[Sunstone]

I used to play some violin. Probably still could a bit, but never have the time anymore since having kids.

Can mess around a bit on the piano but nothing good enough to actually perform. Never had lessons on it, but with enough time I can work out simple melodies.

If I had a lifetime to spare, I’d probably try to master violin, piano, guitar, possibly cello…Eh, maybe when the kids have all moved out.

I’d love to play the sax as well but I don’t think I could ever get used to a lung-powered instrument, let alone a reed.

• This reply was modified 2 years ago by  Sunstone.

[LettieLoo]

I play Oboe, tin whistle, and piano. I need to brush up on the whistle…I’m quite rusty. We also don’t have a piano. The downside to the Oboe is the need for reeds, which can be expensive even if I make my own.

I do enjoy singing, and have a large repertoire of Irish folk and rebel songs I know that I can entertain with.

[Hippocrates_Garden]

Ah, if you had a couple thousand to spare, the fingering for whistle and Irish Pipes are the same.

[LettieLoo]

Oh, I know. One day!

[Hippocrates_Garden]

I play the Highland pipes, because, coming from brass, it was the first woodwind that was loud and obnoxious enough to be fun, and…. you get to play dress up.

But the Irish got it right. You can sit, sing and possibly even drink while playing easier.

[Redcap]

I had a roommate in college who played the uilleann pipes. LOVED them! I was the only roommate he could get because of it. LOL

[Sunstone]

Oh, if we’re including singing, I’ll put that as my number 1! Voice is the best instrument as it’s free and no one can break it or steal it from you. And no matter how bad it sounds to other people it always sounds ok in your own head =D

Irish songs are great! Might be my ancestry but I have a major weakness for Irish and Scottish folk music.

[LettieLoo]

It’s been a while, but I do record Irish folk & rebel songs on my podcast.

[Squashmania]

What’s the name of your podcast? I LOVE Irish music. Waking Ned Devine is one of my fav films.

[misswoody]

I love classical music, and the old hymns. Played clarinet for 7 years and never learned to read music, drove my band teacher crazy because I played by ear.😂

[Benders_End_Game]

I’ve played piano for over 45 years now (started at 5) at one point I was well versed on over a dozen instruments: woodwind, brass, strings and percussion. I started off as a church organist, worked my way up to a TV and Radio jingle writer in my teens and progressed up to various genres of music over the years in numerous bands and solo stuff. I am a partner in a music repair shop and we specialize in stringed instrument restorations and mods. We love folk instruments and have serviced hundreds in the 10 years of operations. Our Luthier has been working his trade for over 50 years and is well known in our area. If anyone has a restoration or part need, etc, feel free to reach out to me @ [email protected] . Have a great day!

[Squashmania]

Knowing a luthier is such an amazingly great thing. They are universally cool laid back people that can totally change an instrument for the better.

[SLINGSHOT]

I starting learning music in my teens because i wanted to write songs. I never had lessons so it was a struggle. I was always asking questions to people i knew who played. I started on guitar then bass and a little keyboard. I was going to the library and yard sales looking for music books but all i could find was the old Mel Bay books. I learned some chords and began my songwriting journey. My first ones were really rough and i think my family and friends told me they were good just to get me to leave lol. Eventually i got better and the band i was with wanted to use some of my songs on our first album. One of my songs got picked up for a one song record deal and promoted. Eventually the band folded due to marriage and child responsibilities. I played in several other bands but now i just sit on the porch play guitar and still write some. Everyone should try and learn an instrument it seems to open up a part of the mind that helps with creativity and problem solving.

[Squashmania]

I played clarinet from 5th grade to college, all 5 types. I dabble at piano, guitar. I can make a great deal of awful noise on low brass instruments that is just hysterically fun. I currently own a bamboo flute that can make me hyperventilate and almost pass out, several ocarinas (my life is threatened when I play them)

[Redcap]

Used to play the tin whistle. Always wanted to learn to play the uilleann pipes.