Intimidating.

Sometimes it is REALLY hard to be motivated when I think of the huge expanse of skills and knowledge that I have yet to learn.  But then I just want to kick myself for getting scared of what will essentially just be hard work.  And, like I tell my own students, if I work at it in bite-size pieces, the work won't be nearly as hard as I anticipate.

I had conversation with one of those students today that really inspired me to write something about the real reasons behind what I have turned this blog into.  I have only been teaching a few years, but I have already seen quite a few adult students throw in the towel the moment things get challenging and decide that they won't EVER be able to do it and quit.  Of course, in the past couple of years my track record has been much better, because I have banned the word "can't" in my studio, but I am still taken by complete surprise once in awhile.

It is SO important for adults to keep their brains motivated and active!  There are many studies (and I will not cite any because I am just that lazy... but I have read them ok?) that say staying active and especially keeping your BRAIN active is a huge advantage in the battle with dementia and Alzheimer's.    And then there are a bunch of studies (again... look it up yourself) that prove playing music lights up the brain (in CT scans... not chemically) in ways no other activity does.  In fact, musicians tend to have quite a few more cells between the lobes of their brain than anyone else, probably due to the coordination involved in handling an instrument.

I think it is sad that many adults dub themselves "too old" to pick up something new.  I have 6 perfect examples in my studio of people who can prove that is not true and I met another guy today in my violin teacher's studio who, along with me, can also prove it is not true.  And I have several that have fallen by the wayside.  Like my student pointed out to me today, because they already know what music should sound like, adults assume that, when they try it the first time and it doesn't sound right, they can't do it.  That is one reason I am making this recordings, to show myself and others that, even though you sound like crap at first (Don't lie to me!  It is crap!), diligent practice and following your teachers instructions will pay off.  (I hope. ;P)

... ok I think I have probably come full circle here.

Messages of this blog:

1.  Try something new.  It doesn't have to be music.  Pick a sport!! I have also taken up Tae Kwon Do!
2.  Work hard at it.  If it's easy, it's not worth doing.
3.  DON'T GIVE UP WHEN IT GETS DIFFICULT.  WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH, THE TOUGH GET GOING!!!!

Alright, I will step down off my soapbox.  But I hope that anyone who wanders across this blog will take what I am saying to heart and just get out there and challenge themselves.  It's not as hard as you think it is!

HOLY COOOOOW what a busy weekend!! But I think I have mastered the bow distribution necessary for "Oh Come, Little Children".  I will let you know if that is so after my lesson on Tuesday!! I might also let you guys watch me play ... um... .the song after Lightly Row... May Song? No.   .... well I'll let you know when I get it recorded :D Heeeh.

Violin Week 3 - Lightly Row

Just so everyone knows... all of these videos are and will always be first takes.  I want to be honest with myself about my progress and performance abilities based on my practice, not just take the best of many takes.  However I will admit this was the second effort only because the first time I noticed my cat Moses had crawled on top of the piano behind me when I wasn't looking.  The punk.

Cheers!!

Violin Week 3 - Recording.... tomorrow.

So I know I promised a recording tonight... but it was a huge long day and I pretty much sweated in various insufficient air conditioners all day.  Soooo... I am gonna sleep on it.  And you get to hear some Lightly Rowing in the morning.

I know my teacher is reading this now.  (Hallo April!)  Guess I better make it good.  Maybe I will have some orange juice instead of wine.  But it's always 5 o'clock somewhere? eh?  EH!?  Yes.  Morning wine might be the BEST wine.  Especially on my day off. :)

Violin - Week 3

Oooooooops.  I forgot to post yesterday D:  Forgive please!!   I have been a busy bee!

Ok so here we go.  I feel like I am KINDA getting in the swing of things.  But then something else pops up and throws me off again.  Thankfully, yesterday's lesson was of the "Good job keep doing that a couple more days!"  It is letting me have some time to sink everything into my brain.

I need to remember that when I am teaching people, because sometimes I get just as excited and just load things on students and forget that they are learning and need time to review and PRACTICE.  Duh.

Lesson learned.  I am going to record Lightly Row tomorrow for everyone's pleasure.  I know you are extremely thrilled.

Edit:  This is the stupidest written post on the face of the planet.  I think I was tired.  And I'm even more tired today.  Bedtime.

Violin Week 2 - My Internet Debut

Well.  We have come to it at last.  The moment where you discover just how ridiculous I am.  And also know the torture I put poor Jennings through every day.  Yes, here for your enjoyment.... myself.  Playing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.  I recommend imbibing before putting yourself through it.

Violin Week 2 - Roadblock

Well I guess I thought everything was not so hard up until this week.... I started working on "O Come Little Children"

DO NOT BE DECEIVED.

The name sounds so innocent... so lovely... happy unicorns and rainbows!!! ... the song involves "bow control."  When Jennings and I came out after a particularly grueling practice session last night, the hubs asked if I was doing something new.

"Ugh yes... bow control"

"Yeah you sounded pretty bad."

That's my honey.  Completely honest!! <3