February 2013

For the Love of Music!

February 13, 2013 21:29

Lessons were becoming a source of frustration for awhile as I struggled to understand, internalize and execute some basic musical concepts. No matter how hard I tried or how much I practiced, I wasn't making any progress. In fact I was losing ground. The progress I made in intonation and rhythm over the past few years was deteriorating at the speed of water going down a drain. It was time for change. I dropped Schubert and picked up York Bowen. Within a few weeks, my musical life took a turn for the better.

I finally let my inner violist come out of the closet. I love classical music, but not just any classical music. Specifically I love modern/romantic classical music.

I'm not certain why it is, but this very narrow era of music resonates with me. I understand where the phrases are coming from and heading towards. I understand where the changes of "moods" occur. I understand it musically at a very intuitive level. Instead of spinning my wheels trying to put disparate pieces of technique and theory together in hopes of making something musical of it, often with disastrous effects, everything is now clicking into place. I am discovering the freedom that comes with this understanding. The freedom of being able to focus my practice efforts honing specific techniques, putting together a complete musical "package", and not being a slave to endless repetitions technical studies with no purpose.

For the love of music, why did it have to take 30 years to figure this one out?

Better late than never to realize my true musical love.

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