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I learned a version of Young May Moon from a bozuki player that posted his playing on youtube.
great tune especially how he played it.
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I felt like my cello was sounding better, and not just because of the new strings. I just fell like it was going better. I felt more comfortable and confident. Hopefully, it will stay with me.
I like this topic, @ABitRusty.
🐭
The Bumblebee Flies!
Please ignore any typos. My typing ability on a real typewriter did not transfer to these device key pads.
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I've just had a bad week.
Really hate when I let things gang up on my enthusiasm enough to effect my practicing. Think if I didn't have an instrument out, in sight, within reach, I probably wouldn't have played anything at all, especially the last few days.
I've still learned a lot about how I want to approach Flamenco music on the violin/viola. First I focused on individual elements, especially rhythm - important because I've had problems with Clave Rhythms in the past (which Flamenco rhythm tutorials have helped me with). ...and now I have a pretty good understanding of the whole conversation different Flamenco forms present, which are ALL full of expression.
I've revisited percussive bowing techniques - trying them in new situations while also trying to gain better control. Received some 9mm vinyl cap ends today - fit's perfectly over my frog screw so I can actually tap it on my violin/viola if I want to & not worry about any damage.
I usually try to spend equal time practicing music & learning new things from videos, but this last week has been less - sharing/writing about it all is extra time, but it re-enforces what I learn & I hope it's helpful for others who may need a spark to try something new, or renew an interest.
Re-visited the Practice Tactics Thread - especially the OP of the 3 Essential Ingredients of an Effective Practice Session Thread (Brainjo Bites). Also, been watching some great Kerson Leong videos/tutorials - love his playing & the way he explanations techniques & processes!
Wanted to see if I need to stir things up in my practice, but a good night's sleep and another day will probably help more.
Reading about what others here are playing/learning, or just excited about - helps me tremendously. 🥰
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Life has taken some unexpected turns the last few weeks, but I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to play the old hymn "It it well" Sunday night. I enjoyed the opportunity to play it.
Mark
Master the Frog and you have mastered the bow.
Albert Sammons
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Our orchestra began work on Romanze in C by Sibelius and A Downland Suite by John Ireland, and I began work on Sonata in E no 3 first movement Ruhig Bewegt by Hindemith. All three pieces have a lot of accidentals, but I found that if you do the right amount of work on fingering, you can get them to fall naturally beneath your fingers.
However, out of my other half's boxroom and back in my own room, the acoustics are so bad that I sound terrible. Or it may be that using an earplug in the boxroom makes me imagine I sound better than I do. I need to figure this out. That's as close as I get to an accomplishment in that respect.
Andrew
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Didn't do much this week.
I'm focusing on basic double stops, found out some exercises by Roland Vamos (see here for a demo - I have no hope to achieve this but trying is better than nothing).
I also came across a beautiful Sibelius piece for viola and piano. But didn't find the sheet music on imslp, pity. Maybe I'll try by ear/sight. Would be nice to find the piano part as a mp3 too.
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@wtw -
OMG! THAT RONDO IS SO BEAUTIFUL! 😍
Hope you find the score! I'll let you know if I see it anywhere.
GREAT double stop exercise, I really need to work on them, too!
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My orchestra played a concert (Price Andante moderato, Liszt Piano Concerto No. 1, Lutoslawski Symphony No. 4) on Saturday night, and started rehearsing for the next concert on Monday.
The next concert is going to be a lot of slow pretty stuff.
Elliott Carter, Elegy for Strings
Ralph Vaughan Williams, The Lark Ascending
Nothing at all that's technically difficult, which gives me a bit more time to work on solo rep for the next month, and possibly also rejoin UCDSO for their last concert of the season (I haven't decided whether I have the energy for that yet).
Made some progress on writing my own cadenza for the first movement of the Hoffmeister viola concerto -- I think I've got about three-quarters of it done.
I haven't practiced since Monday's rehearsal because I'm still tired from concert weekend (long COVID is improving but still limiting me), and I haven't had a viola lesson in three weeks because my viola teacher moved and is trying to get internet service issues sorted out.
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Not a lot from me! I have practiced three times in one week … but I am in holiday and I forgot my music. Also I don’t think it does me any harm to miss a few days here and there.
Nice to hear what others have been up to.
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thanks for chatting about how things are going everyone! sounds like we all played a bit last week no matter how much.
Katie I think it helps me to take time off from it ..by choice or forced by life. I wont be able to play any till maybe Monday. Ill be able to check in here though and at least blab some about music! have a good holiday. over here we usually take a vacay around the holidays 😁
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I'm revisiting the Bach Double--not a lot of work this week, though. I hurt my (already bad) back--was enjoying the nice weather too much and did too much in the yard at one time (mowing, cutting & moving tree branches, digging for garden, etc.,).
I've purchased a Holstein Baroque bow--I'm enjoying it so far. Different feel, for sure. Liking the string crossings--feels more agile.
Characterize people by their actions and you will never be fooled by their words.
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SharonC said
I've purchased a Holstein Baroque bow--I'm enjoying it so far. Different feel, for sure. Liking the string crossings--feels more agile.
That's SO COOL!
I'm sure I would like one!
Wish it had been available when I was in the market for a new bow - chose my Arcus for the same reasons many choose a Baroque bow.
Want to hear how you like it over time... I still love my Arcus viola bow for both my Viola & my Violin - I've really been putting it to the test lately, but it was pricey.
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T’was a good week for me. I attended a fiddle workshop at an old time music festival, and found myself a new teacher!
I’m mostly self-taught but I have had a few lessons — generally only helpful to a limited degree. In the workshop I was able to observe the instructor’s approach before signing up for a lesson. He focused on specific techniques — just the sort of thing that I need. So I explained to him exactly what I want to learn and he said that he thinks he can meet my expectations. And now I have a lesson scheduled for next weekend!
I have been minorly frustrated with what I judge to be poor progress on some specific skills, and feel like I’m kind of stuck at a plateau. This gives me a good feeling that maybe I can break through to the next level. Yay!
Strabo
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@Strabo -
Woo Hoo!
Always wonderful to hear news like THAT!
Hope you keep us posted on how things go with your lessons - sounds like just what you need right now!
- Emily
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cleaned up and re-organized the "studio" multi-purpose room. Now with a cleaner setup for music. Went to a Bluegrass Jam (got there late and only enjoyed one tune) Next time... Now to practice set my mind to daily practice (even if for 10-15 minuites to start) my drones, chords and see about cross-tuning the fiddle.
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SharonC said
I've purchased a Holstein Baroque bow--I'm enjoying it so far. Different feel, for sure. Liking the string crossings--feels more agile.
I definitely want to look into a Baroque bow too. Some time last year I learned that there's a luthier about half an hour from me who specializes in Baroque instruments and bows, so I've been meaning to visit his shop whenever I have the time and energy for it.
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