My life-enhancing hobby-playing classical guitar

My hobby is enhancing my life.

                          

누군가 널 위해 기도하네

Many people say that having a hobby is a good way for people to get rest from their busy lives. I agree with that I get relaxed and recovered from my stress through many different hobbies. I like challenging and learning new things from various experiences, besides, I prefer what I enjoy with people to doing it alone.

One of my hobbies is to play the classical guitar. I have been enjoying it since 2003, but I have not  tried to play steadily. I have been playing this instrument again since I got to Michigan. 

Back in University when I was a teacher of Catholic church’s Sunday school, it was the first time I met with guitar. I saw a man who was playing on the classical guitar and was fascinated by the beautiful tones of it. I decided to just try to learn that one day even if how to play seemed to be so hard.

After a long time, I started learning as my hobby in my mid-thirties. I was super busy as a working mom at that time. I was so very tired but I sincerely enjoyed learning and playing the guitar with local community members once a week instead of taking a rest. We used to perform a concert a couple of times for our neighbors. When I look back on that time, I’m sure those moments were like gifts for me and I was happy to spend a great time with my nice friends. 

I brought my instrument to the USA and became a member of the classical guitar church community in November 2018. It had been 15 years since I had played guitar. I had practiced with my members every Sunday afternoon in the church until before COVID-19 pandemic. We have performed for the mass with the guitar and held a concert. I really long to spend a wonderful time together again.

I've been playing the guitar with a little boy and a girl at Zoom meeting room at the beginning of this year. I'm a Korean tutor and teach it to two American Kids. One of my students, Conrad has been learning playing the acoustic guitar for two years, and another, Ada can play the piano. I let them sing a Korean song while playing their musical instruments with me during our warm up time. I want them to like practicing musical instruments more. Not only us but also their parents enjoy our little Monday night concert. 

In conclusion, my hobby is enhancing my life. It makes me excited to share my talents and connect with many good friends, not only reduce stress. 

by Mikyeong