Jessica Baron Turner

Playing a musical instrument can be a great way to relax, challenge the mind and enjoy time with family and friends. These six instruments are relatively easy to learn and lay the groundwork for playing other instruments. If you don’t want to buy an instrument, most can be rented at stores that sell them. Private music lessons cost $15 an hour and up. Music stores often can recommend teachers.

THE EASY SIX
Guitars require some dexterity and rhythm, but nothing too complex. Playing can be painful until you build up calluses on your fingers. Nylon strings are easier on fingers than steel strings. It’s best to start with an acoustic guitar so you don’t have to worry about amplifiers and electronics. Walden makes fine guitars starting at around $300 (800-994-4984).
Ukuleles. The strings are similar to the top four of a guitar, so it won’t be hard to transition to a guitar later. A good ukulele costs at least $300. Avoid cheap imports, which have poor sound.
Piano/keyboards. Full-size pianos can cost thousands of dollars and take lots of room, but electronic keyboards sound great and come in a range of prices and sizes. Some cost less than $100 and are small enough to carry in a briefcase. Most have headphone jacks, so you can play without disturbing those around you.
Recorders are simple woodwind instruments that are suited to chamber and Renaissance music. Playing the recorder will help you learn more complex wind instruments later. Some plastic recorders have satisfactory sound and sell for less than $10.
Harmonicas are cheap and very portable. If you have friends who play guitar or sing, you can accompany them after just a month or two. Select a “G,” “C” or “D” harmonica for greatest versatility. Good harmonicas are available for about $20. You don’t even have to take formal lessons — book/CD packages such as (Hal Leonard Corporation) can teach you the basics in a few simple steps.
Djembe/darbuka drums are appropriate if you are energetic and reasonably coordinated, even if you lack great pitch. The djembe, an hourglass-shaped African drum played with the hands, and the darbuka, a similar Turkish drum, make wonderful learning drums since they’re portable, affordable and versatile. They can be purchased at Rhythm Fusion, 831-423-2048, . Expect to pay $60 to $300.

I keep hearing that the market is losing trillions of dollars. Who is buying all those stocks that are being sold every day?

Shelly

How do we know that you are not working for the government? This is my 23rd time trying to get in. You seem to be able to get in at will.

What’s the deal?

Graig

I get it. You were lying when you claimed to be a supporter of women’s rights. The first time you got, you dumped on her like the typical misogynist.

Shame on you Al

Genny

I guess at its most pure cellular level, it is a very similar response to why you are doing what you are doing…