Year Two = Twice the Fun

Written by Krista Moyer
Published: December 23, 2014 at 4:46 PM [UTC]

Now that Christmas is only two days away, and holiday performances are behind me, I feel like I have a clean slate to work with. Being part of several holiday concerts this year was much different from last year. Back then I was new to ensemble playing and playing the violin was still so awkward. This year the music was the same even if my part was different. It was like meeting an old friend. Not many faces in the studio have changed, so I was able to smile and make small talk with the kids. Best of all, I finally met one of the other adult starters. He was performing in public for the first time. Oh, how I could relate to those first time nerves! He did great, by the way.

My line of business doesn’t shut down for the holidays, so no extra days off are in the works. But I’m really motivated to buckle down and put in some quality practice in the evenings. My next lesson won’t be until after the first of the year so I have time to focus on some of the challenging bits in my current concerto, learn a new piece, and tackle a new etude. Even more exciting is that at my last lesson I was directed to order the music for the Bach Double. It feels like I have reached a major milestone. Now the real work can begin.

From Zina Francisca
Posted on December 28, 2014 at 9:10 AM

Wow Krista, congratulations on your milestone! I'd certainly consider it that if the day ever comes ... I like the sense of progress you describe in your blog. I often feel that I keep going round and round in circles, always returning to too much tension in the left hand, too much tension in my right wrist, intonation that needs work, crooked bowing (my most recent returner :( ) etc. etc. Oh well. Through your blog I realise that the other stuff is also there: things getting way easier to play, more sound, more music, more freedom in my playing. Tomorrow I have my last lesson of the year, and in a couple days an entire new year presents itself in which to enjoy my violin!

Sorry for the rant. Let us know how you do with the Bach Double!

Zina

From Krista Moyer
Posted on December 29, 2014 at 5:47 PM

Zina, I know what you mean about old bad habits resurfacing. I've had my share of that as well - especially with the crooked bowing. The nice thing is that now when it is pointed out and gets worked on, you get immediate positive feedback via your sound. I used to be too green to even notice, but now it's a huge hallelujah when it happens. Best of luck to you, and happy new year!

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Year Two = Twice the Fun

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