Lesson 5/28/2010

Ok, lesson was good. Funny thing was...I didn't get time to practice much between Wednesday and Friday. We found an abandoned kitten, which took over our entire day and night. I did get some practicing before, so today's lesson went well. I am really getting the hang of playing the cello. In fact, my teacher is impressed that I can play along with her (on violin). I am impressed too -- I never thought I would be able to do that so quickly.

More practice this weekend for sure, and then just one lesson from now on. I am ready to concentrate and meet once a week. She has gotten me to the point where we are really learning new pieces and where I am confident to try just about anything. Oh, she is the BEST teacher ever!

Lesson 5/26/2010

I finished my lesson for today and it was good! I really am getting so much better on the cello. My teacher thinks I have excellent tone -- so do I. I can hear myself now and I sound so much better!!

My new pieces for this week include:

• Rondo by Henry Purcell (Strictly Strings Book 2)
• Gavotte in C Minor by JS Bach (Suzuki Book 3)
• Devil's Dream (Memorize -- Basic Fiddlers Philharmonic)
• as well as and Etude by Carl Schroder

Oh yes, I am also writing an Etude in G Major for Friday (I need to work on that one today).

Overall, I am really so pleased to be progressing this well. I see great improvement each week, and I am coming to love playing the cello more and more.

Violin and Cello

My son is asking me for a violin. He has had one before, twice actually. We still have his 3/4 violin, but it cannot be played (unless you have really tiny fingers). We sold his 4/4 violin to help offset the cost of a guitar. We should have kept that one, but who'd of thought he would change his mind three years later (me -- I should have thought that!)

I was surprised at how well he played the little one last evening. His fingers are too large for it, so it was next to impossible to really play it. But, he did OK.

I will try and find a good used violin for him to mess with -- I don't think he wants to focus on it. He is pretty settled on guitar and piano (oh yes, and drums, and saxophone and now trumpet!) LOL!

Just blogging about our musical interests here...I am still plugging away on cello, while my son is playing every instrument he can get his hands on! God is so Good to us!!

Stiff Fingers

I took Saturday and Sunday off, just to rest my fingers. My third and fourth finger of my left hand is getting stiff. At first, I noticed it just when I would get up in the morning, but by afternoon it was fine. Lately, my fingers are stiff even in the evening. I decided they needed some rest -- so have been off cello for two days.

Lesson 5/19/2010

Happy Birthday, MOM! Just a quick shout out to my Mom, who is having a birthday today!! She is my best friend, and my biggest supporter! Love and hugs!!

Lesson Stuff

Today's lesson was GREAT (as Tony the Tiger says!) I passed everything with flying colors, and even wowed my teacher with my playing of Devil's Dream (a fiddle tune). I did it, I did it, I did it!! Hooray!! I honestly didn't think I could pay it because it is so durn hard!! But, with some perseverance and determination, I did it.

Still working on Beethoven's Minuet in G -- hopefully will be able to play it relatively well by next Friday. Other than that...new piece in Strictly Strings, and another Etude to work on. Good stuff, Maynard!!

Practice -- Stressing Good Form

Practice today was focused on good form. I have been stressing my bowing and also making sure I hold my half notes longer. My teacher tells me that I rush through and play half notes as quickly as quarter notes. Today, I worked on this, paying more attention to holding my notes and trying for consistency. A noticeable difference, simply with a little more attention to detail. Good practice!

Sunday Practice

Practice today was good (again!) I worked through all my selections slowly, paying close attention to the details. Good progress. I think I will do well next week. Not much to report, other than just a good practice, good outcome, and positive experience. I am pleased.