It’s been a while since we did a question of the day, so, hey, let’s do that! If you could instantly master a musical instrument OR be fluent in a foreign language, which would you choose? (I’m talking instant here. Like when Neo gets strapped into the Matrix machine. Man, I hope they invent that in my lifetime.)
And because I can’t ask just one, there are follow-up questions… what instrument or what language? And since my readers are so smart, if you are, in fact, already a musical, linguistic virtuoso, then a) WOW! And b) what would you choose instead?
For the record, I’d want to know how to play the piano. I did take lessons for three years and what I learned is that I have no natural ability. My mom tries to reassure me on this point. She says I didn’t have a good teacher, and my heart wasn’t in it, and I must be musically inclined because I can dance. My mom’s the best. (And she plays the piano very, very well.)
Okay! Your turn…
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22 responses so far ↓
karen from mentor // July 1, 2009 at 3:15 am |
Judy,
The guitar. No question. I would like to instantly know how to play the guitar. Like Santana, or Clapton, or BB King….yep, that’s what I’d like. To learn to play the guitar. Can you hook me up with that? Cause, like that would be so cool. So Cool. And then I could get my chicks for free…..
(oh dear, now I’m singing “money for nothing”…sheesh)
but in my case you’d have to insert “dudes” for “chicks” (oh dear, now I’m singing dude looks like a lady)…..make it stop Judy, make it stop…..
Darren King // July 1, 2009 at 5:04 am |
I would like to know how to speak Spanish and when spoken to, to ‘hear’ it in Spanish and not have to translate the words into English in my head. Though when I travel to Mexico for business, I do have a few critical phrases prepared like, ‘Donde’ esta el bano’?’
karen from mentor // July 1, 2009 at 5:54 am |
Darren,
I took one year of spanish in my senior year of hs cause I had space in my schedule. I still hear James Taylor singing you’ve got a friend in spanish in my head…
but only THAT song, and only the chorus….
(this is just in case you ever play the trivial pursuit version of random things you never needed [or wanted]to know about karen from mentor)
we play it thursday evenings…in the rec center…
jb // July 1, 2009 at 6:54 am |
that’s a toughie – because i’ve always wanted to play a musical instrument and be fluent in another language. those two requests are always tops on my matrix machine wish list.
okay – i’ll play by the rules. i choose play the saxophone, because i love that instrument cool. plus, i sing often but not well. so playing saxophone well means that no one will have to listen to me sing. :-)
laura hardin // July 1, 2009 at 9:41 am |
The harp! I love the sound of this instrument. I’ve taken Latin classes and respect anyone who is multilinguial. But music truly moves my spirit and to be able to have a musical talent would be amazing.
judy // July 1, 2009 at 9:44 am |
Karen, Good earworms – Dire Straits and Aerosmith. You’re rocking the blog today! Who sings James Taylor in Spanish? JT?
Darren, Figured you’d have to go for a language since you already play the 12-string. You could then sing JT in Spanish, if you were inclined, and take Karen down memory lane!
JB, Sax. Yeah. Every time I hear one, I think, “I wish someone I know would learn how to play it.” ;-) Which language would you want to be fluent in? (I’ll let you cheat!)
Linda // July 1, 2009 at 9:46 am |
I’d choose to speak French … though in my neck of the woods Spanish would make more sense. But I think I spoke French in a past life and I miss it. :-)
peggi // July 1, 2009 at 10:03 am |
I’m with jb – both… but since you have rules I would chose musical instrument. I’m tone deaf so learning an instrument is much more difficult than learning a language. As for the sax learner… check with Jeffrey David – he wanted to learn the alto.
BOBBY // July 1, 2009 at 10:06 am |
I am thinking that I would like to speak English but with an ENGLISH accent…or maybe an Australian accent! Is that allowed??
OK, if that is not playing by the rules then lets go with Japanese. Not a lot of american guys saying, “私はあなたの小説を読むのを待つことはできません”. Plus, it adds a whole new dimension for this song stuck in my head, “ジャンプするようなものだ”
See ya!
Lea // July 1, 2009 at 10:12 am |
If forced to choose, I’d be instantly a virtuoso (virtuosa?) as a singer. Not a pop star, but maybe Broadway. I’ve even had vivid dreams in which my singing voice is rich and powerful, able to evoke deep emotions in others. So sad when I wake up!
Christie // July 1, 2009 at 10:35 am |
Okay, to tell the truth, I have both on my “bucket list”. As for languages, I would like to get better at my Spanish, and then throw in Italian and Portuguese (mom’s side is full blooded), and brush up on my French. I plan on doing a lot of traveling in my golden years, so I would like to understand some of the languages of the people whose country I will be visiting.
I also learned a little guitar a ways back, so would like to brush up on that, learning the piano and the sax would be great but lately the harmonica is calling out to me. Sitting on my make believe porch, windshield wipers slapping time, playing the harp, just me and Bobby McGee…
judy // July 1, 2009 at 11:05 am |
Laura, I just realized I don’t know anyone who plays the harp. You’d be the first. (Just like you’re the only person I know who took Latin voluntarily.)
Linda, That made me laugh. I took French for two years in high school. Can remember very little beyond “Je ne sais pas,” which is how I answered most of what I was asked.
Peggi, I didn’t know you were tone deaf!
Bobby, I SO hope someone finds my blog because they did a search on whatever you typed in Japanese!
Lea, pretending to be a singing diva is the real reason I own a curling iron.
Christie, the harmonica! I have a porch for you when you’re ready to make your debut!
terrepruitt // July 1, 2009 at 2:12 pm |
I would WANT to speak French and play the piano. But I think it would be more practical to speak Spanish and play the guitar.
cmw // July 1, 2009 at 4:05 pm |
Saxophone. (although, perhaps learning to play it the old fashion way might be a fun thing too…not for the rest of the house perhaps).
I took Latin in high school…not much call for that, but the toga parties were pretty fun.
Practically, Spanish, but I’ve always thought Italian would be cool, and sexy.
cmw
judy // July 1, 2009 at 4:52 pm |
Terre, Here at Zebra Sounds we encourage impracticality!
CMW Sax + Toga Party + Italian = Sexy fun
karen from mentor // July 1, 2009 at 5:25 pm |
but Judy? Mesh underwear UNDER the toga should be vetted by the hostess of the party BEFORE it is displayed to all and sundry….
(not EVEN making that up….there was a lot of alcohol involved…and he was one of those guys that also liked to strip on the dancefloor…nuff said) [don't you wish you knew me in the 80's?]
Carey Jones // July 1, 2009 at 7:32 pm |
I could never choose from those two! I want both! Looks like most everyone else does too. hehe I think I would also choose the Vocal instrument (like Lea) because I want to be able to beautifully sing the lyrics I am in love with (there are too many, I have to think which song would be first and which singer I would want to sound like). Although I have a decent speaking voice, my singing voice is just . . . well, weak, to be kind.
The language I’d choose would probably be Russian as I know a little and I have Russian friends that I miss and it would be very sentimental for me.
HEY — if any of the folks who mentioned wanting to play the Sax want to really give it a shot, I know an AMAZING teacher who is hugely talented + charming + funny + extremely professional. He’s in Redwood City, but I know he’s always doing gigs and teaching classes around the Bay (Palo Alto, Alameda, etc.) He has his own Orchestra even! Seriously. The name is Jeff Sanford (you already know that Judy) — anyone can check him out at http://www.cartoonjazzorchestra.com (hope it’s o.k. to put that here Judy)
terrepruitt // July 1, 2009 at 8:47 pm |
Sorry, I forgot we are supposed to be choosing one or the other. I would choose language because even though I think you can communicate with music, I would love to be able to speak with others in a different language. I have voice (not that I sing well, but I can carry a tune) to use to express the “musical part of me.” And since I never get to France and not many speak it (here), I would probably go for Spanish.
judy // July 1, 2009 at 11:40 pm |
Karen, If there was any doubt in my mind about my willingness to throw a toga party, it is settled here by the idea of vetting mesh underwear. And yes. I wish I knew you in the 80s. (But you’re pretty fun in the 2000s too.)
Carey, Of course it’s okay – to cheat and pick both, AND to give the name of an awesome musician/teacher.
Terre, Well, I can guarantee your Spanish will be more useful than my mostly-forgotten French and the ASL I took in college.
Estrella Azul // July 2, 2009 at 4:44 am |
I love the fact that I can speak English as well as I do, I’m good at languages so it’s only natural that I’d choose to be better at piano.
I also took some lessons, but my heart wasn’t really in it back then, I still just wanted to go and play :P too young…
Now I’m sad it didn’t work out, but there’s always time to improve (I’m currently downloading a book of piano lessons, hope it won’t be boring) :)
judy // July 2, 2009 at 10:28 am |
Estrella, I was just thinking of you. About to pop over and see what you’re writing about. I love that your downloading a book of piano lessons. I may do that too; we can cheer each other on!
jb // July 2, 2009 at 6:42 pm |
yay! i have permission to cheat – thanks! :-)
i’d LOVE to celebrate my italian roots by learning the language. not a practical choice at all; but it’s such a beautiful language, i can’t resist. plus, i’ll finally understand what i’m saying in my dream about living in italy. ;-)