The Wonders of Amatuer Multi-Instrumentalism: My Journey with Numerous Instruments

Have you ever wondered what it's like to pick up any instrument and start playing it with minimal effort and practice? While achieving true proficiency in any instrument demands many years of dedication, I would say that I have a unique position to explore this idea. I am an amateur multi-instrumentalist who has gathered a rich collection of instruments and experimented with each one, turning my collection into a musical adventure.

A Journey Through Musical Instruments

I have a deep passion for learning new instruments, and while I might not be a professional musician, my experiences have given me a unique insight into the world of multi-instrumentalism. I have formal training on two very different instruments: the flute and the piano. Beyond these, I have also taught myself to play bass guitar well enough to participate in a band. Despite not being a virtuoso in any category, I can confidently say that I play three distinct types of instruments.

Exploring a Diverse Collection

Throughout my journey, I have dabbled in numerous instruments, transforming my collection into a diverse set of experiments. Here's a look at a small portion of my collection:

10 Wind Instruments - This includes a tenor recorder, a duduk (Armenian double reed instrument), a mijwiz (Egyptian reed instrument), a quena (Andean flute), a pistalka (shepherd’s whistle from Slovakia), and a fife. Each of these instruments offers a unique challenge, with the fife and recorder being the most accessible to me. Other Instruments - I also own a hammered dulcimer, a Taisho Koto, a drum, a Thumb Piano, a Baglamas (Greek string instrument), and an inexpensively acquired Theremin.

Playing vs. Simply Collecting

While I have a wide collection, it’s important to note that I don't exactly play all of these instruments. My fife is the closest to legitimate playing, as I do play concert flute, and the fife shares similar fingerings. However, I can make pleasant music with most of the instruments in my collection, but it often takes me a few minutes of practice to do so. My mijwiz, on the other hand, is closer to a novelty toy than a valuable instrument, and I’ve had limited success with it.

Lessons and Practice: The Key to Mastery

My ability to pick up and play these instruments to some degree can be attributed to both the lessons I have taken and the countless hours of practice over years. Formal lessons on the flute and piano, including a healthy amount of music theory, have certainly been beneficial. However, the reason I can adapt to so many instruments is my consistent practice and dedication to playing music.

Challenges and Realities

It is crucial to acknowledge that owning a vast array of instruments does not guarantee the ability to master them all instantly. Some instruments require difficult basic mechanics, such as the harp, which would be easy for me to play due to the predictable string layout. Conversely, instruments like the violin or cello would be challenging for me due to the unique mechanics involved in bowing techniques, which take time and practice to master.

Furthermore, while I can create pleasant music on a variety of instruments, the ability to play a specific piece of music on an unfamiliar instrument requires additional time and practice. For instance, my proficiency on the harp comes from improvising music within a single scale, which is not an adequate method for playing orchestrated compositions.

The Value of Amateur Multi-Instrumentalism

Beyond the ability to play various instruments, having a collection like mine offers personal enrichment and a unique perspective in the world of music. Each instrument introduces me to a new set of sound manipulation techniques and mechanical principles, enhancing my overall understanding of music. My natural ear for music and love for improvisation enable me to pick up an instrument quickly and produce something that sounds like music.

This journey of experimenting with multiple instruments has broadened my horizons and provided endless entertainment and inspiration. Not only does it foster creativity, but it also demonstrates the incredible variety of sounds and expressions that can be achieved by different instruments.

So, to those who wonder about the ability to play any instrument just by picking it up, my advice is to embrace the journey of learning and practicing. While it may take time and effort, the rewards are immeasurable.