A Dream Come True: I’m Taking Violin Lessons
As a kid I played the clarinet in the school band. I never really liked the instrument. I really wanted to play the drums. So I taught myself the drums and continued with the clarinet in the school band for many, many years. Why? Probably to please my mom. Anyway, besides the drums, I’d always been interested in the beautiful sound of the violin.
About a year ago I started looking for a beginners class. None of them fit my schedule. Then a very cool organization called A Far Cry set up in my neighborhood of Jamaica Plain. A Far Cry is a self-conducted orchestra of very talented young musicians who have rented a storefront on the main drag of Jamaica Plain. Here’s a bit more about them:
Hailed by the Boston Globe as “one of Boston’s most promising classical music groups,” A Far Cry is making waves, experimenting with how music is performed and heard. A tightly knit group of 16 young professional musicians, A Far Cry formed in early 2007, seeking the freedom and flexibility of a string quartet as well as the power and beauty of an orchestra. Operating with rotating leadership and no conductor, A Far Cry is generating interest not only in the concert hall, but also with its innovative model. All artistic decisions are made by vote as a collective, and the musicians take care of all the behind-the-scenes work, from booking concerts to designing programs.
I contacted A Far Cry to see who was teaching violin. As of last week, I rented a violin (from Rayburn’s in Boston), found my violin teacher (who lives and teaches just a block from me!) and took my first lesson. It’s $60/hour and she’s a pro. She’s playing at Lincoln Center next week. It’s funny, my violin is a factory-made product probably constructed in the last year or so. Hers is from the the 18th century.
I am completely new to stringed instruments and I’m finding that getting the bow hold right is the most difficult part. But I am so excited about my new endeavor. I love practicing. I didn’t love practicing clarinet. I’ve waited a very long time, but I’m finally doing it.
August 3rd, 2009 at 10:16 am
Great post! I’ve always wanted to learn the violin!
August 3rd, 2009 at 11:10 am
Really??! You, too? Cool. We will have to talk about it more.
August 3rd, 2009 at 12:23 pm
Rhea,
This is good news!
Hope that you have seen The Red Violin. It the soundtrack that captured my heart etc. for a lifetime. If not, please rent the film – it should be destined for a classic. Either movie or CD will keep you inspired. It takes time for mastering the basics – keep with it – I have a sense that this will bring you a true sense of peace.
August 3rd, 2009 at 12:28 pm
Superb! As a bassist/guitarist, I welcome you to the world of strings!
August 3rd, 2009 at 12:29 pm
Linda,
I will rent The Red Violin. Thanks for the suggestion!
August 3rd, 2009 at 12:53 pm
Oh, so you play, Suldog. Strings is a whole ‘nother thing to me.
August 3rd, 2009 at 3:56 pm
That’s brave… Speaking as the mother of children who variously played the piano, violin, cello, guitar, clarinet, flute, saxophone and trumpet I can tell you that listening to a beginner clarinetist is by far the most unpleasant.
So either you were pretty good or your mother was very long suffering.
August 3rd, 2009 at 4:22 pm
You’re right. Clarinets squeak like crazy when you don’t know what you’re doing.
August 3rd, 2009 at 7:04 pm
Begging your pardon, but I can’t help but think of the old joke.
Patient – Dr., will I be able to play the violin?
Dr. – I see no reason why you won’t be able to play.
Patient – That’s great, since I could never play before…
August 3rd, 2009 at 8:30 pm
Excited to hear about your new adventure! Violin seems like another level of intensity beyond guitar. No frets either, right?
August 3rd, 2009 at 8:39 pm
Emily, that’s one of my favorite jokes.
Pete, no frets! All guesswork, I guess.
August 4th, 2009 at 8:49 am
Good for you!
August 4th, 2009 at 9:02 am
Another dream come true! You go girl!
August 4th, 2009 at 10:23 pm
That is very cool. I hope to do that in the very near future, after 40 years of playing piano. It will definitely be a change!
August 5th, 2009 at 2:38 am
I played the violin once but gave it up. Now I just play my I-Pod and sing along (out of tune, of course.) My favorites were the Sandor beginners’ books. Does your teacher have them or know about them?
August 5th, 2009 at 11:30 am
I have a book that says it’s for violin for ‘absolute beginners’. Not Sandor. But I will look into those.
August 10th, 2009 at 7:38 am
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