by ELENE TATULASHVILI
Ever since I was little, I’ve always loved music. When I was about my mom used to make me listen to old songs that she listened to when she was my age. I enjoyed them a lot. Soon, I started finding out new singers, songs, and genres of music. I loved all of them, songs with guitar were particularly standout to me.
My dad had an acoustic guitar. He used to play it when he was a teen, but quit soon after he started. Whenever I went to his house, he played with the guitar all the time. I didn’t know how to actually play it, but it was still fun for me.
On my 13th birthday, my dad gave me his guitar. He realized how much I liked playing with it and decided to gift it to me. I didn’t expect it and was quite shocked but excited too.
At first, I didn’t have a teacher, so I tried to look up some of my favorite songs on the internet, copying the chords and strumming patterns. I failed.
Soon, my mom decided to find a teacher for me. She came to our house 3 times a week and taught me how to play the guitar correctly. It was hard at first, my fingers really hurt (It’s normal, plus my strings are made out of metal), and I had trouble doing the chords. Even though it seemed impossible, I still kept practicing and one day I learnt how to play my first song.
It was hard at first, my fingers really hurt (It’s normal, plus my strings are made out of metal), and I had trouble doing the chords. Even though it seemed impossible, I still kept practicing...
After learning my first song, learning other songs felt easier. I learnt six new songs on guitar in three months. I kept getting better at it really quickly. My family encouraged me to continue, and they all loved my songs.
Playing guitar also got me into Georgian music. I didn’t listen to Georgian music until I started playing guitar; my teacher taught me lots of Georgian songs, which I really liked. I love learning about new music genres and new songs.
For vacation, we decided to go to my grandparents' village. We haven’t been there for a long time and I decided to bring my guitar so I could play for my relatives. I knew some of their favorite songs, so I decided to surprise them by playing.
Learning guitar is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, and I’m looking forward to learning more, improving, or maybe even writing my own songs one day. No matter what, I know music is and will always be a huge part of my life. It has taught me many skills, like patience, creativity, and confidence.
With happy smiles, Elene
