Lesson #12 almost didn't happen. My car was damaged in storms at the end of January and I only got it back this morning. That means I was back at work for my lesson in the afternoon.
I need to relax. That is the message I have taken away from this week's lesson. I played my current two song ('My First Waltz' and 'The Kettle Tune'). Both of them need a good amount of work and to improve the playing of those songs I need to relax. If I don't relax, there is tension, and I can't play well if I am tense. I need to keep in mind a number of things as I play, and to stop when something sounds incorrect so I can fix it before going on. This is something Laura has said before, and something I will try and remember for this week.
Friday, February 22, 2013
Friday, February 15, 2013
Violin Lesson #11
This week practise was a little scattered. There was a lot on so I did not get as much quality practise time as I would have liked.
I started the lesson with sight reading. I could read the rhythm quite well. She was amazed. However, I struggled a little with the notes on the staff. I need a little more practise with that, or just to slow down a little until I get used to it. I have to put the bow on the string before playing it. Here ears a good. She knows what I am doing wrong even if I miss it.
After that was 'My First Waltz'. There were good points and bad points. I know what to do to play it but there are some things I need to focus on. I need to use more bow, less pressure on the E-string, and place the bow back on the string after a retake so I can be ready to go when I need to play again. My thumb (and hand) keep moving along the violin without me doing it consciously.
I did not get a sticker but I did get a new piece. It's called 'The Kettle Tune'. This one uses the G and D strings so I can use more pressure, and of course more bow. When I get it right it does sound pretty sweet. I don't know if Laura was hinting that I *could* be professional but I'm not about to give up my day job.
Laura said she played her piece with her friend with the marimba. He ended up getting 90% for his course and it must have sounded awesome. Hopefully when Laura plays again she will give me some notice so I can come along and listen.
For now, I have plenty to go on with. Let's see what this week brings.
I started the lesson with sight reading. I could read the rhythm quite well. She was amazed. However, I struggled a little with the notes on the staff. I need a little more practise with that, or just to slow down a little until I get used to it. I have to put the bow on the string before playing it. Here ears a good. She knows what I am doing wrong even if I miss it.
After that was 'My First Waltz'. There were good points and bad points. I know what to do to play it but there are some things I need to focus on. I need to use more bow, less pressure on the E-string, and place the bow back on the string after a retake so I can be ready to go when I need to play again. My thumb (and hand) keep moving along the violin without me doing it consciously.
I did not get a sticker but I did get a new piece. It's called 'The Kettle Tune'. This one uses the G and D strings so I can use more pressure, and of course more bow. When I get it right it does sound pretty sweet. I don't know if Laura was hinting that I *could* be professional but I'm not about to give up my day job.
Laura said she played her piece with her friend with the marimba. He ended up getting 90% for his course and it must have sounded awesome. Hopefully when Laura plays again she will give me some notice so I can come along and listen.
For now, I have plenty to go on with. Let's see what this week brings.
Friday, February 8, 2013
Violin Lessons #9,#10
Once again I have been slack. Two weeks between posts.
My lessons have been move from Thursday at 430 to Friday at 5. I know, beer o'clock right? But I don't mind. I would much rather play the violin for half an hour than drink a beer or two.
Both lessons focused primarily on the left hand. As with the right hand (holding the bow), getting the left hand correct is very important.
The wrist has to be in line with the arm to minimise strain on the joint. This is a little hard to see because the neck of the violin blocks my view. I have to go by feel, and eventually by sound. Laura can tell when my wrist is not correct by the way the note sounds. In the second lesson there was a large mirror in the room, so seeing problems became much easier.
The thumb has to be slightly curved and supports the violin lightly. I can move Laura's thumb off the violin while she is playing.
The hand has to be curved, like I am holding a ball. So do the fingers. The finger shape is not supposed to change (at least not at this stage). The fingers move the same way each time. Or should I say FINGER since I am only doing the first finger at the moment.
As far as music went, I finally got the sticker for Polar Bear, and one for Sunset. When Laura asked what was next I answered "Mozart" and she said "not quite". What I did get was a pretty waltz, composed by Laura. This involves first-finger notes and is my first piece in 3/4 time. Laura was thinking about giving me a second piece but decided the waltz was enough. So, I'd better smash it next week.
My lessons have been move from Thursday at 430 to Friday at 5. I know, beer o'clock right? But I don't mind. I would much rather play the violin for half an hour than drink a beer or two.
Both lessons focused primarily on the left hand. As with the right hand (holding the bow), getting the left hand correct is very important.
The wrist has to be in line with the arm to minimise strain on the joint. This is a little hard to see because the neck of the violin blocks my view. I have to go by feel, and eventually by sound. Laura can tell when my wrist is not correct by the way the note sounds. In the second lesson there was a large mirror in the room, so seeing problems became much easier.
The thumb has to be slightly curved and supports the violin lightly. I can move Laura's thumb off the violin while she is playing.
The hand has to be curved, like I am holding a ball. So do the fingers. The finger shape is not supposed to change (at least not at this stage). The fingers move the same way each time. Or should I say FINGER since I am only doing the first finger at the moment.
As far as music went, I finally got the sticker for Polar Bear, and one for Sunset. When Laura asked what was next I answered "Mozart" and she said "not quite". What I did get was a pretty waltz, composed by Laura. This involves first-finger notes and is my first piece in 3/4 time. Laura was thinking about giving me a second piece but decided the waltz was enough. So, I'd better smash it next week.
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