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I take back my blogs:)

December 8, 2008 at 9:57 PM

My daughter for the last couple of weeks has been anticipating on getting a new solo. When her teacher asked her if she had ever played a Baroque piece; the answer was "no". I guess that I didn't understand his accent, because when he handed me the piece (to be copied temporarily) it said Bruch.... opus 26 in g minor.

I thought to myself; surely, this isn't the same piece that I have the CD copy of Midori playing. I didn't know what the first movement sounded like, but I do favor the 3rd movement... so I glanced at it while my daughter finished up with her lesson. Yes, there it was, black and white (and yellow). I asked her teacher, "Are you really sure about this... it looks hard!" His response was, "Well, sometimes you have to throw them in the water, to see if they can swim."

As you my know, I have been trying not to interfere with her practicing.... but this is really going to be hard for me. I didn't really know what to expect with such a hard piece... so I thought. She really loves it! ...so far.

Also, she just got word that she is a junior finalist in the Young Artist Concerto Competition which is sponsored by the New World Youth Orchestras of Indianapolis. This is a state competition. It is truly an honor for her.

Please wish me luck... so far I have been really good! And so has she!

Your daughter's teacher is correct.  At some point there is the right time to make a huge technical leap.  There will be stumbling, groaning, a hissy fit or two, but in the end it is worth it.  Afterwards, the pieces that are in her "grade" will start sounding alot better.  It also helps in opening up a whole new world in musical tecniques and styles.

And since you've behaved yourself, don't you think the time is right to reward yourself with some [adult] 70% chocolate (lindt comes to mind),  a smug smile when when your daughter isn't looking, and boast about her a little bit to someone who didn't expect this from her.