I played classical percussion most of my life, starting in my church's children's handbell choir at age 6. Then I graduated to "real" percussion at age 10, playing the snare drum/bass drum/timpani/etc etc in school band and also getting tutored one-on-one. I quit when I was 16 and I miss it a lot! But percussion is so intense (so many different instruments!) and of course very expensive. That time has passed, I try to simply enjoy the memories of it.
I started playing the recorder at age 8, which I enjoyed, but that lasted only a few years.
I took piano lessons (still percussion, I know) for many years but I HATED piano! I don't know why. I never ever practiced and my piano teacher would comment how it was funny that most of his students knew their chords but were terrible at timing and I was the opposite - great at timing but I never knew my chords.
I started electric guitar lessons at 14, I begged my parents for these lessons but I ended up hating that too. Looking back, I probably would have enjoyed the acoustic guitar with a flamenco (pickless) style better but I think the experience soured me on the guitar for good.
I currently don't play any instruments and I'm really sad about it! Part of the reason I keep brushing off learning a new instrument is because of the startup costs, but also because I live in a tiny apartment and I don't want my neighbors to hate me!
However, there are some instruments I am keeping in mind for the future:
Bass guitar - One of my friends growing up played this (along with the accordion!) and thought it was so cool. I'm a short woman and I've always thought the sight of me with a big old bass guitar would be hilarious.
I also like that I'd have the option of not needing to use a pick while playing it. Can you tell I hate picks?!?!
Flute - When I was 10, I actually had the choice between learning the flute versus delving more into percussion. I chose percussion, which I'm so happy that I did, but the flute still intrigues me! It's also loads cheaper than percussion instruments!
Harp - Technically percussion! I would not get a big harp, I would get a small celtic harp. I've always been enamored by the harp, this is actually what my parents wanted me to get into when I played percussion as a child, but nowhere I played ever had a harp to teach me.
I have thought about picking up the recorder again, if only I could play some music by Telemann since he is one of my favorite classical composers.
Thank you for creating this, Cleander! It has been fun to write about. Though don't be fooled....all these years of musical education and I can barely stumble my way through reading sheet music.