Post by phoenixiao on Apr 19, 2019 16:14:12 GMT
You're at the prime of your early adult life with so much ahead of you, and I admire the passion you have to continue the beautiful art of making music. I'm responding as a late adult learner of Chinese Xiao (箫) just 2 years ago at age 47. I'm hoping my story can encourage you.
I didn't have the opportunity to learn Chinese instruments when young but primary schools (age 7-12) did teach music with the humble plastic Yamaha recorder. My foundation in music theory was planted in childhood. I fell in love and continued regularly playing it till early 20s, then got busy focusing on interest in career and other newer hobbies, e.g., tennis, scuba diving, guitar. But I kept the recorder by my side and my interest in wind instruments did not disappear. Some years later I got interested in the ocarina (陶笛) and Xun (埙) and because I was working I had money to buy good quality instruments to explore. I expanded my music options and came to love the meditative sound of Xiao. I do not play professionally but I do serious practice and challenge myself to more difficult pieces. Internet helps a lot with self-learning (I do have a teacher). I desire to play like the masters but no longer feel in a rush to do so because I'm happy with my career and life.
So in short:
1) Your passion can still be there even after some years of not playing. If later on it fades, then it's also ok because other priorities may take over. It's part and parcel of life. Just know you tried your best.
2) Try explore your love of music beyond the guzheng. Have you considered other string instruments, even western ones? I noticed serious musicians can usually play more than one instrument though one is usually their favourite/focus.
3) Is your love more about the music than the guzheng itself? Then would you consider switching to a more "affordable" instrument?
4) Consider 2nd hand options, loaning one, or finding a friend who has one. Another option is join an ensemble or orchestra and see if they already have instruments.
Finally, it's good to be passionate but be aware not to get too fixated or attached to one thing. Look at other things in life that give you fulfilment.
I didn't have the opportunity to learn Chinese instruments when young but primary schools (age 7-12) did teach music with the humble plastic Yamaha recorder. My foundation in music theory was planted in childhood. I fell in love and continued regularly playing it till early 20s, then got busy focusing on interest in career and other newer hobbies, e.g., tennis, scuba diving, guitar. But I kept the recorder by my side and my interest in wind instruments did not disappear. Some years later I got interested in the ocarina (陶笛) and Xun (埙) and because I was working I had money to buy good quality instruments to explore. I expanded my music options and came to love the meditative sound of Xiao. I do not play professionally but I do serious practice and challenge myself to more difficult pieces. Internet helps a lot with self-learning (I do have a teacher). I desire to play like the masters but no longer feel in a rush to do so because I'm happy with my career and life.
So in short:
1) Your passion can still be there even after some years of not playing. If later on it fades, then it's also ok because other priorities may take over. It's part and parcel of life. Just know you tried your best.
2) Try explore your love of music beyond the guzheng. Have you considered other string instruments, even western ones? I noticed serious musicians can usually play more than one instrument though one is usually their favourite/focus.
3) Is your love more about the music than the guzheng itself? Then would you consider switching to a more "affordable" instrument?
4) Consider 2nd hand options, loaning one, or finding a friend who has one. Another option is join an ensemble or orchestra and see if they already have instruments.
Finally, it's good to be passionate but be aware not to get too fixated or attached to one thing. Look at other things in life that give you fulfilment.