>Here is something I am interested in. How many programmers play a musical instrument? I have worked with many who do - and in the last ten years I would say that about 90 % of those who do not have degrees in computer science, play an instrument. Those with degrees in computer science seem to be able to play the keyboard (computer).

I took seven (long) years of piano, started violin in fourth grade and wound up playing in the Durham Symphony by my junior year in high school, and I've dabbled on the guitar. As far as my major, I dual majored in Design (art) and History (concentrating in the history of medicine). No degrees in computer science, though I did work with a computer-aided sculptor in the early 80's.

My husband's a computer science major, and he played percussion through high school, though he admits that playing percussion isn't quite the same as playing an instrument that makes a melody. (I'd say different skills are needed, but the skills are neither lesser nor greater, just different.) He's now learning to play the guitar (and de-stress from the work stuff <g>).

I *do* think that a large number of non-CS majors in this field are artistic in some way. Early in my career, I heard someone say that they'd love to hire music or language majors, as they routinely turn thoughts and ideas into symbols and vice versa. Since I heard that, I've also come to the conclusion that non science majors usually have better verbal and written skills, as papers and presentations are required in most classes for their majors. Of course, there are plenty of exceptions, but the generalization seems to hold more often than not.

- della