Not much use keeping a blog if your not going to update it. I have to remind myself that this blog is primarily to remind myself where I am growing in this new hobby of cello playing.
I've been taking lessons for almost 9 months now. I'm almost finished the first year Grant book my instructor lent me. I am on exercise 138 out of 150. In addition he gives me beginner's pieces to work on. The last two: Budapesto and Song of Thanksgiving, are my first pieces to go beyond first position. I am not sure I understand yet the proper way to shift positions but I am still enjoying learning something new in my adult life.
A few lessons ago my instructor had me work with something called drone music. He said I had a pretty good ear and after a few tries was able to play the C maj. scale mostly in tune. So I have really been focusing on playing every note in tune.
In addition to C maj he had me also learn D maj and the first octave of the A maj. scale. The exercises he has me do: the scale in 2 octaves (except A), in rhythms like quarter-2 eighth-quarter-2 eighth up both octaves, arpeggios, arpeggios slurred 3, then slurred 4.
I've been doing pretty well keeping up with practicing lately. Real life is just out of control for me right now so the cello is like an oasis for me where I can just focus on one thing. Making progress on a new skill as an adult is highly rewarding emotionally for me right now. When there doesn't seem to be many wins in other areas of my life it is good to be able to do this with music. Some day I am really looking forward to playing with other people. A couple weeks ago in church a young gal played the violin during worship. Our church is pretty contemporary/rock-ish in worship. She was really getting it, improving and playing over the melodies. I stopped to thank her after the service and had a chance to talk to her. Turns out she is early 20's, have been playing since 6. Since high school decided she didn't like classical stuff anymore and decided to do more pop-improve type music. Her being there really added to the experience for me. She also is battling cancer. Her name is Kelly if your the praying type.
Thanks for letting me share.
