Violin lesson #71

This focus for this week's practice was mostly on my scales and exercises and then Hornpipe. I did my best not to neglect anything.

After Laura fine-tuned Patience she played an Irish tune. It sounded amazing. Half way through I am thinking "Wow, listen to the sounds from that violin." I don't know enough about violins to decide what makes one better than another or why one violin may be more suited to this style or that style of music. What I do know is that if Laura can get sound like that from Patience, then eventually so can I. It was almost intimidating to follow playing like that. There was no way I could blame the violin after that performance :)

First up for me was scales. I was erroneously given a sticker for the A minor melodic scale. I passed two of the three bowing styles. Oddly it was detache that let me down and usually I find that the easiest of the three.

My sliding exercise was next. I found to my dismay that I had been misreading some of the music and that the slides were not space correctly. I was hoping I could finish this but it wasn't to be. At least I know where I can improve.

I did pass Hornpipe but I was not happy about it. Laura couldn't put her finger on it and ended up calling it a reserved performance, like I was holding something back. I think that's probably right. I played it all the way through and played it well, but it was missing something. To earn the sticker the piece should be played wholeheartedly. I wondered if it was because I was over it. Perhaps, but as I think about it not as likely as playing within my means. Maybe some if was from the memory of last week where I played with gusto but mucked it up. I think next time I would like to play it a little slower but with more oomph and see what happens. Regardless, there was nothing left the piece could teach me.

I finished with Rum-Ba-Bah, which I had not  been practicing so much. It went okay but it was lacking dynamics. Hopefully next week?

Then it was time for Paploma - the Greek duet. I think we both did okay considering it has been a while since we last played together. Laura said first duets are often difficult as you learn to listen to each other as well as yourself and still try and get a good sound too.

Sirisha's lesson went well. I don't know who was having more fun: Laura making up piano accompaniments or Sirisha playing her piece :)

So all in all a mixed lesson this week but better than last week. Let's see what  next week brings...