April 2011

Just Bloggin....slow Saturday ;-)

April 17, 2011 15:52

Well, still working at it.....

I've been playing the violin without any formal training now for about....9 years now. I have a wonderfully patient friend who coaches me along but mostly we just work on the music that we're getting ready to play for church on Sunday. I'm still seriously lacking on the "theory" end of things but I skate along as best I can. My playing is getting better but still not what I'd like it to be. Vibrato is still my nemesis but....there's light at the end of the tunnel ! I can vibrate properly when I'm focused on it but still "loose" it when I try during a piece...so I save it for practice and am working on integrating it into my playing...hopefully not another long road..ugh . I still have a slight "grip" in my left hand which certainly hinders my efforts there, but slowly I'm letting go and learning to use my upper arm and chest muscles to pull that elbow in to better reach over on G. I have small hands....another frustration.

I've found a wonderful site....Violinlab.com with an enormous amount of information and help which has thus far taught me more than I ever knew about playing violin. With Beth's help there I hope to finally "get" vibrato and improve my playing in oh so many ways ! Have already !

I still greatly enjoy playing this instrument. My enthusiasm hasn't diminished at all over these past 9 years...as frustrating as it's been, I still can't wait to pick it up and start working on things. This week I'll be playing for our Easter Cantata Friday night.... and again on Sunday morning for Easter. I'm sure that it isn't as lovely as it's going to be someday...but I "ALWAYS" do my best and look forward to any opportunity to play for anyone who would listen. I'll be playing a duet with my friend on Friday night. I love duets !

I'm pushing 50 now......wow...where has the time gone ! I started at 39......seems like yesterday ! I'll be getting that letter from AARP before much longer...lol. A right of passage into middle age I guess....LOL !

I've been nursing a case of tendonitis in my left elbow....seems trying to play vibrato on G in 5 position doesn't agree with me much. Pulling that elbow over with the upper arm aught to help that little issue.

Anyway.....All of you violinists who've started at a tender young age and can play a beautiful violin..... are truly blessed and I soo enjoy listening to you play ! I have big dreams, even at MY age and with all of my disadvantages...who knows...I just love to play ! x-)

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April 2011

Just Bloggin....slow Saturday ;-)

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