Violin Lesson #5

So much happened this fortnight...

I borrowed a violin from Tina Stellard. She used to play in high school but doe not play it regularly now so she has loaned it to me. I am very grateful to have the opportunity to play it. This means I can return my hire violin this month. Tina also gave me several pieces of music and a few books she had. There was a big variety of music and it includes some Greek music too.

It has been two weeks since my last lesson and I was looking forward to getting back into it after the break. However, this is the week that my teacher, Laura, forgot the keys to the studio. This meant we had the lesson in the little area in front of the studio and out in the open air. It was great fun (and cheaper for me too since we did not pay for studio hire).

Laura looked at Tina's violin and immediately pronounced it better than the squeak-box I had hired. In fact, she said I was lucky to have such an instrument with which to practice. Again, Tina, I thank you.

My rendition of "Bumble Bee Blues" went well. When I heard it with the accompaniment it sounded like another song altogether. As much I think I would like to be a solo violinist, there is much to be said about playing in an ensemble. And I imagine there would be a difference between playing in a quartet and playing in a full orchestra. Speaking of orchestras, check out these guys - amazing.

This week I continued with bowing. The song I am learning is "Little Indian Dance". This song requires me to bow across two strings (D & A) at the same time. This is harder than bowing a single string because there is less bow angle to work with. It will take quite some practice to become consistent at it. In addition to this the  song contains pizzicato as well as the bowing, so I have to pluck the strings while holding the bow. And I learned about staccato (short sharp notes) which I was taught when I learned the accordion but could not recall during the lesson. My preparations this week will be interrupted with a trip to Sydney on the week-end so I will have to work extra hard the rest of the days.