It’s fiddle time

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You know its been a really long time when this sight greats you.

I used to play the violin when I was a kid. I was never particularly good, but I did diligently practise regularly and slowly went through a lot of sheet music. Then we moved away and there was no violin teachers to be had….Phew. My mum would ask me each year we renewed my semesters tuition fees did I still want to continue with the lessons? Yes, of course, I would always answer. Not because I loved it, but because I thought that was the answer she wanted to hear. So year after year I continue to saw away with my violin making dogs run for cover and male cats slink in a little closer as they thought a local female was on heat.

This was the special way I played my music.

Each minute I had to practise as a kid was a drawn out affair. Each minute felt like an hour. With a canny eye on the clock I could miraculously make a whole 5 minutes disappear. Yes, mum OF course that’s been half an hour practise…

Fast forward 20 years and suddenly I want to play again. Well I guess it’s not so sudden. It crept up on me. My thought wonderings would take me to my cast aside violin. The case collecting dust and two decades worth of unplayed music sitting in the corner.

So I got the old girl fixed up, a little violin servicing, and asked the violin maker if he knew of any teachers in the area. I’ll give you a lesson…really? Lets hear you play first…cue screeching cat noise- birds outside fly into telegraph poles distracted at the noise. Small children on the street stop their play, turning their frightened faces towards the house where THAT noise is coming from. Old people adjust their hearing aids, to stop the whining noise.

That’s right people, I’ve taken it up again. Neighbours have been warned. Each practise session I want to try and FIND an extra minute rather then shortening the practise time like before. The Monkeys have no interest in me doing it what so ever, and go back to tying each up and pulling apart the book case. Just one more minute boys, I’ll get dinner really soon…promise.

Four lessons in, and I’m already dreaming of bluegrass fiddle tunes, and emotive gypsy serenades.

First, I just need a little practise time finding F# again…

19 thoughts on “It’s fiddle time”

  3. That fiddle picture really caught my eye this morning! Music making uses a different part of the brain – I have an old classical guitar in the corner of my room, I get it out sometimes and attempt a little number, though I end up with very sore fingers as I am so out of practice. I think that’s great to visit again with your violin, I imagine it must be smiling!

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    • It so does Joanna. It was really interesting to find out out I still had some knowledge of how to play, it had just been filed away and covered in cobwebs (in my brain that is.) My fingers are quite sore on the tips as well. I would love to be able to just pick up a guitar and happily strum away.

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  6. The violin- such a classy instrument.
    Good for you- it is good to dust off our past and choose to do what was once enforced.
    I had years of piano lessons, but very little practice.
    My mother had my sisters and I take lessons at the same time- it ended up in a squabble every time one of us sat down to practice.
    My mother had a florist business (aside from working in the greenhouse from morning til dusk) and just couldn’t monitor our practice times
    Looking forward to HEARING from you, in the future!

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  7. Brave girl, Brydie.
    We have always been big on music in this house and encouraged all 3 of our children to play instruments – however, one term on the violin cured me of that particular instrument forever!!

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    • I think as an adult I have a much better appreciation of the instrument, actually of any instrument. I can imagine it would have been very hard listening to the grinding of the bow when I was learning as a kid, (actually much like my neighbours now I would imagine đŸ™‚
      I think thats wonderful that you have encouraged all of your kids to play something, do they seem to enjoy it? And which instruments do they play?

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  8. Well done Brydie..you make me laugh,,I had this image in my head of all those scattering birds and neibourhood animals…I played the piano and guitar and sang in many choirs,,,and then in adult years sang at weddings,,,however while living over here i only listen to music.Playing a musical instrument is wonderful however,I do agree there has to be an inner voice..for you to enjoy it!

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    • Yvette how wonderful! Would you sing at weddings again in Italy? I think thats a wonderful ability to have to be able to sing. I can just imagine it in some of those gorgeous old churches, the accustics!…

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  9. Well when you find your F# perhaps you could come and show me where mine is on my ‘cello.

    Good on you for taking up the instrument again! I think there can be lots of liberation in learning as a (consenting) adult. In recent years I’ve taught myself bass guitar. It’s a bit tragic, like I’m trying to hold on to some misspent youth that I never actually had….

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    • Still working on the F# unfortunately. Hey want to form a band? You on bass guitar and me on electric violin. Any other ring ins we can find. Skinny jeans and bored attitude are purely optional…”Clutter Hippy’s”…or perhaps “City Punk’s?…

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