The Journey of A Thousand Miles Begins With A Single Step - Lau Tzu

So in my previous post, I stated that I have this knack on songwriting, and that I intended to pursue it in the near future. I also hinted on my plans to buy a keyboard so that I can compose music and write songs.

Some three weeks ago, I happened to pass by a music instrument store with a huge sign saying "50% off on all Items", which really stirred my interest. 

So my wife and I endured the long queue (entrance to the store was limited due to COVID-19 protocols), patiently waiting for our turn to enter, and looking wistfully at the customers who left the store carrying items which I wished I had. Anyway our turn came.

It was both a disappointment and a blessing. Disappointment in the sense that those things I wanted were no longer available, but a blessing because there were other things that they missed.

Somebody beat me to the Yamaha PSR-EW410, but I got my hands on the last stock of Yamaha PSR-E443. Even if not as powerful as the EW410, and definitely below par of the Roland BK-5, it was not bad deal really since it is a great beginner keyboard, and at 50% discount, it was only P12,000. That left me with enough money to look of other bargains, which were really a steal.

I got a Yamaha acoustic guitar with pickups, a Peavy stratocaster sunburst design, 2 electric guitar amplifiers, two Peavy microphones, and microphone stands, keyboard stand, guitar stands, and other accessories. The combined cost was less than my budget for the BK-5. End result, the blessings far outweighed the disappointment.

An electric bass would have completed the package, but the last stocks were worth P110,000 each, way too expensive for a budding musician like me.

So I am now re-acquainting myself with playing keyboards and guitar, while complaining of slow fingers that haven't played an instrument for years. Meanwhile, my wife enthusiastically immersed herself in playing - of all songs - "Happy Birthday" on the keyboard.

The first steps, considered as one of the most exciting phases of a journey, are also the hardest. So now that I've taken that hard first step, let's see how it goes.

July 29, 2020.

I just rediscovered (again!!!) that I have a blog.

A long lost blog.

And since I rediscovered it, and mused over my various ramblings about my dogs, politics, the weather, etc, I think it's about time I use this to do something else creative.

More that 40 years ago, I discovered I had a knack for writing music. In fact, I composed 13 albums in a span of 6 years, ranging from the amateurish "The Initial Offering", when I was 16 years old, to the last one I did (I forgot the name) which was my attempt to go progressive rock. 

I also dabbled in Christian music, become keyboardist of a band in our Church. We released two albums - the first one contained two of my most memorable songs but which were relegated to the dustbins after a fallout with the church, the last one a collaboration with the other members. By the way, after I left the band, it disbanded a few months later due to lack of creativity and petty issues between the remaining members.

So I have decided to go for the best of both worlds so to speak. Since I am quite hooked with Progressive Rock (my favorite groups are Rush, Pink Floyd and Supertramp, and also love the music of Emerson, Lake & Palmer, and lately Rick Wakeman - yes! the legendary Rick Wakeman), and I'd rather write about the realities of faith, love and God's salvation (yes, I'll write Christian music), I think I will pioneer the genre Progressive Christian music. 

I intend to purchase a Korg PA300 or a Roland BK3 to go with my dependable 20 year old Stratocaster.

Watch out guys!!!