Do you regret learning to play the piano?

No, I don’t, and for one simple reason:

For all the limitations I had, including a lack of natural talent, not enough cash to enroll even in a music institute, not having my own piano (in the beginning), and a previous traumatic experience with formal guitar lessons, you’d think God really made a miracle out of me.

In 2009, when I was 27, I was recovering from the aftermath of a relapse with bipolar disorder. My small business and artworks were temporarily left unattended. An elderly lady that my family has known for many years lived right next to the house that was beside us. Turns out she’s had extensive experience in teaching the piano and violin, even to absolute beginners.

She would always tell stories about her and her sister never setting foot in a conservatory school, but they were raised in an upper-class family were both parents played several musical instruments.

Her father was a stern disciplinarian and trained them to play the piano and violin at a young age — for many, many hours, day after day.

The elderly lady offered me free lessons as a form of occupational therapy. She had an upright piano at home and books like Czerny and Hanon, as well as reams and reams of piano music.

She also did something that I felt was crucial: she was aware of my limited ability, but also understood my strengths: my dedication, my willingness to practice, and my love for a good challenge.

She didn’t attempt to sugar-coat nor soft-pedal the hardships through which I was about to go. My first lesson started on August 31, 2009. My journey has been really tough. I failed to learn the guitar at 15, after my mother paid for lessons. I simply resigned with the thought that I wasn’t “musically inclined.” But there I was, at 27, attempting to play a more difficult instrument to learn.

But my piano teacher was the type who can explain even the most complex ideas to a layman — which was me, a newbie. Nine years have passed, and although I’m aware that I may not even reach a fraction of the level concert pianists have attained, I can honestly say that I can play.

Also, I have a cousin whose family was moving in to their brand new condominium unit. They have an old piano — an upright Weinstein — that I now own, after having it refurbished and tuned up.