"Failure" and violin

[JeffD]

Good article.

Isn't it obvious? She should have taken up the mandolin. Its not too late.

I think such intense training requires an "all or nothing" mindset, but when the "all" is out of reach, there is so much in music that is still available, for the soul if not the pocketbook.

[Tom Wright]

Parents and teachers can be heaven or hell. I am struck by the writer being invited to study with Szeryng. He came once to Chicago while I was playing and it was really sweet, he has lots of heart in his interpretation and presence. Can't go wrong with Carl Flesch, whose advice has not been improved on, even by Suzuki.

It seems clear the parents' decision to decline the offer of study with Szeryng was crushing, and I would have have lost heart, too. Maybe fortunately for me, I didn't have such an offer, just kept up a steady progress toward competence. I had my own crisis, where I found Oberlin dull and lost heart about pursuing classical music. I left college and played rock and roll for 8 years. When I felt I needed a real job, I got serious about practicing viola repertoire and got back into the classical biz. It was my good fortune to arrive in the orchestra scene as it was reaching a new height of interest and funding. It was also my good fortune to have been well taught, with decent instrument and bow (although never an old Italian fiddle) and able to build on my previous technical foundation.

There are no guarantees in life--some of us are lucky in our opportunities, many are not. I agree it is not too late---she knows where the notes are, and mandolin is more forgiving than violin. Even inexpensive ones sound good---good ones just sound better. I enjoy the fact that I won't be increasingly disappointed in my failing tone on viola, instead I can continue to add repertoire on mandolin.

Sayonara, chin hickey.

[bratsche]

Isn't it obvious? She should have taken up the mandolin. Its not too late.

Naah, I disagree. She wanted to be a pianist, and should have been allowed to. Booooo! on her father, for forcing her to play violin instead. He probably didn't want any competition from her.

bratsche

[JeffD]

Naah, I disagree. She wanted to be a pianist, and should have been allowed to.

I didn't think of that. You are right.