Some people are just born with musical talent — and then there are people like me. I don’t have a musical bone in my body. That’s a shame too, since I love music. So here are my options: succumb to my musical deficiencies and give up on the idea of ever playing an instrument, or dust off my old Yamaha keyboard and jump into the musical fray head first and see what happens. The latter sounds far more glamorous, and I’ve tried the “giving up” routine too many times in my life. It really doesn’t get you anywhere.

I chose the piano as my melodious weapon of choice for a few reasons. The first is because I like the piano. I think that’s important. The second is because it’s practical, mainly because I already own a keyboard, but also because they seem to be easily accessible. And lastly, because it’s such versatile instrument. I like all kinds of music, from rock to blues to jazz to, well, almost anything. The one thing almost all musical genres have in common is the piano. It can be found in just about all musical styles and flavors in some fashion or another.

Don’t get me wrong, I have no aspirations of becoming the next great concert pianist. I just want to be able to play music. It’s that simple; and I think this will be a good place to start.