By Brittany Brugman
My life changed the day my Dad got me a piano. It was my introduction to music and an opportunity to learn about myself and the world around me. Within a few minutes of receiving the piano, I plunked out the melody to “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” and my parents realized this was a natural talent that needed to be nurtured.
Over the years, I also learned how to play the flute and organ and used my talents to serve the community I lived in. I then studied music in college and continued to serve in other capacities by teaching, accompanying, and performing in local events.
Music has been a constant in my life, and I am happy to share my gifts with others. I can think of no better gift than the opportunity to play music for a lifetime, and I give my Dad credit for envisioning a talent I may not have otherwise grown to love and pursue.
This post is dedicated to my Dad, my hero who helped me become the person I am today. It was with his unfailing love and determination to help me become a better person and musician. I am honored and humbled to live out his legacy: “Dad, thank you for the music, for giving it to me.”
From ABBA’s, “Thank You for the Music”:
“Thank you for the music, the songs I’m singing
Thanks for all the joy they’re bringing
Who can live without it? I ask in all honesty
What would life be?
Without a song or a dance, what are we?
So I say thank you for the music
For giving it to me”