out tunes on the piano, and even wrote a few piano pieces in my youth. After seeing Five Easy Pieces, I taught myself to play that Chopin Prelude. But it's been decades now since I last touched an instrument.

Sarge

[Scriptavolant]

I took piano lessons for a couple of years (from 11 to 13 years old). I came back on it a few years later, but I was too old then and realized that I no longer succeeded in improving my skills.
In these very days I'm selling my fellow Technics Digital Piano