Back in the Saddle - Learning by Osmosis

October 26, 2007 at 6:33 PM

I've started to practice again in earnest. We'll see how long it holds up. I haven't played other than for fun for probably 6 months. A lot is going on at work and I just haven't been able to focus on it. I've been playing 5-15 minutes once or twice a week without any music in front of me.

As I pick up the Suzuki Book again, I realize, I have forgotten most of the tunes, but they come more quickly to me. I am able to play more of the complex passages that were difficult for me before.

I can play the advanced solos on my fun pieces,King of the Faires, Rising Sun Blues and St. Jacob's Infirmary or at least plow through the notes and play through them. I can't play them at speed yet, but now I can hit them all slowly.

My mantra just like in Martial Arts is, "Slow is smooth, smooth is fast."

I believe Osmosis is a large part of the Violinist growing experience. I seem to have advanced with out mechanical practice. More by thinking of playing and listening to music. Music truly is a multi-faceted challenge. I'm tempted to say that I could be done with the Suzuki 1 book with 4 weeks of dedicated practice.

I signed up for lessons with Albertson School of Music, a young teacher named Renee has been assigned to me. I usually don't do well with teachers, they are either excited by how much I've taught myself about Music theory or that I don't have sloppy technique that they push me way too fast. When I get something assigned (like a piece) I want master it before moving to the next.

Renee had me play "Ashokan Farewell" and has suggested that we work on Rhytym timing. I don't count beats when I play, and now I'm focusing on that. I believe this is good thing.

I will be working on counting the beats for Ashokan this week.

I could benefit from some metronome and some ear training.

The itch is stiring and I'm now Eyeing a Code Diamond GSX bow. I'll have to see what people think of them in practice.

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