Howdy from central Texas!

Howdy folks!

Steve here from the central Texas area.

I’ve always wanted to play the guitar. Bought a Fender acoustic back in 1980 (while I was in the Air Force). Took private lessons at the music store where I bought it. After the 3rd lesson, the instructor said that I’d never be able to play. I was really having a hard time getting the notes to ring clear and I was so frustrated that I didn’t argue with her, it didn’t even make me angry when she said it. I guess I was already believing it myself. So I sold it to a buddy in my unit. All I probably needed was a proper setup and some lighter strings, but that was never suggested, and I didn’t know to ask, I just blamed myself.

To make a short story long, I never gave up the desire to play the guitar. After all those years I decided to try again. So I bought an acoustic for my 64th birthday, had it set up properly and with lighter strings. That was 3 years ago. Since then, I’ve added a telecaster and I’m also learning the bass. And for my last birthday, I bought a nice acoustic as a gift to myself for the improvement I’ve made over the last year. I know I’ll never be a “great” (maybe not even a good) guitar player, given how late I started, but I do think I’ve proven that instructor back in 1980 wrong!

I’ve been on GT about a year and a half now, and it’s been a huge help! Been through Fundamentals 1 and almost through Fundamentals 2 (both Anders & Lisa’s). I’m trying to learn fingerpicking now. And I also play at the local VA hospital once a week in the Music Therapy program.

Wow, I didn’t mean to write so much! If you’ve made it this far, thanks for reading!

I read it all, great story Steve. So many of us have tried over the years only to find ourselves here, in our latter years giving it one more try. 

I am like you, I will never be great but I do enjoy playing what I can play and learning. It only took 40 years to come to terms with the same acoustic guitar I bought when I was 17!

Bill

Dude. That is such a cool thing the VA does. I wonder if my VA hospital in Southern Arizona has music therapy. Is that a treatment you do for yourself, or is it a way to connect with other veterans and give back to the community? This September will be 18 years in the Army for me. I usually play by myself and just show the other Joe's my recordings. 

Anyhow, it good to read about your journey. Thanks for sharing, bud. I ah, would just forget about that teacher lady telling you you'd never play. haha. Candid is good when the situation calls for it. 

It can be either one (or both), depending on the path you choose to take. A therapist who is also a trained musician will do what they call an “assessment.” That’s where the therapist will learn about you, where you’re at musically, and what you want to accomplish. He or she will then create a plan and help you set goals to achieve it. You may be placed in a group of other guitarists, a group with other instruments, or just individual sessions. Where you’re placed also depends on whether there are others in the program at your skill level.

The Music Therapy program is part of the VA’s Whole Health program. It consists of many activities you may choose from. Music is just one of those activities. It’s nation-wide so your VA should have it.

Start by going online to the VA’s website and search for “Whole Health”. You’ll be able to find lots of information there. Also, you can call your local VA and ask to talk to a Whole Health counselor. They’ll explain how to get started. You’ll be amazed at how much they have to offer!

Another option you can check out is “Guitars for Vets”. I don’t know much about it, but they have programs at some VA’s. The therapist at my VA is trying to get them to start a chapter here.

Best wishes,

Steve

Hey Steve! (scuff.serves07)

I absolutely love your post.

You are not only finding deep personal joy in the music-learning and music-making process, but you are also sharing and spreading that joy by playing at the VA hospital. 

That is what music is really all about, at its core. 

Cheering you on - Lisa

Guitars for Vets is on my list of annual donations.  Start here to learn more about the organization;  https://guitars4vets.org/about-us/

Lisa,

Thank you for those kind words, I really appreciate it! Yes, it does bring me great joy. But it goes deeper than that. I have experienced the healing properties music provides, especially when you get to share it.

All the best to you,

Steve

John,

Thanks for the link! I’ll check it out and pass it on. Also, thank you for your kind donations. It really means a lot, you’re literally helping to change veterans’ lives for the better!

Please keep up the good work,

Steve

P.S. I’ve got that same Chet Atkins quote on my music folder. Very true!