I hope this will inspire:
One of my earliest musical influences was listening to my Dad whistle. He would whistle classical, jazz, old folk airs and everything in between, always in tune and with lots of expression. He is a rugged, 'non-arty' sort of man, with a background in the Royal Navy and the building trade. He was also a professional Rugby League player, and the last person you could imagine as a serious musician.
As he got older, illness meant he was less able to do the physical things he enjoyed, and we could see he was beginning the long slide into an unhappy old age. A moment of madness meant that his four children clubbed together and bought him a cello; for his 70th birthday. He had never played an instrument, nor could he read a note of music. We found him a teacher, and he began to learn.
He now has a Grade Seven qualification in both playing and music theory, plays in a small chamber orchestra and in a music group at church. His teacher bemoans the fact that she got him at 70, rather than 7!
Perhaps the best part was recently at his 80th birthday party. He played in a string quartet spanning three generations; twin granddaughters on first violin and viola, his daughter (my sister) on second violin and my dad on cello. He is totally devoted to his music, and spends hours practicing, playing and arranging music for the various ensembles. As he puts it; 'I am an old dog, and this IS a new trick!'
He inspires me,and I hope his story will do the same for others.
Tim