There is not a day (OK. Sometimes on weekends)  I don’t kick myself for not persisting with music continuously from an early age. It really is a shame. But what can you do.

on the flute at 15

I started playing the flute, after playing the harmonica and a funny musical device called the Melodica (made by Honer) at about 14. At the time I played in a non disciplined way, thinking that my talent would just lead the way, no work necessary. I took lessons with a music student Renato Axelrod in his little student apartment.

In Israel everyone goes to the army and so did I. at 21 when the army service was over I decided  this is what I want to be. A musician. I will work at it and make it real. went back to Renato and confronted him with this idea. I will apply to the academy of music in Jerusalem. He will help me prepare.  There was a glint of amusement in his eyes. ‘you know’ he said. ‘ most people have been playing from the age of six or seven. They have been very serious about it since. Are you sure you are up to it?’ he asked. I assured him I was. I would put in the work, I would toil and suffer and make it happen. For it was my destiny…

On stage at 18

We set up a schedule of lessons and I was to practice incessantly between them.

Well… In order to fund this massive number of lessons I found a job at a statue foundry. Where statues are cast. Artists bring in their Maquette, their little model, and we would transform it into a glorious bronze statue. The plan was that this would fund the lessons. I would return from work and attack the practice regime and get ready for my life as a musician.

Well… (again) . It didn’t work out exactly as planned. The job at the foundry turned out to be an all encompassing existence. It required me to get up at 5 and wait for a ride to the foundry. The work was grueling and intensely satisfying. Seeing  these things slowly turn into statues in a process that took weeks was great. I worked long hours and when returning home could hardly move. Let alone practice the flute. Months went by.

At a resort in Jamaica

The foundry’s owner’s wife came in one day and invited everyone to come and see the year end presentations of the department of industrial design. I went and was totally smitten. This was the place for me. No doubt.  For sure.

By the time the entry exams for the Academy of music came up I was already enrolled, accepted to the school of industrial design, and totally devoted to the idea.

Years went by. Many.

At 40 the inner flutist awoke and demanded to know what I have done….

I slowly picked up the flute at 40, slowly, not out of choice but because what age does to you.

With the Farmers Market Jazz Band

Took a course at the adult education program, as if I never touched a flute. Then with John Payne at the John Payne Music center and then playing with an ensemble there.

There are really very few things that match the feeling of playing music. Playing with others is just another step in the same direction.

I feel the constraints of someone who has not grown up with the music, but let it go and then picked it up again. Hence the daily kicking.

At 50 I added the soprano saxophone to the mix. Again great fun. And a big surprise as it felt very natural right from the start.

With FMJB

I am pretty disciplined about it now. I mange to squeeze in about an hour of practice a day and consistently regret not being able to put in more. It  is definitely a source of joy.

Don’t know if I regret not making it my profession. Just letting it go and not working on my abilities.

I rather like the fact that music is not tied to anything to do with real life, not with livelihood. Just with satisfaction. OK and a lot of frustration.