| Author |
Comment |
bennyt2
Registered User
Posts: 1
(6/19/01 12:10:04 am)
Reply
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Summer Break =
Cello Break ???
I have been playing the cello for nine months, and practice
diligently an hour a day. Since I started, I have never let 48 hours
pass without a practice session.
This summer, my wife and I are
travelling abroad for three weeks. For the first week and a half we
will be touring, but for the last week and a half we will be in one
place. There is no question of taking my cello with us.
Should I
give the cello a rest for the full three week period, or should I be
looking for a cello to borrow/hire/steal during the second half of
our trip?
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DoDahlberg
Moderator
Posts: 94
(6/19/01 3:59:39 am)
Reply
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Re: Summer Break
= Cello Break ???
Three weeks is not a terribly long time if you look at the big
picture. You seem so dedicated but I've found that when I've lugged
the cello somewhere, especially a vacation, I don't play as much as
I thought I might and what I've done wasn't worth the effort. We're
not talking about sneaking a flute into a suitcase. I'm for giving
it a break. Enjoy your time away. You may find someplace to rent or
borrow a cello for the second half; maybe you could go for it.
Decide when you get there.
Dorie |
MaryK
Registered
User
Posts: 642
(6/19/01 10:50:09
am)
Reply
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Re: Summer Break
= Cello Break ???
You could try practicing by visualization, IMO it really
works.
MaryK
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ruthann
Registered User
Posts: 495
(6/19/01 10:57:15 am)
Reply
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Re: Summer Break
= Cello Break ???
Don't take the cello. Too much hassle.
Try bringing some
nice cello CDs to listen to instead. Listening is almost as good as
practicing!
cello_suttonr@hotmail.com |
JanJan2
Registered User
Posts: 173
(6/19/01 11:22:59 am)
Reply
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Re: Summer Break
= Cello Break ???
You could also bring CDs *and* the music that goes with them. I
love following along with the music on pieces I'm either working on,
or even pieces that I know I'll probably never play. It's just one
way to learn away from your instrument.
Definitely leave the
cello at home. Too much hassle. If you find a place to rent and are
so inclined at the time, go for it. Otherwise, relax, have a great
time, and return to your cello refreshed and invigorated.
Janet |
Ellen
G 
Registered
User
Posts: 773
(6/19/01 12:27:41
pm)
Reply
|
Re: Summer Break
= Cello Break ???
I agree with the gang. Give it a rest as far as the physical cello,
but it is amazing what you can accomplish with a piece of music in
front of you. Visualizing fingerings, paying attention to dynamics,
things sometimes we find difficult to do because the actual sound
and shifting and bowing technique gets in the way, if you know what
I mean. And listening to a CD with the music is even better because
you notice things like dynamics, lifting your bow, articulation. I
love the small scores and have a bunch of 'em for Mozart Symphonies.
I ordered a bunch of cello parts for other symphonies. It is
absolutely amazing what you HEAR when you can see the notes before
you. I'd go that route.
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ruthann
Registered User
Posts: 499
(6/19/01 2:05:41 pm)
Reply
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Re: Summer Break
= Cello Break ???
Try the bach suites - get a nice recording and a copy of the music
and knock yourself out!
cello_suttonr@hotmail.com |
Dick500
Registered User
Posts: 95
(6/19/01 2:33:23 pm)
Reply
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Summer Break =
Cello Break ???
Take some music you want to practice with you and, if possible,
CD's of same. Then, when you're listening to the music and watching
it go by, put the fingers of your right hand up on your left
shoulder between the shoulder joint and your neck and VOILA!!
instant "air-cello" neck for you to practice all of your left hand
stuff on (fingering, shifting, vibrato, etc) while the music is
going in your ears and eyes. That way, at least part of your cello
is with you wherever you go.
Dick
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dennisw
Registered User
Posts: 205
(6/22/01 1:21:14 pm)
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Summer
Break
Just bear in mind that when you return after 3 weeks away from the
cello, you will be "out of shape" in a manner similar to any athlete
who takes a break from working out.
Upon returning, you will
want to spend a little extra time with nothing but fundamentals to
bring your hands and ears back to where they were. It's not hard to
do, you just have to do it for maybe the first 2 or 3
days.
Taking a break can have a very positive psychological
benefit, and you really don't stand to lose anything from not
playing for a while. In some cases, a little learning &
incorporation is actually going on in the background, even with no
cello or music present. You don't need to "think" your way to
practicing either. Go on vacation & enjoy yourself.
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