At 62, a high school music reunion inspired me to take up the cello
Tales from a Cello Newb, Part 1
“When was the last time you did something for the first time?”
– John C. Maxwell
Seven years ago, I attended BHS Class of '71-75 Music Reunion, 40+ years after graduating. The weekend was a magical mix of joyful music making, renewing old friendships, and creating new memories.
I’ve always loved the deep, resonant tone of the cello but having never played a stringed instrument, I’d thought my cello ship had sailed. During the weekend I met Vonne, a classmate who had taken up the cello later in life.
I was intrigued. Could I do it? Could I live in my beginner brain being the recovering perfectionist that I am?
Vonne said I absolutely could. She encouraged me to rent a cello and, most importantly, find the best teacher I could afford.
Here’s how my journey unfolded.
September 13, 2017: Cello Rental
I just rented a cello!
Two months after being inspired at the magical music reunion, I finally have my own cello.
Dan, a highly recommended Ann Arbor teacher, agreed to take me on a trial basis after pestering him for two months. The agreement works for me because I’m not sure I can live up to the commitment of daily practice…or even whether I’d be able to play anything resembling a recognizable tune.
I start my five weeks of trial lessons this Friday. Hopefully this old dog will learn a new tricks.
September 15th, 2017: First Lesson
I admit, I'm intimidated.
Turns out, playing the cello is kind of like rubbing your stomach with one hand, patting your head with the other while you’re running and singing. There is so much is going on all at once.
And reading the Bass clef?!? That’s my biggest challenge.
September 22nd, 2017: Uh-Oh
Who knew you don't tune a cello by the pegs like a guitar? Yeah, I learned the hard way. Thankfully didn't screw up my cello (thank you YouTube!).
We spent nearly all of my second lesson talking about cello tuning, care, maintenance, and trying to master the bow hold.
Being a beginner is hard.
October 10th, 2017: Trial Done
After three lessons, my teacher said I'm a quick learner and we no longer have to consider it a trial basis...and I finally got two new songs that aren't variations on Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, Yay.
October 28th, 2017: Groundhog Day
Even though the first half hour of my cello lesson every week feels like the movie “Groundhog Day”, I have to give props to my teacher for focusing on improving my technique.
It’s definitely more fun to play when you sound better. It’s especially fun to play songs not related to Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. But it’s hard trying to live in my beginner brain!
I’m dedicated and committed, slowly and patiently working my way through through Suzuki Book 1 and out of Twinkle, Twinkle hell.
November 10th, 2017: Semper Fi Devil Dogs
I’m getting the hang of it, and even figured out how to play my beloved “Marine Corps Hymn” to celebrate the Marine Corps birthday!
December 24, 2017: Joy to the World
I’ve always loved playing Christmas carols on the piano during the holiday, so I reached out to Vonne to see if she was game to try a duet with me, even though we live more than 1,000 miles apart.
She graciously agreed and sent me a recording of the melody. I practiced and practiced the harmony. Then I played her recording while I recorded our “Silent Night” duet.
Thank you Vonne for indulging my Christmas music wish!
…to be continued
This is wonderful, Deb! Thanks for including the recordings. Good for you! I was already to ask if you've kept it up, but then I saw to be continued. I'll be patient!
Wow. I listened to the duet and it''s mighty good. Have you continued to play cello?