My wife used to play music quite regularly the first several years we were together, but for a variety of reasons has been more or less inactive for the past decade or so.
The other night, I started playing a tune I every so often try to remember, just so it stays in my repertoire. After a minute or so, my wife recognized the tune, and then said, "You're not playing it quite right." Then she proceeded to try the tune -- took her a few attempts, and her playing was shaky because she was way out of practice, but I realized that her memory of it was absolutely spot on. This despite the fact that _she_ hadn't tried playing the tune for a far longer period than me.
My wife used to play music; then we had kids and she sold her piano to make room...
Since that time, we have had absolutely nothing in common, musically speaking...
This begs another whole thread about 'significant others' who don't play or aren't invoved in the music in any way. Then again I think we've been there before.
My memory of tunes seems to be the way I think it goes.....until I hear the recording. Even if I've heard it a million times I still seem to put my own spin on it.
SWFL: Don't think I haven't suggested it! Trouble is she developed some carpal tunnel nastiness, which -- in addition to other factors -- has tended to lessen her enthusiasm for playing.
sts--You might surprise her with an affordable electronic keyboard, just to mess around with. There are touch-sensitive 61-key models available for cheap--about 200 dollars, here in the U.S. Light touch, much easier on the hands than a real piano--and it goes in the closet when you're not using it.
A lot of it seems to depend on the tune, for me. Some things that I haven't played in years, and never really "owned", just magically appear in pretty good shape. And some times an old "show tune" of mine will be in tatters if I haven't touched it in a while.
So you get agreement from me on the "funny thing" bit...
Aye, Pete. Someone played Saddle the Pony last night at a session and I played right along ith it, no bother. I haven't touched that tune in a few years.
At a session over the weekend, No Cause for Alarm played Dr. MacPhail's reel, which I was playing lots about a year to six months ago and put a lot of work into learning properly, as it's not an easy one. I made a total cock up of it. Go figure.
To go back to the original question......it all goes to prove the First Principle of Management; which is that if you're standing on the sidelines you can see what is needed next.
I use this argument when walking people through the Strip the Willow; I tell them that I don't need to call it, as, under the FPoM there will always be someone in the set to tell them what to do next.
Memory's a funny thing
Memory's a funny thing
My wife used to play music quite regularly the first several years we were together, but for a variety of reasons has been more or less inactive for the past decade or so.
The other night, I started playing a tune I every so often try to remember, just so it stays in my repertoire. After a minute or so, my wife recognized the tune, and then said, "You're not playing it quite right." Then she proceeded to try the tune -- took her a few attempts, and her playing was shaky because she was way out of practice, but I realized that her memory of it was absolutely spot on. This despite the fact that _she_ hadn't tried playing the tune for a far longer period than me.
# Posted on May 7th 2009 by sts
Re: Memory's a funny thing
My wife used to play music; then we had kids and she sold her piano to make room...
Since that time, we have had absolutely nothing in common, musically speaking...
# Posted on May 7th 2009 by Rick Payman
Re: Memory's a funny thing
The girl who eyes you out because you play music, then gets feckin sick of your playin all the time. conundrum.. a drum for fooling nuns with
# Posted on May 7th 2009 by Trucks_Mulligan
Re: Memory's a funny thing
I think Mrs. sts needs to get herself to a session, sounds like she hasn't lost a step!
...unlike Trucks' gullible, percussion-loving nuns...
# Posted on May 7th 2009 by SWFL Fiddler
Re: Memory's a funny thing
This begs another whole thread about 'significant others' who don't play or aren't invoved in the music in any way. Then again I think we've been there before.
# Posted on May 7th 2009 by Donough
Re: Memory's a funny thing
My memory of tunes seems to be the way I think it goes.....until I hear the recording. Even if I've heard it a million times I still seem to put my own spin on it.
Mary
# Posted on May 7th 2009 by Antikhntr
Re: Memory's a funny thing
SWFL: Don't think I haven't suggested it! Trouble is she developed some carpal tunnel nastiness, which -- in addition to other factors -- has tended to lessen her enthusiasm for playing.
# Posted on May 7th 2009 by sts
Re: Memory's a funny thing
sts--You might surprise her with an affordable electronic keyboard, just to mess around with. There are touch-sensitive 61-key models available for cheap--about 200 dollars, here in the U.S. Light touch, much easier on the hands than a real piano--and it goes in the closet when you're not using it.
# Posted on May 7th 2009 by tuckered out
Re: Memory's a funny thing
A lot of it seems to depend on the tune, for me. Some things that I haven't played in years, and never really "owned", just magically appear in pretty good shape. And some times an old "show tune" of mine will be in tatters if I haven't touched it in a while.
So you get agreement from me on the "funny thing" bit...
# Posted on May 7th 2009 by Reverend
Re: Memory's a funny thing
oops, I mean Rick P., about the little keyboard. Well, both of them I guess, if a low-pressure musical toy would help.
Oh never mind. I'm distracted right now. Too much multi-tasking is making me stupid. Note to self: One thing at a time!
# Posted on May 7th 2009 by tuckered out
Re: Memory's a funny thing
Aye, Pete. Someone played Saddle the Pony last night at a session and I played right along ith it, no bother. I haven't touched that tune in a few years.
At a session over the weekend, No Cause for Alarm played Dr. MacPhail's reel, which I was playing lots about a year to six months ago and put a lot of work into learning properly, as it's not an easy one. I made a total cock up of it. Go figure.
# Posted on May 7th 2009 by TheSilverSpear
Re: Memory's a funny thing
Sorry to hear about Mrs. sts, maybe the low pressure thing might work.
Yeah, they are mysterious things those tunes. Sometimes those dusty ones pop right out, other times they seem like ghosts!
# Posted on May 7th 2009 by SWFL Fiddler
Re: Memory's a funny thing
To go back to the original question......it all goes to prove the First Principle of Management; which is that if you're standing on the sidelines you can see what is needed next.
I use this argument when walking people through the Strip the Willow; I tell them that I don't need to call it, as, under the FPoM there will always be someone in the set to tell them what to do next.
# Posted on May 7th 2009 by Guernsey Pete
Re: Memory's a funny thing
If you want to rekindle anything in the memory department, you'll find the spark by goin' dancin'. Then participate in some sessions together.
# Posted on May 7th 2009 by Leendah