Raising the Bar

Classes, Recitals, and Other Shenanigans

I couldn’t resist. When spots were still open in an Adult Beginner Strings class with my teacher, I had to sign up.

I met the prerequisite of being able to play the Twinkle Variations, although I’m still not quite getting the elbow hinge technique on the sixteenth notes—my whole 45-year-old arm bandies about in defiance of my still-healing rotator cuff injury.

Absurdly, I feel really cool walking down the street, through the doors, and into the classroom with the cello on my back. I sometimes pretend I am a “real cellist.” This is ridiculous, but fun.

I am the most beginner student in the class. I am seated next to someone who played all through high school and is returning to the cello. His review is my Mt. Sinai.

I am keeping up with the class, even if just barely. Thankfully, I can read music and keep time. I cannot yet do an extension or change strings without hesitation and scratching, but—baby steps.

It’s helping me a great deal to play with others who are more experienced. My intonation is slowly improving, and my confidence has increased as I get through pieces without stopping. Plus, it’s super fun to play with others.

My teacher suggested we all play together for the upcoming adult recital. I’m all for it, as I’m in a season of embarrassing myself. My classmates seemed less enthused.

I will, of course, perform a solo at the recital. ‘Tis the season. I’m not sure yet what I’ll play, but Go Tell Aunt Rhody is in the mix. One of my piano colleagues will accompany me, which is hilarious.

As I tackle new goals, I’ve tried my best to stay open to the experience. Ye olde perfectionism rears its ugly head once in a while, but it doesn’t stay long. I’m having too much fun. Almost every piece I play ends with laughter, and it’s such a relief to mess up so much.

Many of the adult piano students I teach are interested in my cello journey. I find I relate better to their struggles now that I’m a beginner again. I’m committing to the recital in the hopes of being an example—we can share music that is less than perfect, and have fun doing it.

In the meantime, I sauntered over to the piano this weekend for the first time in a long while. I played a little Chopin. For a few minutes. Just to see.