Hello everyone! This is my first of what I hope are many posts on this forum, and I wanted to introduce myself to the community.

I'm Mike, a 31-year-old father of three from Detroit, MI. I'm a materials buyer for manufacturing firm by day, and a sports/poker/food/history junkie by night.

I've been playing music for 20 years, and have played various instruments; sax, clarinet, and marching band percussion (mostly cymbals and roto-toms) from grades 5 thru 8, drums (briefly) and guitar in my teens, and from 17 on, I've been primarily an electric bass player.

For my 31st birthday, I decided that I'm going to fulfill a lifelong desire to play piano. Looking back, I think it's always been somewhat my destiny to take on this journey. I've always been surrounded by incredible piano players. My late-father was a first baptist minister who became engulfed in piano studies during the last 10 years of his life. My step-mother was the piano player in his church for many years. My uncle and great uncle were both working and gigging piano players for years in local country and top-40 bands. And my high school band leader was a 26-year-old jazz and gospel phenom who, due to his youth and hunger for life and learning, left an impression on me that's never gone away.

Tomorrow, I go to pick up my new PX-120, a whole slew of books, and start shopping for a good teacher in the area. My goals are simple:

First, as a musician, I want to create. While gigs and performances are great, there's no greater joy for me than to compose and create something new.

Second, as a history buff, I want to learn and explore classical music. I'm fascinated by it.

Third, as a father, I want to bring another form of music into my house, and share the joy of learning and exploring with my children.

Thank you for reading, and I'm looking forward to becoming an active, contributing member of this extraordinary ABF community!

accidental - welcome to PW and the Forums - with your background it appears likely that you'll "hit the ground running" with your piano studies - I like your outlook and your approach to composing and creating something new (one of the toughest and strangely least appreciated aspects of music)- good luck!

Regards, JF

Hello Mike,

What a great story...touches my heart. I wish I had a father like you when I was growing up in the 60's.

I'll look forward to reading about your own piano adventure throughout the years ahead.

Thanks for sharing!

Hi accidental,

What a great introduction to yourself and your goals. You've certainly had tons of musical experience, which will help alot when starting the piano. Bet you can't wait to pick the piano up!

Have fun, and welcome
Euan.

Hi Mike--Congratulations on having the courage to take a shot at a dream! I think you will also bring a great example to your children--that with determination and work, everyone can achieve something they value. Every child should see what yours will see!

Welcome to the forums. Keep posting so we'll know how it's going!

Nancy