My first piece will be Mexican Fiesta. It's not a hard piece to learn but it is a challenge to get my fingers in the right place when I play in third position. And I play it too fast. Not only that, but when I start slow I almost always speed up by the end of it. I don't know why I find it so hard to keep to a slower and steadier tempo.
Laura never taught me to play Ode To Joy, but it was in the book, and mostly in third position, so I played that one. It was pretty good. Laura's suggestion was to play the third quarter of the piece with a soft floaty feel, then give the last three notes some oomph before the final quarter. The proof that practice and attention is paying off was in the second run through, where it was obvious from Laura's excitement that I had played it well :) Again, the biggest problem is my tendency to rush. This symphony is not played as quickly as some modern renditions would have you believe. A slow and steady pace is required here too.
I did work my way through Paris Cafe. The first half was pretty good. Then Laura walked me through the second half and I had problems with getting the correct notes. I don't pick the new music up as quickly as I would like, Typically I will get home and be able to play it well the next day. Getting it right on the spot is still a challenge. We decided not to do this one and just stick with the first two pieces.
Tomorrow should be a good day :)
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