That is, I don't want to sound and look like a complete newb after a year of playing cello! Although I still have 2.5 months before my time frame is up.
Looking at my very first recording to my most recent video, I have to say that I have tangible proof that I've improved - though I haven't gotten out of the "beginner-newb" category yet! :). I've definitely learned a lot and am really enjoying playing and learning about the cello. I'm also satisfied with my progress, but it's not as quick as I hoped, but it is what it is...
My other goal was to finish Suzuki Book 1 in one year, but I don't know if I can have the last four pieces (Rigadoon, Etude, Happy Farmer and Minuet in C) completed in time (February 23rd). It'll be cutting it close if I work hard at it.
My first video (4/30/2011): My Twinkle Recital (after 6 Lessons)
There are so many things I'm doing incorrectly. Wow, Adam definitely had his work cut out for him! At this point, I always wonder how / where a teacher starts because there is just so much to fix!
I added my objective critique to the video. Wow...terrible! Although, I guess the worse I am in the beginning, the more improvements I can make! LOL! :).
Most recent video (12/31/2011): Andantino (after 38 lesson)
I think I look more relaxed, I sound better and am able to use a different bowing technique! Yaay! :). I didn't add my critique to the video since I'm still working on it and I don't know it well enough to review it very well. Though I don't feel comfortable with this bowing yet and I don't like how I sound in this video. I think I'll add my critique next year, that way I have something to compare it to.
I have to admit, I'm really happy that I recorded my progress, especially since at times I felt like I was just spinning my wheels and not going anywhere.
I was also recently reminded that I didn't know how to read music and now I do! Well for the most part - I can read notes on the staff, but I'm still working on learning how to read/interpret timing and rhythm.
Not bad for starting as an adult and not having any previous instrument experience! Ha! :D.
Goals for 2012:
- Stop worrying about how far I get in the Suzuki book and focus on getting each piece polished, getting them memorized and learning the technique - after Book 1 of course! ;).
- Learn vibrato
- Learn 2nd & 4th position better and practice it consistently
- Be able to have consistent good intonation for 1st position - this should become second nature
- Start playing more improvisation
- Learn how to transcribe songs
- Learn how to do jazz pizzicato on cello
- Start playing with other musicians
- Do some ear training
- Practice shifts and extensions daily - I hate practicing these, I tend to avoid these because I'm not very good at this!
- Focus on 1 or 2 pieces, instead of 3-4 pieces and other misc projects at the same time! Focus on assignments given and not what I want to work on or skipping ahead. I've discovered once I finally get to the piece I'm already bored with it because I worked on it before and its no longer fun and exciting!
If I do 9 out of 11 goals, than I think I'll have met my goal for 2012.
Hmmm...I wonder what I can use as a carrot ...oooo....I know.. a really nice pernambuco bow!!! That'll keep me motivated! :).
Hmmm...I wonder what I can use as a carrot ...oooo....I know.. a really nice pernambuco bow!!! That'll keep me motivated! :).
Here's to more progress and learning to play the cello in the new year!
