I went to my cello lesson today. I met a violin instructor afterward, and was explaining to her that I had taken lessons for a year. But then on my drive home, I realized: it's been a year and a half! I am in my second year of cellodom!What do I have to show for it?
Well, I can hit the notes fairly nicely.
I can sight read pretty well. REALLY well, if the measure starts on an open string. (My "lucky" notes.)
I have gotten to a point where I don't forget to swallow. This is difficult (and kind of gross) to explain, but for at least 12+ months, I would be so engrossed in getting the right fingering, the right up-bow and down-bow, the slurs, the omigosh! THE EVERYTHING right, I found myself forgetting to swallow. And then choking because I had a mouthful of saliva. That IS gross, isn't it? I can't believe I am writing about it.
Now, my main physical problem is my face contortions. If you look at any video of my hero Yo Yo Ma, you will see a serene expression, a smile, a calm demeanor.
I get all worked up about the right fingering, the right up-bow and down-bow, the slurs, the omigosh! THE EVERYTHING PLUS remembering to swallow, and this is what I look like:
And I thought this mid-life learning experience would be a lovely "serenity:now" experience..."The most perfect technique is that which is not noticed at all." ~ Pablo Casals
Apparently, I have a ways to go...
4 comments:
You should get a base so you can play in a jazz club.
A bass, I mean. You know, the fish that jumps a lot when you catch it.
So... After commenting I was pressing alt-left to go back, and it kept wanting me to click resend, so I did a few times. It posted my comment a few times, but I deleted it. Now there are 4 comments deleted by the author... ME!
And I was SO THRILLED that I got so many comments in so little time!
Just for that, you have to:
A) Go cello shopping in Littleton with me.
B) Bring your whole family contingent to Wabaunsee for T'Giving this year.
C) Go cello shopping in Littleton with me.
Your choice.
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