Hey everyone -

I am curious, what age were you when you got your first instrument? And why did you want the instrument you got? Did you have to buy it yourself or did your parents buy it for you?

My story is likely a bit different than some of yours. I was 12 when I got my first musical instrument. Because of who I grew up as, the only instrument I was allowed to have was a harmonica, or 'mouth organ' as some call it.

I grew up as a Mennonite. (Not an Amish – these two are completely different groups.) To those of you who have no idea who Mennonites are: They are an extremely conservative and religious group that tries to stay as far away from modern and worldly things as possible.

This means: no TV, no radio, no cell phones, AND no car! You may be wondering if I am serious? I am not kidding you – that is how I grew up. We drove a horse and buggy. My parents and most of my siblings still drive the horse and buggy. My husband and I moved away from the Mennonite culture and became more modern, although we still uphold the upright standards of the Christian lifestyle.

So, now we have a car and all the rest of it. Because Mennonites are not allowed any electric musical instruments, I had only a harmonica until I was about 18. Then I borrowed an accordion from my boyfriend's family, and taught myself how to play. I got my first electric instrument after we were married and left the Mennonite lifestyle. I was 25 when I got my electronic keyboard.

Now my two children have the privilege to learn to play the keyboard as soon as they want to. They are 3 & 5 and can already play a few of the children's songs like Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Three Blind Mice, Mary had a Little Lamb, etc. I am happy that they can learn at such a young age, something I had no chance to do.