It started quite innocently back in February. A coffee shop, some free wireless, and my refusal to use my laptop to download in a public space. My boyfriend (AE from here on, “Internet Nazi” for this post) took it the wrong way, and upon getting home, reduced my ‘internet privileges’ as he felt slighted by my actions. (It was all in good fun.)

I wasn’t particularly troubled, as I am one of those avid computer users that do quite well when there is no internet or technology around, as long as there are books, musical instruments, and some baking ingredients at hand. Without technology around to distract me (I rather dislike television), I turned my attention to the guitar that sits in his living room like a piece of furniture. He received it as a gift and it is rarely loved. I took the opportunity to figure out what guitars are all about. I mean, how hard can they be?

Before I knew it, AE was pulling out DVD guitar lessons, and bugging me to show him what I have learned because, surprise surprise, a guitar that makes musical sounds is better than a guitar that just sits there and looks pretty. After learning enough chords to get a I-IV-V progression going, Auld Lang Syne popped into my head for some reason, and the rest is history.

It was, and continues to be, my pleasure to share with him my passion. He is the most enthusiastic student, and I am the proudest teacher and supporter. Since then, he’s advanced to taking flamenco guitar lessons, stretching his fingers like a pro, and strumming with style.

I have never seen any one pick up an instrument so fast, but if he can learn how to skate from youtube videos alone, fight off bugs in a fraction of the time that it takes me (and I consider myself rarely sick), I really shouldn’t be surrpised he can master basic techniques in merely weeks. His musicianship still needs a lot of work, mind you, but for now he’s having fun, and music making is not about perfectionism as some people will try to tell you (like yours truly).

The sound and sight of AE practicing Asturia or trying to improvise Malaguena on the beautiful guitar he’s got is a constant reminder, that music is not just about the sound, but all the things that surrounds it. In fact, he has inspired me to learn more about Spanish and Flamenco traditions, which was oddly missing in my undergraduate study of ‘European’ traditions. He’s not playing in Carnegie Hall or even your local bar any time soon, but man does he enjoy himself.

These days, I’m just happy we come home from work, and instead of turning the television on first, he now runs to pick up the guitar. I can’t think of a better way to unwind.