June 13, 2005 at 6:21 AM

Had my second lesson with Virginia yesterday, and this time I played about ten minutes. It's still amazing to me how much time we spend in my lesson just talking and not playing at all. But I think this is absolutely the right thing for me at this time, because I have so much to learn about my instrument (and because I don't have the stamina to play for very long!). I feel like the character of A Square in Edwin Abbott's Flatland, who suddenly discovers that there's another whole dimension to existence. I used to think that everything was just a matter of either practice or talent, that if I worked really hard at something and still couldn't get it, I just didn't have the gift. But now I realize just how many things one can do with the violin, how many variables there are. Virginia makes me feel like I really do have the power to be a good violinist, that if something doesn't work, we can find out a different way that does. How I wish I'd had such a teacher as a child, when I actually had time to practice as much as I'd like...but maybe back then I wouldn't have appreciated her as much.

Another thing I need to learn is that a music editor is not God. Just because a certain fingering appears in the music doesn't mean I have to use it! I can even break slurs if it makes more sense to me to do that!

So the first page of Csardas is sounding pretty good now. We didn't have time at my last lesson to get any farther, but I'm confident Virginia will teach me some new tricks next time.

From Pauline Lerner
Posted on June 15, 2005 at 3:35 AM

Sometimes you don't need to practice harder, just practice smarter.

From Karin Lin
Posted on June 19, 2005 at 5:51 AM

Yes, that's it exactly! And for the first time in my life, I think I actually understand HOW to practice smarter. :) :) :)

From Bob Johnson
Posted on June 22, 2005 at 5:17 AM

I seriously agree with Pauline. I used to play horribly because I never played with a straight bow, but practicing longer didn't make a difference. I used to do 5 hours on end, and nothing happens. So, the point is when you think more about the music, and sing the composition mentally while you play, really helps.

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June 13, 2005 at 6:21 AM

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