For quite a while I’ve been looking for a project that would involve my efforts for several years, something I would work to accomplish but would look back on the work it took as a good investment.
Well, here it is!
My new cello! (Looks just like it anyway…)
I saw a little note in the newspaper about a violin and cello class starting for adult beginners, and that’s when the lights went on. The class didn’t cost that much for 12 classes, and I could rent-to-buy a cello for a few dollars a month. I signed up, and it was challenging but just the level of difficulty I needed. There are two beginning cellists and two beginning violinists in our class, all gals. What fun.
I had to own one. Three cellos later I am happy with my new solid spruce top model and the British-style hard-cover case that goes with it.
After six weeks of class I’m still struggling with reading the bass clef! I know those notes. I’ve played the piano since I was eight years old and learned to read music early on. Both bass and treble. But when I see a line of music, it just “looks” like treble clef.
“No!” I scold myself. “That is not an F. It’s an A!” There isn’t time for misreading the note, scolding myself, correcting myself, and getting the right note in time to go on to the next one.
I realize it will take an enormous amount of perseverance and patience on my part to learn those notes and where they match on the cello–much less how to draw a beautiful tone from the bow and strings. But I’m in for the long haul. Giving myself two years to qualify for playing in a school or community orchestra and four years to be able to play easy music in public.
JG
