Thanks. Have to get in all I can. After he graduates from the community college, I doubt he will be around here to finish up. He graduates Spring 2020.

Yep, @ABitRusty Sometimes two weeks between lessons on a rare occasion gives me time to hone what I have learned. There were times with previous instructors where they cancelled and wanted to have it another day. I always declined because that rescheduled lesson will be too close to the next week’s scheduled lesson. I know the that last instructor just did not want to lose the lesson money. If they cancel, I put that week towards the next month. If I cancel, I take the loss. Rescheduling a lesson with only 7 days between lessons does not work for me. I need that week. As mentioned, I use the extra week due to a cancelation to hone the previous lessons. It actually helps, so when an occasional lesson is canceled, it is not a big deal; but when lesson after lesson for over a month is canceled, as in my previous instructor, that was an issue.

Unfortunately, today was a bummer. I had to clean and move things back into my kitchen. Then we had to go to another non-local store to get one cabinet because the local store of that chain only had one of that one cabinet and I needed two. That was the entire afternoon shot. No cello today, I am afraid. On the bright side (always find the bright side), that sonata had been going through my mind all day. Maybe it will have helped me with intonation when I get my cello out tomorrow. 😁

@ABitRusty Are you learning on your own? Is it due to time constraints on your end that you have not had been able to play your cello? Or is it you don’t feel you are getting anywhere? 

In rereading your post, I think you mean you have only had 30 minutes to play between lessons? Not to worry. I have had that happen. There are always things to learn in the lesson. I just tell my instructor, “I hope you have ear plugs because I am going to have issues. I did not get a chance to practice much this week.” This way the instructor knows and we just review the last lesson. So, feel free to steal that. It really makes it easier. That happens to everyone.

When I had the long stretch this past Winter because my instructor had a two week school music department trip, then when he got back, it was the day we flew to CA. Then we came home sick and I had to cancel 2 lessons after I got home due to sickness. When we finally were able to restart, my husband told Chris, “I hope you had a tetanus shot.” He asked why. My husband said, “It’s been a while. She is kind of rusty!” LOL It was so funny! He was only joking. 

If you can, listen to cello music to keep you in the mood and get your juices flowing.

GregW said
I was talking about fiddle.  I don't own a cello.  I do have a fiddle instructor..its just been a couple weeks since lesson and really much of any practice/playing.  Just stuff requiring my attention.  Thinking after this weekend I can get back into the swing of it.  Sorry I derailed your original post @Mouse  with my practice woahs.. and thank you for the encouragment!  

@ABitRusty 

Don’t worry about it. If I had any part in encouraging the practicing or playing of an instrument, that pleases me. I love music. I think that is why I feel a compulsion to post my cello lesson thoughts and experiences. It is applicable to pretty much any instrument. Feel free to include your thoughts and comments in any post. I will try to remember you are referring to the fiddle, but will have to be undoubtably reminded over and over. 😂

It is hard to get back “into the swing of it” after being away. 

I found a place in my house I probably could play my cello without being in the livingroom. The problem is that I would not be able to keep my music stand, chair instrument, bow and accessories there when not using them. That would keep me from playing. I have decided to continue as I am. There is just my husband and I now, so it does not really interfere with anything or anyone where I currently do it.

So, make it as easy and enticing as you can to just get out your instrument and “fiddle” around. I think you will play more. Pick a song or some technique, and a reasonable time frame for a goal, and just challenge yourself. 

When I get into a real slump, haven’t since I got this new instructor, I would remember what it was like before I had the opportunity to start learning string instruments, and my inability to do so when younger; and I think how much it means to me and my desire to be able to just pick up my instrument and play with some level of quality that does not wreak of “still learning”. That would get me to get my instrument out and reintroduce myself to it. That did happen quite a bit before I found this cello instructor because there was no encouragement or progress happening before. Hope this helps you and anyone else jump back on the “orcherstra” wagon (don’t recall strings bring in a band) and continue playing.

I hope you can. If there is an issue finding one, I would put an ad in the local paper saying you are looking for one. There may be someone less than an hour away who plays cello and is able to teach it to you. Also, ask friends and family to put out feelers for you. You never know where you can find one. Whatever, even if you can’t find one, do what you can on your own. There are many videos. Many deal with specifics of holding the cello and bow, and bowing. Best not to get any bad habits, so they will help prevent it.