Chamber 6/16/2010

Hey, a new post! Today was my second chamber meeting. I am getting the hang of it. I am the slowest of the bunch and often am behind on my timing, but I am getting better. Today was MUCHO better than last week -- and I was playing a different cello. My Kay cello bit the dust recently -- needs new strings I think -- so I switched to my teachers cello. Her cello is not quite right -- set funny -- but still sounds good.

Practice 6/14/2010

I practiced for about an hour last evening. I spent the entire time playing through my Suzuki Cello Book 2. My focus is on playing these songs well, and I am seeing very good progress. The more I play through them, the easier they are to play well.

Today, I need to work on my pieces for chamber (tomorrow) and then my lesson on Thursday.

Practice 6/13/2010

Practice today was OK. I am feeling down about my progress. I know I am doing well, but I don't sound like the CD at all. Not that I should at this stage of the game, but I thought I might at the least sound "a little" like the person playing on the CD (slower than actually performed). What I am noticing is that Book 3 is incredibly difficult for me. I can read the notes, and even play them, but I am having trouble playing them correctly. I know this is because I have only been playing the cello for six months, and this is a 3rd year course. What do I do? I don't know. I have dropped back to Book 2, but I pretty much can play these songs properly. I am replaying them, focusing on musicianship/performance, but still, I am getting bored and depressed. I guess I need to just keep working on Book 3 and push through this period, knowing that in time, it will all work out for me.

Lesson 6/10/2010

Lesson was Ok today. I didn't get a chance to practice, but I went any way. I did pretty well, considering the week I have had. I decided to focus on my performance ability, and over the summer, concentrate on playing the cello well, rather than trying to continue move up through the Suzuki performance books. I am about half way through Book 3, and my playing is just so-so. I really would like to play these pieces as they were written to be played. So my plan for the summer is this:

• Review Book 1 and 2 material and begin playing along with the Suzuki CD for vols. 1-2
• Continue to work on Book 3 and listen to the music (without attempting to play it -- unless I feel confident I can do so well).
• Do the same with my Basic Fiddlers music -- work on performance and presentation skill

I think that by focusing on my performance skill now, I will be able to progress much faster once I get into Book 4. It is more difficult to be precise on harder pieces of music. The easier ones will afford me the opportunity to play them well, get enjoyment from the process, and hopefully build confidence in my ability to play in group or solo settings.

Cello Hunt - Update

I think I have finally decided on getting an Eastman 305 cello. This is an intermediate cello, one that is known for it's ease of playability. Though I would like to get a more expensive cello (advanced), this one will serve me well for a while.

I can get this cello at any number of strings shops, but will probably drive down to Tucson and purchase it at Southwest Strings. It is a fair price, and comes with a hard shell case and a Codabow NX. It will be a good next level instrument for me, and should last me a couple years.

Practice 6/8/2010

Practice was much better today. I figured out my issue -- it is my bow. I am using a cheaper bow, and with all my fiddling, I think it is just worn out. I used my old bent bow, and was able to get clearer sounds -- so a new bow is in order. I will wait until I can get a new set -- cello, case and bow. For now though, I am glad the issue was not me! LOL!

Practice - 6/7/2010

Well, I have been off practice now for a few days. My MIL was ill and in the hospital, so I really ran out of time each day (what with hospital visits and taking care of my FIL). She is on the mend, and I am trying to get back into my normal routine.

Today was pretty good. I think I need a new cello. I have wanted a new cello for a while, even looked at some online; but now I really THINK I need one. My cello is just not performing well enough for me, and the more I play it, the worse it tends to sound. At first, I thought it was just me. Now, I am pretty sure it is the cello.

Oh well...until I can afford a new one, I am stuck with this one.