challenges so far
Written by Kate
on 20 October, 2006
ok: here are the challenges I am having with violin so far.
I could only afford to sign up for a 30 minute lesson once per week. I have only had the one lesson so far and I am wondering if I will ever make progress that way.
I am scared to use the instrument to practice because it sounds so terrible at the moment and I share my house with two other people.
As a musician, I know that
As a musician, I know that learning an instrument takes a great deal of patience and perseverance. Often it will tax your nervous system and drive you to frustration and madness. That being said, it will also be one of the most rewarding experiences. I have found that teachers typically fail to encourage a particular state of mind in their student's approach to learning. I believe that the student should come to their instrument in a calm and anxiety free manner, devoid of tension, stressing (pun intentional)a lightness of touch. Keep everything relaxed. As with most things in life, music is a state of mind and perspective. What you bring to the instrument will invariably shape the outcome.
As for the frequency of lessons, once a week should be sufficient. The teacher should give the student enough material to keep them busy for the duration of the week. However, in the end the student will get only what they put into it. I believe that beginning students should try to practice for an hour a day.
Music, in many ways is a template for living. We live in a structured, in this case a harmonically rich environment, with certain rules and obligations, yet within this context we are free to improvise and explore the boundaries in moments of spontaneity. Often, we are truly 'flying by the seat of our pants' and improvising as we go along. Good luck with your musical pursuits.