Never too late to bow: From cello newbie to recital ready in nine months
Tales from a Cello Newb, Part 2
"The joy of music is not in perfection, but in the journey of creation."
January 7th, 2018: SCOR String Camp This Summer?!
How cool is this...an Adult String Camp for beginners in my neck of the woods.
I miss playing with others and I may never get to the point where I can play at the Interlochen Adult Summer Orchestra session, but I'm thrilled to know there are other fun options. Registration Booked!
March 2018: A Recital? Yikes!
One day during my lesson Dan mentioned his studio performs an annual end of season recital and he hoped I’d be interested in participating. I gulped. Performing in front of others has never been easy for me after the disastrous piano concerts of my self-conscious, introverted youth.
“Do you think I’m ready?” I asked, not quite believing anyone would want to listen to me.
“You will be,” he answered confidently, assuring me that several students were around my same ability level. I would be the only adult student.
“Okay, I guess I’m game,” I said trying to convince myself that was the case. But whether it’s a speech or a musical event, nothing puts me on a mission more than knowing I have to perform.
I kept reminding myself of Dan’s motto, ‘practice makes permanent.’
April 10th, 2018: The Happy Farmer
Hallelujah, I just graduated from Suzuki Book 1 today!!
When I started this cello journey in September last year, I wasn’t sure I could do it given my work schedule, age, ad nauseum...and later wondered if I’d ever play anything beyond Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.
Fast forward after lots of practice this winter, I played a duet with my teacher to celebrate finishing Suzuki Book 1. Lots of work yet to do, but it’s a huge sense of accomplishment.
The next thing I have to conquer is the nervousness of playing in front others. I have a recital in less than two months...two other beginners (who are probably 5 years old), me, and lots of really great players. I’ll be ready to represent for all the lifelong learners out there.
Meanwhile, enjoy “The Happy Farmer” during my latest practice session after doing some Spring cleanup.
May 8th, 2018: Recital Prep
I’m making good progress in Suzuki Book 2...here’s the latest duet I played with my teacher.
This is one of the two songs I’ll play with him. Dan just assigned the other song for the recital in three and a half weeks.
Game. On!
Early Morning, June 2nd, 2018: Reflecting on my Cello Journey
I’m enjoying a quiet Saturday morning with my coffee and visualizing a successful first recital this afternoon.
This nine month cello journey has brought a myriad of emotions because it’s hard being an adult beginner.
I’m thankful for my classmate Vonne for the inspiration to start, and I'm blessed to have a teacher who always says exactly what I need to hear when doubts threaten overwhelm me.
I’ll be the best beginner
my abilities will let me be...
and that’s okay with me.
June 2nd, 2018: ✔️ Recital
My cello adventure culminated by playing in a studio recital, in front of his students (18 and under), their parents, and grandparents (who were my age).
I was a bundle of nerves during the 30-minute drive to Ann Arbor. While the crowd was assembling, students tuned their cellos and practiced one last time out of view from the audience. Since all the other students were 18 and under, I felt out of place at 63. It was intimidating hearing them play so well.
Determined, I decided to own it since I had put in hours of practice over the last nine months.
After my tuning/practice session, I nervously paced the hallway when a woman about my age, and a grandmother of one of the students, stopped me.
“Are you playing in the concert?”
“Yes, I am,” I answered, slightly embarrassed given all the young kids around me.
“I never would have considered taking lessons myself. That’s inspiring.”
I thanked her and mumbled something about hoping I’d make it through my piece without any big mistakes. Then it was time to line up just outside the door in program order, based loosely on ability, entering when our name was called. Two students performed before me so it was nerve-wracking listening to them through the half-closed door.
Then it was my turn.
“Playing ‘Mussette,’ please welcome Deb Sinness,” Dan announced.
Yikes, this is it! I pushed the door open, cello in hand, entering a room filled with clapping family members. Those people who hadn’t seen me pacing in the hallway seemed a little surprised to see a grey-haired student among the field of youngsters. It was a comfort seeing the smiles and familiar faces of my partner and her cousin in the audience. I wanted to make them proud.
I came to a stop near my chair, bowed, then sat down and assumed the playing position.
With a nod to Dan, we began our duet.
Even though I had practiced the piece seemingly hundreds of times, I hadn’t anticipated how I would perform in front of an audience.
Suddenly in the middle of the second piece my left hand started shaking. This is new, I thought freaking out while focusing extra hard on keeping my place and pace. I powered through the song to the end and with relief played the last note. I stood up, took a bow for the clapping audience, and felt a huge wave of accomplishment – I had done it!
It was both nerve wracking and exhilarating. I heard from more than one attendee that they were inspired by my performance, the icing on the cake.
…to be continued
If you missed Part 1, here is the link to the beginning of the story:
So many good things in the few months of studies. You have a good ear, and from your previous musicianship, you have a great ability to play in rhythm and accompanied - those are tough skills. I liked your bow placement for the beginning of your studies and your hand shape. You obviously worked and implemented that which your teacher taught you. The nerves, well, I know that feeling. I played in so many little events - like at the nursing home - everyone loves you there, church, here and there and I still get nerves, but not as much these days.
And then there is the group of youngsters. I know that feeling. I’m the old lady who plays in low strings studio at MSU and I’m NOT the teacher. We all share what we’re working on ever other week. At times, we’re all nervous for one reason or another. But the great thing about it is the exposure, opportunity and the support and constructive comments from our peers of music.
Brava! You really took an amazing and somewhat scary journey and you did very well. I’m so proud of you.
II’m not surprised to succeeded and I bet you inspired more than one person to give it a go! If I only had some of your discipline, maybe I could accomplish some of my dreams! 🤦🏼♀️