Mandy’S MUSICAL JOURNEY
This is the second in a series of blogs centered around our adult students who offered to share insights about their musical journeys. We asked questions to initiate a conversation and our adults gave us beautiful, honest words and wisdom.
Here are some of the questions we asked…
How long have you been playing? What are some of your favorite songs, works and artists? Any other musical studies? Did you like playing music as a kid, did you take lessons, did that change in adulthood? Was it hard to start with lessons as an adult, -obstacles, challenges? What motivated you and is it what you expected? What keeps you going? What's your favorite thing to play? What would you tell someone who wants to play and take lessons but has hesitations? Any other thoughts?
This August 2020 will mark my second year of playing the cello and I have many favorite songs that I've played over the past two years. My favorite to date is Eleanor Rigby -mainly because my father and I share a special bond over Beatles songs. It was memorable, fun and felt very nostalgic. My part was not advanced, but the song would not have been the same without it. My part represented the passage of time, the hands of time always moving on.
I played violin in the 6th grade, and piano off and on from elementary school through high school. When I started cello lessons with Zac, it had been at least 25 years since I last played an instrument.
Playing violin was very frustrating for me in the 6th grade. I really wanted to play cello, but for various reasons, I was guided to play the violin. I don't think I ever recovered from that disappointment. I knew then, I wanted to play the cello. So, I only lasted 9 months of the school year playing the violin, and then wanted nothing to do with it after that point. I did continue playing the piano, but I wasn't very committed to practicing every day. However, I'm still so thankful I had music in my life. I never wanted to play professionally, just for the pure enjoyment of making music. I'm so thankful that music is back in my life. Now that I'm a grown adult, I can choose my instrument, and of course, I chose the cello. The sound resonates with my soul.
It's funny that sometimes life lessons come back to "haunt" you as a parent. About three years ago, my son wanted to learn to play the baritone horn, but when I saw the rental price, I told him "No, you have to play the trumpet because that has a cheaper rental price." I saw his interest dwindle and fade because he couldn't play the instrument he truly wanted, and suddenly, I was reminded of my 6th grade violin experience. So, we made a few adjustments and changed him over to baritone horn lessons. The more I thought of this experience, I wondered to myself, "Well, why don't you go take cello lessons if that's what you truly want." So, here I am, two years into learning the cello.
Sometimes it is frustrating playing as a beginner adult. You do expect to sound better, but you have to come to a radical acceptance that you are a beginner and that is okay. Comparisons to other players aren't necessary. That's the beauty of adult wisdom! While I'm still a beginner, I'm definitely better than on day one! Also, I found playing with the adult ensemble group to be extremely motivating. I love playing with the group, even if I struggle sometimes. It encourages me to learn faster and try new things that I probably would be more hesitant to do on my own.
As an adult, sometimes I find it difficult to have my brain and motor skills coordinate with one another. It's sometimes challenging to count the rhythm, read music, make adjustments on the fly. It's definitely multi-tasking, but it so good for the aging brain. It keeps those brain cells healthy and active!
I love the sound of the cello and wanted to pursue this lifelong dream. So, I just did it! -Jumped in and started figuring it out with Zac's instruction.
I forgot how challenging it would be to practice after a long work day. My commute is about an hour each way, and then there is life, family, etc. There are some days I'm just tired, and tell Zac, "I'm pooped. I didn't practice this week because work was a bear but here I am! What can we accomplish today?" I'm not looking to be a professional, just to bring the joy of music into my life. So, if there are some weeks where I didn't practice as much as I liked, I just keep going and treat the next weeks as a new opportunity.
Playing in the adult ensemble, I had a challenge with picking out my part in the score. My brain kept losing its place, and I couldn't follow… getting lost every third line sometimes. Zac to the rescue. He printed out just my part by itself so I could focus on my music part visually. Adapt and overcome!
I love that Zac and Joshua are honest with us at adult ensemble. They don't expect perfection, just progress. They know we are at different levels, and they encourage us with positive support and funny anecdotes to make ourselves not take it all too seriously.
I love playing with the adult ensemble. It's fun and encouraging. I've definitely stepped out of my comfort zone in the group, but it's so supportive, that it doesn't feel intimidating.
Music by Tritone is by far the most supportive music place around. It's a safe space to learn. My recommendation would be to bring music into your life and not look back. Keep all of Joshua's advice in the back of your mind! He gives some good life lessons along with musical lessons! Perfection is the enemy of good!