I've been playing my viola for the past 10 years and I honestly can't remember what my life was like before music. Music is my favourite relaxation activity and I love nothing more than sitting down at my piano and learning new classical melodies.
I've played in an orchestra since I was 9 years old. My local council runs massive orchestras for any pupil receiving instrumental tuition and I have gone through the ranks to make it to the local Youth Orchestra. Orchestra is where I've made most of my friends as no one else quite understands that music comes before everything else.
My musical friends are the most understanding people I've ever met. Music has kept them grounded and sensible!! I only know very few musicians that fit the stereotypical 'snotty child prodigy' and even then they can be quite nice when it suits them!!
Through playing in the Orchestra I've also been on the annual residential. A week away learning new music to perform at a concert at the end of the week. A whole concert worth of music learnt in a week requires around 5-6 hours of music a day per band. Quite a lot of my friends are in 2 or 3 bands, resulting in 10-12 hours of music a day!!
By going away to a music residential from the age of 9 I am more independent as a result. I know that when I am at university I won't get homesick as I'm used to being away from my parents. I also don't panic when it comes to sharing a little personal space and bathrooms as I'm sure you can imagine 12 girls in a dorm room can be quite a squeeze.
Learning a musical instrument also gives you more self confidence. Although it's hard to get used to constant solos, duos, quartets and orchestra performances I can assure you that every time it gets easier. I love performing with my friends on stage and although I never see myself as Scotland's next Nicola Benedetti I can still go out and perform to enjoy it.
I hope if you are ever given the opportunity to learn music you grab it with both hands. It is the most worthwhile decision I've ever made and has led to some amazing memories.