Music: Journey Of A Thousand Miles Starts With Just One Step

By Greg Cross. If you play a musical instrument you will always have friends. You can go anywhere in the world and find people to play with even if you cannot speak the language because everyone is taught the same musical language.

There have been many studies to show that musicians are more intelligent and live longer lives. Alzheimer patients will correct you if you hum a melody wrong.

Playing an instrument delays the effects of Arthritis. There are instruments you can play if you have really bad arthritis or even no hands at all. You can play an autoharp, Steel (Hawaiian) guitar, Harmonica, drums or xylophones without using your fingers. I have seen people play these instruments with their feet.

There is a whole list of ways that playing music can combat depression. When you are playing and reading music you cannot think of anything else. All your problems are forgotten.

And I can tell you from personal experience that applause is like a drug.

Children who study music are generally smarter, well behaved and more successful.

Ed Fast and Stephen Harper both play the Piano. Condoleezza Rice wanted to be a Concert Pianist. (Her name, Condoleezza, derives from the music-related term, con dolcezza, which in Italian means, “with sweetness”.) (source Wikipedia) Gordon Campbell plays guitar. Bill Clinton plays the Saxophone. etc etc etc

Today the best day to start to learn an instrument. The older or younger you are the better.

The Fraser Valley has two excellent amateur music groups – the Fraser Valley Symphony and the the Abbotsford Concert Band. Dust off your instrument and go and talk to them. Better still go to one of their concerts.

Did you now that your children may be able to get their work experience to help get enough credits to graduate by playing with the FVS or Abbotsford Concert Band and that the School District may give credit for work done with the Royal Conservatory of Music?

Grandchildren and Grandparents should take music lessons together.

I have played music with my children and nothing has made me happier. I still get a tear when I hear Fur Elise, remembering my daughter playing it. It was great playing with my son in the Concert band.

Go down to a music store like Tom Lee and tell them Greg sent you. Start your and your children’s journey today!

Greg Cross
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Greg Started out in the family photography business and then got involved in the Financial Services Industry. In 2001 he sold his business so he could move on to try and stop child prostitution and play music. He had a TV program for 11 years and has written many articles for the local papers about investing. Greg currently teaches at Ebenezer Fine Arts Music School and plays in several bands and orchestras.

If you have a human interest story please email it to GregPaulCross@gmail.com. Lets keep it light and try and submit story ideas that are about interesting Abbotsford people.