Playing a Musical Instrument

Making music is one of life’s great pleasures, and a special gift. You may play several musical instruments, but you probably have a favorite, or discovered you are naturally better at playing one over others. This is your story about playing an instrument and making music.

Preparation

• Before you start the story, spend time reflecting on when and how you chose your instrument. What was your first impression of the instrument?
• Think about how long you have been playing and the challenges you faced mastering the instrument.
• Get out your photo album or access your digital photo storage account. Browse photos of the times you have spent playing your instrument. Perhaps you have pictures of playing in a recital, or in a band?
• Jot down key memories, emotions, and sensory details that stand out to you when thinking about your musical journey.

Audience

Are you writing this story primarily for introspection and self reflection, or will there be an audience for the story? If the story is primarily for your own consumption and reflection, don’t worry too much about structure or flow. Simply reminisce freely without worrying about spelling, grammar or sentence structure. Your virtual biographer will compile your memories into a coherent story for your enjoyment.

If you are writing the story as part of your life story, or for others to better understand your love for music and your instrument, give some thought to what they would enjoy most about the story. What is the key message you want your audience to takeaway from your music? Share this insight with your virtual biographer.

Structure and Flow

A story written for others starts with a good “hook” and unfolds with authenticity and emotion. Begin with a memorable or emotional moment related to your music. This could be your first performance, a pivotal practice session, or a significant achievement. Set the scene by providing background on how you began playing your instrument and what drew you to it.

Life stories can be told both chronologically and thematically. A chronological structure is good for recounting the order events happened. A thematic structure is focused on the ideas, thoughts and feelings of the characters in the story. Your virtual biographer can weave both approaches.

One of the most important choices to make about writing the story is what point-of-view the story will take. Do you want to tell it in the “First Person” (you as narrator) or the “Third Person” (an objective narrator). Most autobiographies, memoires, and life stories are told in the first person because they are character-driven stories. They are more intimate. However, writing and telling the story in the third person offers objectivity and omniscience. Do you want to tell the story in your own voice, as you lived it (first person), or as an impartial narrator of the journey (third person)?

Answer the Important Questions; Skip Those Less Relevant

The ‘Times of My Life’ app provides you with a Virtual Biographer (VB) to interview you about playing a musical instrument, and your love for music in general. Yes, it’s an AI bot, but a very smart and intuitive one. Your VB has instant access to similar stories written and shared by millions of other people. It can help you relive events, thoughts and feelings. It can help illuminate the essence of your experience, and then tell a story that is uniquely yours. If your VB asks a question that doesn’t seem relevant to your music, just skip it and move on to the questions that assist your recall and are important to how your musical talent has evolved.

Add Details

If your virtual biographer fails to ask you a key question about your music, simply tap the “Add Details” icon to add the memory or point when it comes to your mind. To add a detail, you can type it or use the microphone to record it. The VB will use your answers and the extra details you add to write a great story.

These ideas will get you in the mindset to answer questions and add details:

• Early Beginnings: Describe how you first started playing your instrument. Include any influential people or experiences that sparked your interest.
• Development: Highlight key moments in your learning process, including challenges you’ve faced and breakthroughs you’ve achieved.
• Personal Feelings: Share how playing your instrument makes you feel. Describe the emotional highs and lows you experience through your music.
• Connection to Music: Explain what music means to you personally and how it has impacted your life.
• Use Vivid Descriptions: Paint a vivid picture of your playing environment, your instrument, and your performances. Use sensory details to immerse readers in your musical world.
• Memorable Performances: Share stories of significant performances or experiences with your instrument. Describe the setting, audience, and your feelings.
• Achievements: Discuss notable accomplishments, awards, or milestones in your musical journey.
• Lessons Learned: Reflect on the lessons and insights you’ve gained from playing your instrument. Share how your musical journey has shaped your personal growth.
• Impact on Life: Describe how your passion for music has influenced other aspects of your life, including relationships and personal development.
• Mentors and Musical Influences: Talk about musicians, composers, or genres that have inspired you. Describe how they have influenced your playing style or approach to music. Mention any mentors or teachers who have played a significant role in your musical development.
• Describe Your Creative Process: Explain how you approach learning new pieces, practicing, and interpreting music. Share any unique techniques or methods you use. If applicable, discuss how improvisation plays a role in your music and your approach to it.
• Showcase Your Passion: Describe what motivates you to keep playing and improving. Share any rituals or routines that fuel your passion. Explain how you share your music with others, whether through performances, teaching, or recording.
• Reflect on Future Aspirations: Outline your future goals and aspirations related to your instrument. Discuss any new projects, skills, or directions you’re excited about. Share your plans for continued growth and exploration in your musical journey.
• Conclude with Impact: Recap the main themes of your story, including what your instrument and music mean to you. End with a powerful statement or reflection that encapsulates your passion and commitment to music.

Don’t Just Tell; Show

Instead of simply saying you love your instrument, describe the feeling of holding it, the sound it makes, and how it makes you feel. Find your unique angle. What makes your musical journey different? Is it an unusual instrument, an overcoming-the-odds story, or a unique style? Music is often deeply emotional. Share how playing your instrument makes you feel, and how it has impacted your life. The ‘Times of My Life’ app is excellent at helping you visualize the story in multimedia formats.

Write the Story; Add Media

• After the interview and after you add whatever details you think are important, you will have the option of writing the story yourself, or having your virtual biographer write the story. It only cost $0.00 to have your VB write the story — and will save you hours of work writing it yourself. You can always edit what the VB writes.
• If you prefer to write the story yourself, use your answers from the interview and the details and notes the app captured, to guide your writing. Tips for writing the story yourself can be viewed by tapping the “Tips” icon in the app. Additional tips are listed below.
• After the story is written you will end up at the ‘Enhance Story’ screen. This is where the magic happens.
  • Tap “Add Media” to insert images and/or video clips into the narrative of your story.
  • Tap “Narrator” to choose a narrator. NOTE: A narrator is great if you ask your virtual biographer to write the story in the Third Person. If it is written in the First Person, then YOU are the narrator of the story.
  • Tap “Music” to add background music to your story, assuming you plan to publish it as an audiocast or a video.

Edit and Revise

After the story is written by you or your virtual biographer, you can “share” it for free through he app with friends and loved ones. Their feedback can provide valuable perspective and help you improve your story. After you get their feedback you can go back and edit the story as desired — or ask your VB to rewrite it with the feedback!

Publish Your Story

One of the best features of the ‘Times of My Life’ app is that it will produce the story in multimedia formats.

• Tap PDF to create a nicely formatted printed version.
• Use Audiocast to download an MP3 file.
• Click Video to download a high resolution video, complete with narration (if you choose a narrator), background music, and your uploaded images and video clips.

Sample Outline

1. Introduction

• Opening Statement: Begin with a captivating quote or anecdote that captures your love for music.
• Brief Overview: Provide a brief introduction to your musical journey, including the instrument you play and why music is important to you.

2. Early Beginnings

• Initial Exposure: Describe how you were first introduced to music and your instrument.
  • Example: Family influence, school programs, or a specific event that sparked your interest.
• First Lessons: Talk about your initial experiences learning the instrument.
  • Example: First teacher, early challenges, and initial successes.

3. Development and Practice

• Learning Process: Outline the steps you took to improve your skills.
  • Example: Practice routines, formal lessons, or self-teaching methods.
• Milestones in Learning: Highlight key milestones in your musical development.
  • Example: First performance, mastering a difficult piece, or receiving positive feedback.

4. Performance Experiences

• First Performances: Share your memories of your first public performances.
  • Example: Feelings of excitement or nervousness, and the impact of these experiences.
• Significant Performances: Discuss performances that were particularly meaningful or memorable.
  • Example: Concerts, competitions, or events where you felt a strong connection with the audience.

5. Challenges and Growth

• Obstacles Faced: Describe challenges you encountered in your musical journey.
  • Example: Technical difficulties, performance anxiety, or balancing practice with other commitments.
• Overcoming Challenges: Explain how you overcame these challenges and what you learned from them.
  • Example: Techniques for improvement, mental strategies, or support from mentors.

6. Musical Inspirations

• Influential Musicians: Talk about musicians or bands that have inspired you.
  • Example: Favorite artists, styles, or pieces of music that have had a significant impact on you.
• Influence on Your Style: Describe how these inspirations have shaped your own musical style and approach.
  • Example: Incorporation of certain techniques, genres, or philosophies into your playing.

7. Impact of Music

• Personal Growth: Reflect on how playing an instrument has contributed to your personal growth.
  • Example: Development of discipline, creativity, or emotional expression.
• Connections with Others: Discuss how music has helped you connect with others.
  • Example: Collaborations with other musicians, forming friendships, or connecting with audiences.

8. Love for Music

• Joy and Fulfillment: Describe the joy and fulfillment you get from playing music.
  • Example: Moments of pure enjoyment, the thrill of performance, or the satisfaction of mastering a piece.
• Therapeutic Effects: Reflect on how music has been a source of comfort and therapy in your life.
  • Example: Coping with stress, processing emotions, or finding peace through music.

9. Future Aspirations

• Goals and Dreams: Outline your future goals and aspirations related to music.
  • Example: Pieces you want to learn, places you want to perform, or new instruments you want to master.
• Continued Growth: Discuss how you plan to continue growing as a musician.
  • Example: Further education, exploring new genres, or setting new challenges for yourself.

10. Conclusion

• Restate Your Love for Music: Reinforce the importance of music in your life and why you love it.
• Encouragement to Others: Encourage readers to explore their own musical interests and passions.
• Closing Thoughts: End with a powerful closing statement or quote that encapsulates your musical journey and passion.

These tips will help you tell a heartfelt and inspiring story about your journey with playing a musical instrument and your enduring love for music.