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<\/p>\nI\u2019ll just keep on humming. <\/p>\n
With his rare gift of perfect pitch, Yang would often just snort \u201cout of tune\u201d from under his breath. I have long come to accept the truth about my musical nature; me = nothing very musical actually. Given that music is not in my blood, I\u2019m deeply grateful to my mother who forked out her hard-earned money to support me through 8 years of piano tuition during my school days. I did enjoy playing the piano despite the fact that my parents\u2019 ancestors did not have the \u2018tao (3) gei (2)\u2019 (musical notes) genes. It was no wonder that I often did badly in the aural section of my piano exams. Anyway, just playing at the piano has given me years of pleasure (& years of frustration to my family members who had to bear with the repetition of pieces and countless mistakes). Thank you, ma.<\/p>\n
![\"blog-2007-Rivervale-CIMG2685-guitar-piano.JPG\"](\"https:\/\/chekyang.com\/musings\/wp-content\/uploads\/2007\/10\/blog-2007-Rivervale-CIMG2685-guitar-piano.JPG\")
The piano at our place now is my very first piano bought with the collective savings of us three siblings – my 2 brothers and I. It was about 1.6k then. A cheap Yamaha piano which went through a major repair a few years ago, it is a pity that I seldom touch it now. One of these days when darling dearest is not around (for he will surely criticise my inferior playing technique), I shall while my time away hitting at the keys once more and sing myself silly. ![\":D\"](\"https:\/\/chekyang.com\/musings\/wp-includes\/images\/smilies\/icon_biggrin.gif\"){kind=icon}
Music can be very up-lifting to the soul.<\/p>\n
Besides piano, I had the privilege to pick up the guitar-playing too – and that during my JC (Junior College) years. Playing in an ensemble was a great experience. Just a bunch of like-minded, amateur musicians making music together – what joy! Those were treasured moments I recall with fondness. Dad bought me a guitar and I liked it very much. Whenever I lugged the guitar to school for afternoon practices, I felt like some sort of an expert musician – wah, cool siah (hee, some childish notion in my head then).<\/p>\n
I used to teach some general music (ya, even though I was supposed to be \u201cout of tune\u201d) before I became a full-time science teacher. I attended a guitar course for teachers to brush up my playing skills and quite out of the blue, got a prize for being the \u2018best student\u2019 at the course. I had serious doubts about my guitar trainers\u2019 judgement but still, the prize thrilled me nonetheless. It was a brand-new guitar! But really, what use do I have for 2 guitars? There\u2019s only one of me.<\/p>\n
My sister in-law suggested something wonderful recently during one of our get-together sessions. Instead of exchanging Christmas gifts, you know, the normal thing people do during the Christmas season, she suggested that we contribute our gifts for a missionary\u2019s outreach work to the poor children in Asia. I was excited because 1) it was a super-meaningful gesture to the poor, 2) my 2nd guitar could finally be a blessing to others. It is my hope that this gift will make sweet and joyful music with the little ones.<\/p>\n
Matt, I hope that you won\u2019t mind me giving away the extra D-string you bought for the guitar while you were here. I\u2019m sure it will come in handy for the missionary. Once again, I thank you for thoughtfulness of buying the back-up string! <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
I\u2019ll just keep on humming. With his rare gift of perfect pitch, Yang would often just snort \u201cout of tune\u201d from under his breath. I have long come to accept the truth about my musical nature; me = nothing very<\/p>\n