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Jim Glasson

Squeaking with the Best of Them

December 12, 2008 at 12:29 PM

After surviving the 60’s and playing blues for 40+ years, I find myself a whopping 9 weeks into learning violin.

 
Let’s see now –
Bow hand relaxed and in proper position – check
Tilt the wrist forward slightly - check
Draw the bow parallel to the bridge and somewhat midway between the bridge and finger board – check (kinda’)
Draw the bow at an even speed – SQUEAK!!! LOL!!
Actually, it’s not that bad. Well, maybe.
 
I’m immersed in Muller Rusch book about 2/3’s the way thru and Suzuki book two but just for the music printed.
 
I'm able to do some scales fairly well and quite a few arpeggios.
I (just) beginning to play well enough that my little Beagle no longer howls and my wife no longer peaks into my "conservatory" to see if everything is alright.
 
I also believe I’ve stumbled onto a teacher who fits my personality and not only speaks my language, but who’s patience is generously deep. 
 
As an aside, I’ve found that having the proper teacher in music and other disciplines in life can make or break the student. It’s a piece of the learning process that tends to be ignored though probably shouldn’t be.  Sorry for that bit pontification. 
 
By the way, why is there a love/hate deal  going on with the Suzuki method?  When I tell some musicians about Suzuki it’s like I just besmirched their mother, others congratulate.
 
 
Oh well.
Do I still squeak? You bet but I’m really enjoying the learning process of this fine instrument.
I love doing first position Bach and Handel pieces as they sound like music meant for the instrument. After all, “Twinkle Twinkle” and other such standards of learning are fine,  but a little repetitive in my opinion.
 
I’m learning SO much and actually learning to read music!
(We guitarists are NOTORIOUS for not being able to sight read.)
 
I’ve even attended some adult night courses at Juilliard (yup, they offer them!), such is my newly found fascination.
 
Move over Mssr. Shamam, I’m coming!
 
-Jim
 
 
 
 

From Karen Allendoerfer
Posted on December 14, 2008 at 1:34 PM

Congratulations on a good start!

I used Mueller-Rusch books back when I started in 4th grade (won't name the year--ahem!)  I remember them as being a nice system.  And I agree totally about Twinkle--my 7-yo daughter didn't like it either.


From Jim Glasson
Posted on December 14, 2008 at 4:38 PM

Hey Karen!!!

It seems  SO weird taking lessons at my age and after 40+  years of playing.
I must say though, I'm really enjoying myself!!

I know it takes bucket loads of time but I really want to get to the point where I can play and not embarrass myself!!  


From Karen Allendoerfer
Posted on December 15, 2008 at 3:20 PM

I'm an adult student too.  A "re-beginner" as it has been called on this site.  I played as a child and then took a long break, and started again 2 years ago along with my daughter.  I think taking lessons as an adult is a great pleasure.  But I find I do sometimes have to be careful not to spend too much time just chatting with my teacher about interesting subjects (rather than playing).


From Jim Glasson
Posted on December 15, 2008 at 6:04 PM

That's SO great that your back learning again and with your daughter as well!!! Dang, I'm all smiles with that one!

 I'm really having a good time as an adult learner and my teacher is very supportive. She's mentioned quite a few times that her adult students are a bit better because they WANT to be there and WANT to learn.

Heavens, when i was a young boy all I wanted to do wa playt baseball and fly model airplanes. Study? Practice?  Mom...!!!!!! NO !!!!! ( i was such a dope)

:)

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