May 29, 2012 at 3:07 AM
Just read a blog from Rosita Hopper on 'The Life of the Adult Amateur Player'- http://www.violinist.com/blog/Rusalka/20125/13598/She has articulated the experience and the psychological aspect of an adult amateur really well. It touches my heart.
Here I would like to share my personal experience when I first got started with this beautiful instrument. No longer am I seated on the sideline procrastinating...but I am playing it now!
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I have been learning the Violin for 7 months now since September last year. I have received enquiries from friends about the learning experience as an adult. I’ll try to answer some of the frequently asked questions.
Well, the Violin is a relative difficult instrument to play. It has been touted as one of the most difficult instruments to play. You may refer to this link of for some physics explanation - http://plus.maths.org/content/why-violin-so-hard-play
To me, Yes! Violin is very difficult to play initially. I still remember when my teacher first taught me how to hold it, I literally broke out in cold sweat. I am not joking. This is because maintaining the posture to hold the Violin is not something that our body is conditioned to do. Also, being an adult learner, our body is less flexible, more rigid. That’s one difficult thing.
The next obstacle to overcome is the bowing hand. Bowing requires the Violinist to use the wrist in sync with the movement of the elbow/forearm. How often to do you move your wrist and elbow at the same time? Almost none! Unless you are a Chinese dancer….doing all the hand gesture & etc…otherwise, we don’t at all. It feels retarded in the beginning. In addition, bowing hand has to maintain a firm grip of the bow and at the same time in a relax state. If not, tension will build up and it can extend all the way to your back after long hours of practice. I suffered upper back tension during the initial 2 months. Besides seeking help from my teacher, I also recorded myself playing and put it up on YouTube so that I can share with experienced Violinist on www.Violinist.com. I was given valuable feedback.
I will stop here for the time being; will continue when I have time to write…
This coming Christmas, we shall no longer sit and watch others playing Christmas songs, nor are we a 'child' anymore!
We shall bow!!!!!
Dear Rosita,
You got the right word; rewarding! Bingo!!
Extremely rewarding.
ps: I am at my 8.5months now, and I am playing Canon (simplified version) :D
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