Enjoying the Simple Things: Ensemble Playing as an Adult Starter

February 3, 2016 at 08:52 PM · There are multiple avenues to getting ensemble experience. I play chamber music with an amateur violist. She was an experienced flautist but switched to viola as an adult. She started playing in orchestras that were initially too advanced for her, but was welcomed to sit in the back of the section and play what she could, even if it was only one note per bar. She made very quick progress and today plays in high-level nonprofessional ensembles.

My teacher has a number of adult beginner students, and I’ve encouraged several of them to join an “instrumental camerata” that’s offered regularly at a local public adult education program. Here’s the description: “This class is designed for adults with a wide range of skills who are interested in playing chamber music together. We will explore different pieces from the classical repertoire, and address both the technical and musical components of ensemble playing. Whether you are a recent beginner or someone who has taken an extended break from playing but would like to resume (and need a motivational program to help!), this is sure to be a rewarding experience. The class is open to violinists, violists, cellists, bassists, oboist, flutists, and bassoonists who are comfortable with basic note-reading, and are playing at a “late beginner” level or higher.”

I was in the “extended break from playing” category a few years ago and did this program for a few months. It was just the ticket for me to get back to music.

February 4, 2016 at 12:17 AM · Just over a year ago, I joined a civic orchestra that was too advanced for me, but I worked extremely hard every day and played whatever I could manage during rehearsals. It would take hours poring over the entire score before I could understand my place in the music. I have advanced far beyond what I ever expected in such a short time. Sight reading is much easier, I am playing more frequently in higher positions, I don't panic when I come across bars of music crammed with accidentals. As the months go by, I find that I can relax and not work so relentlessly. With each concert, I am able to contribute more fully to the orchestra. I almost gave up several times during my first season but I am so glad I stuck with it. The experience is immensely rewarding.

February 4, 2016 at 09:29 PM · I'm currently stretching myself in both directions from the orchestra I normally play in. I've been invited to play in a more advanced orchestra that's short of violas for an upcoming concert. This is the second time I've done this - they invited me into a concert last year as well - and it does make me work hard to keep up, but the music is amazing. I couldn't do it on a regular basis, though - two orchestras at once is a bit too much, especially since both rehearsals are on the same day.

On the other end, I'm also in a chamber group with people who are generally less advanced. It's still a good exercise in working together, though - and I find myself developing the skills to keep other people in line and bring them along. I'm also learning that everyone, regardless of level, has something to contribute, and that chamber music is a process of give and take.

It's true that playing with people better than you is a good experience. But playing with just about anyone, regardless of level, has its benefits. If for no other reason, consider playing with less advanced musicians as a way of paying it forward from the people who helped you advance.

February 5, 2016 at 01:23 AM · When I re-started viola after a 25+ year hiatus I joined a community orchestra and struggled to keep up. I was amazed at the encouragement I was given by those who were more experienced and knowledgable of the repetoire than I was at the time and never understood why I was on the receiving end of their patience and support.

Flash forward 10 years later...

I play mostly in chamber groups now with people at close to my level, but also fairly frequently with those who are just starting or starting back up again. My first experience of playing with a group well below my level of playing was first faced with alot of trepidation, but I quickly discovered that it was a tremendous learning experience for me - how to count out loud and play at the same time! I never learned how to do it before then. Previous attempts were disastrous. I'd either stop counting or playing or worse - a weird combination of both. Now I can do it consistantly as long as the music isn't overly challenging. This skill has helped me as a musician in so many ways I can't even begin to list them.

I know why now... Helping others helps yourself. And besides, its all about the profound experience that only making music with another person can offer.

February 5, 2016 at 02:25 PM · I have fond memories of playing in many orchestras and quartets in my youth. While I don't have time right now to commit to a regular orchestra due to life getting in the way, as an amateur I'm very fortunate that my Church has an excellent music ministry, where I've been able to volunteer as 1st violin (last chair) amongst professional musicians for major choral performances offered once or twice a year and featuring a full orchestra (and phenomenal soloists from opera companies).

The format is always the same: one rehearsal with the choir and soloists, one performance. Like the saying goes, these are trained professionals, and you need to know the music cold when you walk in. (The only really annoying thing is matching the bowings with the first stand)

There is no question that playing in an orchestra with superior players dramatically improves one's musicianship. Despite the weeks of practicing beforehand with headphones playing the music, I'm constantly amazed how my awareness and focus intensifies once the baton is raised (I WILL not make that mistake on the off-beat for all to hear!). The thrill when I can play with confidence a particularly difficult passage with the pro's is addictive, and the ecstasy I feel as the orchestra reaches a climactic finale in union with the chorus is unforgettable.

Over the years we've played many epic oratorios that have provided such a joyful experience, including: Requiems by Mozart, Rutter, and Durufle; Beethoven's Christus am Olberge; Berlioz Infancy of Christ; Haydn's Creation; Johengen's Veni, Creator Spiritus; Mozart's Mass in C; Rutter's Magnificat; Vivaldi's Gloria; and, of course, Handel's Messiah.

Tonight we're performing Handel's Joshua. I can't wait!

February 9, 2016 at 02:59 PM · This resonates with me. I did my first playing in elementary school but didn't get any orchestra experience till I entered high school. I was the youngest member of the ensemble and felt like the little kid crashing the big kids' party, since most other players were juniors and seniors. It was an adjustment at first, but I adapted and found myself moving up through the ranks pretty fast -- or, rather, getting pushed up through the ranks.

My childhood dream of becoming a professional symphony player motivated me to take up violin. After high school, I went on to do some heavy-duty training for this profession during my degree program -- although I finally decided, at 21, that the music business wasn't where I wanted to go after all. I also realized by then that chamber playing, typically in groups of four or five people, one player to a part, suited me better.

Still, I wouldn't have wanted to miss the orchestra experience I got. It definitely expanded my horizons and showed me I was capable of more than I'd previously thought.