December 9, 2004 at 10:09 AM

Well a full month now of playing under my belt. It's going great. Had a great lesson last night, really soaring sound courtesy of MOPJ. I think my tutor is a bit impressed (I know I am ), probably more with my violin than me :( but hey that's ok, I am happy to play second fiddle LOL.

I am well into my grade three pieces now and getting things tidied up. I have found that by pushing myself hard, pulling out some of my Flute music and playing through (badly), then going back to the grade three stuff, it seems so much easier.

I am still struggling with certain bowing passages but I realise I simply dont have the strength or "tools" to use just yet. It's just hours in the saddle now.

When I read through my Blog and those early days of not being able to reach over for the Low A and stuff which now seem easy, I know I will master the bowing too. I practice vibrato every day as per ole Prof. Sassy masterclass and even that is getting freer although anything passed double speed ends up very uneven, early days, but at least I am working on it.

As an adult learner I have found it necessary to immerse myself and push myself hard. Whilst being happy to pull off a word perfect "twinkle", when messing around I can play the opening bars of the Tchai's D concerto Andante movement which makes me smile (alot).

Just wish I could give up work and play all day :(

The Donsk