DonR Posted June 9, 2013 Report Share Posted June 9, 2013 I have played the violin for a few years strictly on a recreatonal basis. But a time came when I felt I had to step back and try to decide on how far I've come and what I might expect for the future. I became my own critic. Well, I decided that I did not like what I was hearing and the key word was "sloppy". I've had some successes along the way playing for other people or in a group so I hoped some work on basic techniques would help a lot. I adopted a policy of "zero defects". Whenever I hit a snag while playing/practicing a piece, I made it a big deal to understand the problem and work it out during practice. I may have spent a few practice sessions just focussing on minor details. I practically came to a halt from dealing with all my flaws. By being so fussy I found that I really couldn't play anything anymore! This went on for several weeks and I seriously wondered if I would ever survive as a violin player? About the 3rd week I started a usual practice session and somehow, all my issues seemed to come together. I had definitely hit the "next level" almost like a lightning bolt. I know that I have never sounded better but even that leaves me as an "average" player who is now better to listen to. Actually, I am mostly impressed at what was achieved when I "raised the bar" and stuck to it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rue Posted June 9, 2013 Report Share Posted June 9, 2013 Congrats! It's hard to self-discipline successfully and not get discouraged. I'm glad you're finding a way to improve and move forward! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephen Fine Posted June 10, 2013 Report Share Posted June 10, 2013 I think technical development often comes in the form of "breakthroughs" (rather than as steady progress). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AtlVcl Posted June 10, 2013 Report Share Posted June 10, 2013 ^^^ what he said! ^^^ Seriously, teachers and (successful) students know that progress does not happen in a straight line, and usually not overnight either. (In fact I have a cartoon somewhere on my hard drive that exactly illustrates the point, but I have no idea how to display it here for you). You didn't ask for advice, but just because I'm "one of those kind of guys" I'll give it to you anyway: 1) Remember that playing a string instrument well is very difficult, and requires years and years of dedicated practice, and 2) Keep in mind that you do it for pleasure. If it sometimes seems more like work, at least your livelihood doesn't depend on it (and if it did, you wouldn't necessarily enjoy it all the time!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonR Posted June 10, 2013 Author Report Share Posted June 10, 2013 I indeed have been a student of "step function" learning back to the time when text books called that "incubation" and that understanding has been almost more important than the violin itself. My recent progress has only been the result of several learning curves (steps) happening at about the same time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rue Posted June 21, 2013 Report Share Posted June 21, 2013 Adult learning/teachign is also an interest of mine...love the graphs! LOL... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amaranthine Posted March 21, 2014 Report Share Posted March 21, 2014 the graphs are so true! me also an adult violin learner. everyday I try to believe and keep continue practice, even when I face a down time.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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