October 2007

I learned...

October 31, 2007 18:08

I learned that when you bow all the hairs from your bow, it will make a good whole sound, especially when your bowing is straight. The bow speed, pressure and length affect the sound...Although I know that bowing is one of the hardest part of learning how to play the violin, it is the most important to learn because it is the foundation of good sound.

I know every violinist in the world knows that.

Through this concept, I realize that violin playing is just like our lives. When we hold on to God, he gives us the ability to produce good melodies, melodies of life. It may be hard for us to hold to Him, just like when we first hold the bow(with an un-relaxed grip), but when we learn that His love that surpasses all understanding gives us life, and he wants us to live it to the full!

I have read this story from a book:

There is famous russian pianist who came to a country. Then, a mom decided to go with her son, so that her son can be motivated to practice his piano. When they arrived at the concert hall, the boy was kinda irritated. When he saw his mom talking to other people, he went to the stage, and played the piano. A lot of people were irritated because it was just a simple melody. Then the russian pianist went to the stage and played with the boy, they both created a good piece. Then the pianist told the boy, "Don't stop, keep playing"

No matter how hard people ridicule us because we are playing simple, God (our master musician) will tell us to keep playing our lives, because He will enable us to play beautifully, because our hearts are set onto Him.

Have a great day!

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My Violin Story

October 24, 2007 23:20

This story is about how I got to know and learn to play the violin. Enjoy! :)

I was first acquainted with the violin when I was 10 years old. I saw on the TV a girl playing a violin (Promil commercial). I told my mom that I want to learn to play the violin. Unfortunately, she can't send me to those music schools simply because we can't afford it. So, I thought, it's just a dream. I would never hold, or even listen on how would that instrument sounds. I only hear the timbre of a violin on my Casio keyboard, but it sounds really midi (fake for short). During this time, I was also amazed when my friend had her violin given by her uncle. I was so jealous (I was so insecure back then). But then, I realize, I think it was not for me.

As I grew up, I was deeply inclined to music. I became a chorale member on our school and learned a lot of things about music. When I graduated High school, it never slipped into my mind on entering a Music School. I was thinking of something else. I was running away from my dream that I never knew it was my destiny after all. I was thinking of being a photographer or graphic artist, or industrial designer, or maybe a teacher. A fine artist! Good thing, I did not pass the UPCAT. and never dared to enter the fine arts department there.

That was April when I realize, that God is calling me to Music. But I don't know what major should I take. I sought God during those season. I had a dream, a dream of me teaching my stuff toys when I was young. Then when I woke up, I cried out to God, "Lord, I want to be a teacher! how come you want me to be a musician??"

Then I learned that there is this course called "Music Education". I really enjoyed every bit of it. But during that time, because I don't know which major to take, I chose voice. But I know, I'm not for that. It was a good experience though. During my first year, I learned how to play the violin. How? By studying for free, and researching online. My mom bought me a super cheap violin, and I used that to improve my skills. After a year, we had a class called Instrumental. It's about violin ensemble. Then, I was deeply moved by every lesson. I was excelling there, but in voice, I was really lazy.

One day, my voice teacher asked me to choose between the two voice or violin. I prayed to God, and I remembered my dream. My dream of holding and playing the violin. I remember God said, "It will be done according to your faith..." Although it was a hard transition, with the mocking of some people, even though it is tough, I pressed on towards my goal.

Now that, I'm on my 4th year. I'm currently experiencing things that were beyond my abilities. I never knew I could be like this now. God has blessed me with so much things, and I'm so thankful for that.

My hope and prayer is that I can be able to share things that I have learned during those learning experiences I had with my violin

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