Making the Move Back to Music by Angela Wybrow

Having suddenly found myself with a lot more time on my hands, following the recent death of my Mum, for whom I had cared, I decided to rediscover a past hobby, which I last did about 30 years ago - playing the flute. I had lessons at college, in the late 1980s, and steadily worked my way through ABRSM grades 1-4. It was something which I did enjoy at the time, but, as the years went on, and I left college to go to work, I moved on and lost interest. 

I discussed my desire to rekindle my flute playing, with my friend, Lauren, who had already been a very enthusiastic adult learner on the flute, for a number of years, and she was more than happy to give me some welcome guidance on purchasing a suitable flute (I am learning for my own enjoyment, so was just after a second hand student flute, with closed holes), as well as advising on suitable tutorial books, plus, additional books, containing some pieces for fun, reflecting my interest in Musical Theatre, Pop music, Folk and Disney.

I felt really excited when my new flute arrived, and was very keen to try it out, and play a few notes. Having last played the flute so long ago, I was surprised that, once I had assembled my flute, my fingers knew exactly where to go - as a few people have pointed out to me, it's a bit like riding a bike (a skill which, once learnt, you never totally forget). My goal for my first practice session, was to relearn a few notes, and to be able play a simple tune, which, in my case, was Merrily We Roll Along. I also managed a slowed down version of When The Saints Go Marching In, whilst I got my brain in gear, and, I enjoyed my first session. Since then, I have been practicing on and off, but really need to concentrate on building up a regular practice routine, so that my progress is a bit more noticeable and sustained. 

I needed a hobby, which would distract me, and provide me with some focus and lift my spirits, in order to help me through my grief, as I have been finding it really tough going. I am definitely really enjoying the challenge of relearning the flute. I just wish that I hadn't waited so long!