I've created a Monster

 The main person who made me realize that music is my life is my dad. He would play on the piano while I try and stand next to him watching his fingers run freely over the keys. I knew that this was everything for me.

I begged him to teach me how to play and he just said, “You can do it.” Very frustrated every afternoon I sat in front of that piano and sang to myself every note until I eventually got it. Only then he came to me and said, “These are the basic notes of a different song, now you must improvise on it.” Dumbfounded I sat there and thought by myself, ‘are you serious? You want me to do what exactly?’

One afternoon after school (gr.3) my dad picked me up and said that we are going for a walk. First I thought don’t I play enough outside, but okay, let’s go for a walk. He took me to a music teacher for piano lessons :D. I was so excited to start.

In grade 4 my mom’s uncle came to visit and brought me my own guitar!! I thought I’m going to faint of excitement. He immediately started playing and showed me most notes and threats. I started teaching myself after that and until today I still write lyrics and play guitar. I’m now the proud owner of 7 guitars and just 1 work, ha-ha.

Two instruments weren’t enough, I had to play more and find out the unique sounds of every one. I listen to any genre of music and before listening to the lyrics I immediately focus on the instruments first and the beat. I want to know the timing of every note and what instrument plays on what “note”. After that I start singing with and then improvise my own notes while the song plays on.

In grade 8 I started nagging my mom for a recorder. I really wanted to play something challenging or I thought it’ll be challenging, but my mom kept on saying no. My older brother got a bass guitar that year. So imagine me, standing there, staring at this beautiful piece of work in front of me. I had to play it… and I did :D. I played the bass more than my brother, at least he didn’t mind, but I think that’s the reason why he sold it, ha-ha. Now I’m the proud owner of two amps, but no cable to plug my guitars into the amp. Christmas that year I got my recorder!!

While this was going on in my life I remembered that my mom said that she was in the choir… so yes, I started singing in the choir since pre-primary until grade 12. Didn’t really have a choice in high school, because the teacher gave me one look and said, “Melanie, you’re going to be in the choir.” I was too afraid to argue, believe me, you would be as well. I’m glad I did it until the end. Good thing came out of it; she smiles now every time she sees me in town. I think she misses me.  

There I am, not yet satisfied with all my instruments, so I started nagging my mom for drums. AND… I’m still nagging my mom for drums. I didn’t give up yet, so there’s still light at the end of the tunnel… watch this space.

In grade 11 I asked my mom if I can please get a violin. I started looking in newspapers for secondhand one just so that I can start. I was on a mission to get one at a reasonable price. I found one and begged my mom for it. The next day my mom phoned and bought it for me. I went for few classes, but sadly I moved away and now it lays here in my flat gathering dust.

I don’t know what I would’ve done if it wasn’t for my dad saying I can do it and for his amazing talent for still playing after a horrible sickness that almost meant his death and my mom for supporting me all the way. My great uncle with his talent of playing pure Afrikaans sokkie music and the harmonica. I still want his harmonica though. God bless his soul. Mostly I’m glad I have a younger brother who I forced in front of the piano to teach him… he still can’t play.

Even though my life song isn’t done yet, my feet are the beat, my voice my melody, my words my lyrics and this song will be a hit :)

Love