“What is it about guitarists?” I began. “Every guitarist can play the ukulele — BUT only if he wants to.”
There seems to be a psychological barrier. It take less than a minute to show guitarists the conversion formula to playing ukulele chords. Yet, they don’t embrace it. They prefer the guitar.
“Let me ask you this,” the classical guitarist responded. “Will you perform on a keyboard or an upright? Will you get your piano students to buy a keyboard instead of an acoustic piano?”
It was not that long ago when I taught in a classroom with two grand pianos and 19 digital pianos. Yet, when students asked me about buying an instrument to practice at home, I told them to get a REAL piano, not a electric-powered one.
Once upon a time, I was a frustrated pianist who couldn’t practice whenever I wanted because my neighbours complained. Yet I adamantly refused to buy a digital piano and practice with headphones.
Once upon a time, I’d silently groan if I had to give a concert on an upright piano.
Once upon a time, there was a pecking order.
“Some pianists,” he added, “would even demand ivory keys. Not just grand pianos. Not just any grand piano. But a Steinway. Not just any year. But built in the golden era. Ivory keys.”
Yes, indeed. Once upon a time, that was me. I had graduated from the toy piano in Brunei to a new Yamaha console piano (upright) in Okinawa. Eventually I bought myself a grand piano. After a few years, I felt I deserved a Steinway.
Nowadays, I am fine with the 21-inch ukulele. I can take it anywhere. I can make music.
