It’s that time of year. All my teacher friends are gearing up for the new school year. All my colleagues with kids in school are scurrying to get the school supplies and fall fashions in time for the first day of school. And then there are my best friends who are wondering (along with me) where the last 6 ½ years have gone as they get ready to send their oldest daughter to first grade.
Even without all these telltale signs of the end of summer, I could tell it was back to school last night at my guitar lesson.
Most of you know I started classical guitar lessons a little over a year ago. Lots of days I still sound like an 8-year old trapped in the body of a 30-year old. But this little adventure back into the world of music has made my heart sing.
Over the summer, my lessons have focused on improving and increasing sensitivity to the musicality of my playing—tone, dynamics, expression, etc. While first a little torturous (it’s a little vulnerable to work on that stuff sometimes), I’ve really grown to enjoy it and can see some progress.
Even without all these telltale signs of the end of summer, I could tell it was back to school last night at my guitar lesson.
Most of you know I started classical guitar lessons a little over a year ago. Lots of days I still sound like an 8-year old trapped in the body of a 30-year old. But this little adventure back into the world of music has made my heart sing.
Over the summer, my lessons have focused on improving and increasing sensitivity to the musicality of my playing—tone, dynamics, expression, etc. While first a little torturous (it’s a little vulnerable to work on that stuff sometimes), I’ve really grown to enjoy it and can see some progress.
Last night at my lesson however, we rather abruptly switched back into technique and music theory. Chord memorization. Chord theory. Major. Minor. Inversion. The classical model.
Whoah! What happened to making the listener feel something? Who cares about an A minor chord with an inverted C...or whatever!
Just kidding.
I love learning, especially learning more about the nuts and bolts of music that will unlock with greater frequency the ability to express myself with music.
Just kidding.
I love learning, especially learning more about the nuts and bolts of music that will unlock with greater frequency the ability to express myself with music.
4 comments:
I'm still waiting to attend that elusive recital.
and speaking of time flying by, I believe you started lessons in January 06...that would be almost two years, not just over one!
your faithful follower (lame, I know, but I tried)
: )
My first lesson was in March 2006...so just about a year and a half. Time flies! I hope you can hear some progress. ;-)
I'll play for you guys anytime--as you know! I am now thinking a "group recital" is in order!
I'm down with a recital, my erhu skills are not quite ready yet though. I'm feeling the wierdness of going back to "school" also. I forgot how hard it is when you first start learning an instrument! So much to think about!
Please consider your out-of-town friends when scheduling your recital. I'll plan to bike in.
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