When I first saw the title of this column, I immediately thought you can’t get much more ‘up’ than the piccolo. It’s this spectacular firework of an instrument that shines across the top of the orchestra, adding an extra element, and I feel really lucky that it’s my thing.

I grew up in suburban Sydney, and at quite a young age – I think I was about five – I expressed some interest in learning an instrument. The fabulous recorder teacher Belinda Webster lived next door, and I started having lessons with her.

Linda Stuckey. Photo supplied

Very soon I realised that more than anything I wanted to play one of those instruments that went out to the side. I’d constantly pick up my little recorder and try to play it sideways so I could feel like I was playing what I probably knew was a flute.

The next step was to get one of those cute plastic fifes. It didn’t have keys, just little holes for your fingers, but it fulfilled my dream of blowing across the tone hole on an out-to-the-side instrument. Eventually, when I was...