I invited Ales, the musician who played at our wedding, to join us. My husband is very fond of the accordion. It has always been a silent wish of his to play the diatonic accordion. So I signed him up for a talent test, which was held at the Nazarje Music School. He passed the exam successfully and started learning this instrument he loves. Lessons were held on Friday afternoons.
I played the piano in primary school. I also completed two years of secondary music school in Velenje. My now deceased father wanted me to play the piano accordion that we had at home, but I resisted it at the time, because in those days the piano was more modern and playing it was not as difficult as playing the accordion. So my father took out a loan and bought me an upright piano, which I exchanged a few years later for a Casio electric piano. I recently gave the latter to my niece, who enjoys playing the piano and sings very well.
My husband brought notes from his first accordion lesson. It was for a children's song Puppy watch. He explained when the bladder goes in and when it goes out, and where to put my left and right hand. He tried very hard to follow the teacher's instructions. So I suggested that I try it too. "It can't be that hard," I told him, and I played. I was so impressed that a week later I signed up with the same teacher. The theory part was acknowledged, as I had already attended music school when I was a child.
Maybe I could have become a musician too - you never know, but I was plagued by a serious illness. It took my joy, my joy, my strength, my courage. I can say that for three decades I have not lived, but I'm just existed.
In my early teens, I suffered from a severe form of depression. I literally laid down. I had no running, nor could I take care of basic hygiene. It was a very difficult time for my parents. They didn't know how it was that I had gone from being a happy and smiling girl to a sensitive, introverted person overnight, avoiding the company of my peers and retreating into my own world.
I got the help I needed after ten years in a Ljubljana hospital in the youth ward. That was the start of my medication treatment, which continues to this day. I have the right therapy, but I could not have done it without the help of my family, friends, colleagues and working on myself.
Music found me again. And I found music. When I play the diatonic accordion, I feel joy and happiness. I finally feel myself again Live.
Thanks to my mentor Tomaž Guček, who inspired me with this folk instrument.
He saw in me the potential, the desire for knowledge and the willingness to practice. I am never late for rehearsals. I have already given three school performances and two public performances. I also play at family celebrations, and sing happily along. I am happy because I can make people happy by playing the accordion and singing. Recently, I have realised that I also have a gift for connecting with the audience.
Teacher Tomaž is not only an accordion teacher, but also a teacher of life, positive attitude, courage and joy. Thanks to Prof. Tomaž Guček, who did not give up on me. He showed me the light at the end of the tunnel.
Eva Pavlič
English (UK) 
Slovenščina 
Italiano 
Magyar