Violin Lessons #19

Again I was playing The Slur And Stomp Song, Crazy Circus and my second composition. Part of me is frustrated because my expectations are not being met. I didn't think it was going to take so long to learn these pieces. But here I am. Another part of me is glad Laura is taking the time to make sure I do things correctly. Mind you, I confess to feeling a little discouraged when she told me a five-year old was also learning this song AND that she had ideas about bowing differently (playing two short up-bows to avoid a retake) that I had to learn this week. Cheers little girl.

This week my bowing was not straight. Laura encouraged me to practice in front of a mirror to see how I am using the bow. Eventually I will get used to using it the right way. I can tell when it goes off because the sound is unpleasant. It's weird. Some bars I can play perfectly with a fantastic sound. The very next bar can sound terrible. Why does the bowing go off like that? We don't know. I wonder if it is because the new bar contained slurring thinking about that puts me off. I also need to practice against the wall. Oddly enough it was an email from me that prompted Laura to start using this idea. If I practice against a wall it will discourage my elbow from moving. If my elbow is moving I am not using the bow correctly. Laura says she knows I can play these piece better. She also says that my willingness to compose pieces shows my music has heart, and that was very encouraging. I don't ever want to play music mechanically. I did mention too that what shirt I was wearing made a difference to my playing.

Laura posted an offer from Browning Street to hold theory lessons on Saturdays for $10. As tempting as the offer is I was not about to take it up. Saturday and Sunday are precious family days. I will stick to learning theory little by little with her. Laura wanted me to play a semi-tone and a whole tone with the second finger. My whole tone was great. I had no end of trouble with the semitone though. I don't know why but it did not seem I could get my first and second finger close enough to each other on the same string. It is something I will have to work hard to get used to doing.

With the second finger came a new song: Hot Cross Buns. It is an old standard and one that is learned very early on with piano. Still, it is very exciting because I am making progress, learning new things and having a wonderful time.

I am considering changing my lessons to Thursday because I feel it will be more convenient (and not because I want to drink beer after work). It will mean I can go to the Buddha Birthday Festival at the beginning of May.