I'd like to hear some stories about what motivated some to start playing an instrument, and when in your life it first happened.
I started around 6 or 7 watching my Dad and his cousin playing mandolin and guitar at our house when the family got together. "It" grabbed me then, stirring my emotions beyond just wanting to listen. I started with the mandolin first, then guitar. At 8 I added accordion and later keyboards and all the equipment. I found myself playing along with records, not just listening to them. My Dad took me to a social club he belonged to when his favorite band was playing on my 10th birthday. Watching them inspired me to continue to pursue music and to have a band of my own someday. I recently played an event in the outdoor grove of that same club some 40+ years later with my band. About 1,700 people attended-including my now 86 year old Dad ,on Father's Day. It was a great way to say thank you to him for getting me started...