In many areas of my life these days I've had to adjust my goals. An unexpected half an hour of quiet time while the monkey sleeps outside the local Waitrose that coincides with having three-quarters of a latte left? Absolutely brilliant.
In cello terms, the first eight bars of the Bach Prelude sounds more like music and less like hesitant chicken scratching through unfamiliar fingerings? WIN.
Even though I talked up my 15 minute practice sessions, I had a voice in the back of my head saying, 'yeah sure, it will take you three years to get anywhere'. And yes, it will take me a long time, but changing the finish line helps with that. I sat down with the first 16 bars of the Prelude today (In the Night Garden on mute for monkeypants) and those first eight bars I have been working on floated by. For the first time I was thinking about things other than 'holy crap I hate this string crossing'.
And I experienced that little frisson you get playing those opening bars of the Prelude that feels like every cellist in the world, past and present, is sitting in your chair with you. I love that.
Michelle
22 March 2012 at 9:14 pm
Just wanted to leave you some encouraing words. Your blog has helped me so much. This is where I am in my playing. I am trying my hardest to get this one down. I have played for 25 years with a long 15 year break in between, picked my cello up two years ago, and this is where I find myself wanting to play. I have learned the easy, on with the hard. Funny how Yo-Yo Ma makes this prelude look easy. You have to love the man’s passion and dedication. I wish you well on your mastering this one. I’m still not to 8 notes in a bow on this one. 4 is what I am practicing with now. I wish I had other cellist to play with, however I’ve had fun teaching myself.
Erin
23 March 2012 at 12:01 am
Thank you! I haven’t been able to play for awhile now unfortunately, my son is now two-and-a-half and it’s just not feasible. I’m hoping to get back to it soon as my fingers are itching.
Have you thought about a few Skype lessons? They really kept me going when I wasn’t able to commit to regular private lessons at home or at a studio. Emily Wright is great for that if she’s doing it right now (http://emilywright.net/) and she is not judgemental and a lovely person to boot. I highly recommend having a couple sessions with her to get you over a sticky place.
Keep at it and I hope to be back at it soon too!