August 17, 2005 at 6:27 AM

A question for my fellow violinists: how long do you usually work on a piece? Assuming that it's not for a performance or an audition, but just for learning? I've been working on the same piece (Csardas) for three months, and I'm definitely still learning a lot from it, but it feels like it's been a long time. I can't remember how long I worked on a given piece when I was a child, but back then I think I had more than one piece going at a time. I'm also working on the third movement of Brandenburg #3 in preparation for the "Brandenburg Fest" we're having next week.

I'm really excited about all this upcoming ensemble work. I haven't played with anyone except a piano accompanist in six years. The community orchestra I auditioned for back in May (in fact, I found my teacher through the orchestra directory) is finally starting rehearsals tomorrow. They take place in a community center, so we have to bring our own music stands. Will I look like an idiot if I haul my newly-purchased Manhasset in there? I hate trying to write on music that's on a wire stand.

I also realized, too, that since I haven't played in an orchestra in this millenium, I have no proper concert attire. I have until early October to find the requisite formal black dress. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

From Carley Anderson
Posted on August 17, 2005 at 11:12 AM

Karen...

I used to take about...six months(?) to learn a piece. Just this week my teacher called and told me she's going to pick up the speed. She said that she's not going to let just anything go, but we're not going to be as lazy, and try to go faster. Talk about motivation to practice! I think we, as violinists, need to maintain a good balance between aiming for perfection/not becoming stagnant (sp?).

Best wishes finding orchestra attire. I just realized the same thing...

From John Lanceley
Posted on August 17, 2005 at 7:15 PM

It depends on what standard you are at - learing more advanced pieces takes longer. Just remmeber to not get frustrated with a piece, you can practice loads of pieces in a day, if you can play them all well at a slow speed then that will retain in your memory and be more beneficial than rushing through a piece 30 times.

From Christina C.
Posted on August 18, 2005 at 3:25 PM

re: concert attire. I prefer pants, but if women are required to wear dresses/skirts (phhhbt!), be sure to keep in mind how ….er….. unladylike we string players tend to be when it comes to sitting! The fuller the skirt, the better. Playing comfortably is hard enough without having to adjust your posture in order to avoid…umm...wardrobe malfunctions.

Avoid busy necklines. Even a bit of embroidery or lace on a neckline can be bothersome when it’s being squished into your skin by your shoulder rest. I also avoid shoulder pads if I can.

Don’t forget some violin-friendly (i.e. not too dangly) earrings. Just a little bling to offset our frumpy skrits!

From Christina C.
Posted on August 18, 2005 at 3:26 PM

ps- enjoy orchestra. It can be a really wonderful experience.

From Karin Lin
Posted on August 19, 2005 at 1:10 AM

Thanks a lot, Christina! I prefer pants in general, but I just don't feel dressed on stage without a long, full skirt (good thing I'm not a cellist), so I'll probably go for a dress. No pierced ears = no earrings, since the clip ones tend to be dangly and we don't want that!

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August 17, 2005 at 6:27 AM

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