June 2006

in love! (again....)

June 12, 2006 08:07

Why is it that this past semester, I was so musically burnt out that I wanted to drop it and switch majors? Nothing sounded right and everything was out of tune.

But now, after taking a month off of lessons and practicing about 5-7 hours a week "for fun" I love it again and think I sound great? I just had two performances this week which I was actually happy with...that hasn't happened in several years, things are more in tune than out, and phrasing is so much easier. This may have something to do with the "easier" pieces I'm learning: Meditation from Thais, Czardas, and church music. And I'm even beginning to look forward to lessons again....

If this is what playing the violin is all about...sign me up.

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Umm, Care to Try Something a Little Different?

June 2, 2006 22:15

I was one of those really weird kids who was raised in a subculture. I never listed to anything with a rock beat, jazz rhythms...country. Just didn't do it, if you can believe. Only classical. I barely know what the beatles are and can only really identify one of their pieces. I learned a month and a half ago what U2 was, via this wonderful website....

I decided this past semester, however, that as a music major I really should at least be able to distinguish between 50's music and 90's music. So my friends gave me a bunch of CDs and I started listening. I tell you, I honestly tried to like that stuff. I tried my very, very best. But alas, I can't! It's simply...hopeless. When I turn on the radio and try to surf the stations I inevitably end up wondering how in the world anyone could enjoy that stuff. The stuff just dosen't make sense! Now, I have discovered that I like a little bit of country - that's fun, and I heard a Josh Groban CD one time about a year ago and liked that. :-) But otherwise, I have to say, I just don't like it. So, after my intensive, emotionally charged search, I turned on the classical station. And...WHAT!!! I couldn't believe it....this music was actually pretty!!!! Gosh, at least now I know what I like. :-) And after all that racket I sifted through, I am much less critical of performances/compositions which may be slightly less than perfect. After all, some would argue, it's the soul of the music that makes the difference.

Disclaimer: to all those of you who happen to enjoy music other than classical and country, please understand that I mean absolutely no offense whatsoever. I'm so glad that you enjoy it. And frankly, you're probably better off being able to find musical pleasure in a whole lot more places than I can. If, however, you believe that I may have unfortunately encountered only that music (so called) which falls short of what could be labeled as "worthy pop music," feel free to leave suggestions. I am still game to give pretty much anything a whirl. :-)

Until that time, I...uh...apparently LOVE CLASSICAL MUSIC!!!!

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