Grumpy talk show host Don Imus, 79, once asked his pal, blues guitarist and singer Delbert McClinton, how long it would take him to get as good as McClinton on the guitar.
McClinton responded, to Imus' delight: You won't live long enough.
But, hey, new programs for tablet and computer make it look like a shortcut to learn piano. Just follow the light up keys. As soon as you get your hands moving fast enough, maybe you'll be tolerable.
A CNet writer tested that theory out. He dedicated a full month to doing nothing much else but learning to play the piano on new technology. Did it work? Not so much.
By the end of the first week, his hands hurt, his fingers hurt, and he didn't want to go on.
While you may never become a pianist in a month, there are some instruments that are genuinely easier to learn than others.
One is the humble ukulele.
According to retiredbrains.com, the ukulele is not easy but it is easier than the piano. Plus it is small, easy to haul around and fun to play, making sounds from classic to raucous.
Even with the uke, no one gets to be an expert in a month, but it's fun trying.
You can actually play many songs with just four cords. Here are some:
– Clementine
– Down in the Valley
– Skip to my Lou
– Amazing Grace
– Happy Birthday
– Jambalaya
– Sweet Home Alabama
It's even more fun when you learn in a group, and many seniors are doing just that.
One thing, though, the uke might be easier than most instruments, but you'll still need callouses on your fingers.
The price of music.
