Violin Lesson #52

That's right, my lesson was on Thursday this week. Laura was kind enough to reschedule me because I had to be home for the children on Tuesday. Did the extra two days make a difference?

In a word, no, not really.

And it didn't help that I forgot my music books and diary at home today as I rushed out with both children. This was not how I wanted to start my second year of lessons.

I still have more to do with the heart-beat exercise and the double-stops exercises. They are sounding better each week, yet each week there is something else to do. For heart-beats I have to be aware of my bow hand. There is a subtle change between the up-bow and the down-bow. It took me a little while to understand it but I think I know what Laura means. The double-stops still need more arm-drop from playing the single string to playing the two strings at once, and less pressure on the two strings.

I asked about playing with the mute. It's something I have been using for a few weeks now. I think I'm going to stop using it. Some of the issues I am dealing with a really hard to work on with the mute in place. I have been told the music does not bother anyone downstairs, nor should it. After a year I'm sounding pretty good (far better than this time last year to be sure). Let's see how much difference practice without the mute can make.

I tried The Old Fiddler Man next. Laura's advice was to hum to myself the trickiest passage at the speed I want to play it just before I start, like a lead-in. I'll give this a go. Laura says we can move on from this piece (though I should still practice it from time to time). I'm not lying when I say I am a little disappointed I could not play this piece for her better than I did today. I know the good performances are in me... I just have to let them out.

Laura also had some more suggestions and advice for Raggle Taggle Hippie. Some aspects I had been practicing incorrectly so I'll work on those this week. One of them is to "let the bow flow". Laura gave me some adjectives for Irish music, to keep in mind as I play. It's nothing specific about physically playing the music, but I'm sure it eventually translates into a better sound.

I didn't get to do First Base because we ran out of time. That will have to wait for next lesson.

Finally, Sarisha had some good news. She found her new violin. As I understand it she went to Animato and Dietrich was able to hook her up with her new love. I can't wait to see it and hear it, hopefully before the holidays.

Also this week I got tp practice some Christmas carols. I had some music but mostly I've learned by ear. And as I played some to my daughter in her dimly lit room the other night I found I still need, occasionally, to see where to put my fingers.

There's not much time before the next lesson and there is still ever so much to do =)