I love that idea of taking an I-Thou approach to practicing an instrument. I had a great trumpet lesson recently which I had booked to address some technique-related stuff, but my teacher framed my issues as much more attitudinal: "I want you to reconnect with your love of the trumpet, and work on making it a little more unconditional. Think about it like a relationship—do I really wanna fight about this right now?"
What a terrific piece. And as a fellow practice-resistant, only-mildly-talented musician, can I just say that what turned my practice around was reading a book on brain health (something you know a thing or two about). But the way that author put it was: "The key to brain change is close, serious, highly attentive engagement at a level on which you are continuously challenging yourself," and examples included learning an instrument. So, you're not trying to play perfectly; you're taking care of your brain. As are all the other people in that community orchestra. Just sayin'.
Kind of an eerie piece, imo. May you find your way into it, one practice session at a time. Considering all your successes--college science aside--I'm sure your lungs, lips and confidence will rise to the occasion.
Such an elegant example of the wisdom of digression, when one interesting thing leads to another! An extra wise and graceful piece, with a deeply friendly last line and that bonus of Bach & Yo Yo Ma. Vive la résistance!!! Long live the return to dialogue!
Read this aloud to son Joel on afternoon of Yom Kippur, in the middle of us both a bit light-headed from fasting. Hope that Joel heard the part about imperfection and not letting that get in the way of practicing. All very moving and profound and connecting all the different threads. Well done!! also have seen the Warhol pieces somewhere or other.
Great post! I remember seeing your Andy Warhol performance. (ETA: Although I seem to remember it was at the Contemporary Jewish Museum...)
I'm also an atheist, and I also like that definition of God. It sounds close to what I've been working with while attending Quaker (Society of Friends) meetings over the past year. (Though I've been too grumpy/depressed to attend for the past few weeks :-( ) Most Quakers are Christians, but progressive meetings like San Francisco Friends welcome those of different religious beliefs (or lack thereof).
I also love Peter and the Wolf. Looking forward to hearing you perform!
Thank you, Pax!! Ben Franklin really loved the Quakers, too. And yes, my Warhol show was originally commissioned by the Contemporary Jewish Museum; afterwards, I continued developing and touring the piece.
Thankyou, again, Josh! The key to our survival is this relationship to practice, in my opinion. Looking forward to playing this piece with you and the RTSO in October 2024! RTSO violinist, Sara
I love that idea of taking an I-Thou approach to practicing an instrument. I had a great trumpet lesson recently which I had booked to address some technique-related stuff, but my teacher framed my issues as much more attitudinal: "I want you to reconnect with your love of the trumpet, and work on making it a little more unconditional. Think about it like a relationship—do I really wanna fight about this right now?"
What a terrific piece. And as a fellow practice-resistant, only-mildly-talented musician, can I just say that what turned my practice around was reading a book on brain health (something you know a thing or two about). But the way that author put it was: "The key to brain change is close, serious, highly attentive engagement at a level on which you are continuously challenging yourself," and examples included learning an instrument. So, you're not trying to play perfectly; you're taking care of your brain. As are all the other people in that community orchestra. Just sayin'.
Kind of an eerie piece, imo. May you find your way into it, one practice session at a time. Considering all your successes--college science aside--I'm sure your lungs, lips and confidence will rise to the occasion.
Gorgeous prose and profoundly wise. And I second the emotion as to the magic of digression.
On the downside and doing GREAT!!!
Looking forward to 2024 performance. I hope you see the theme that I see -- the relationship between dropping weight and gaining wisdom.
Even less just about you than usual
Such an elegant example of the wisdom of digression, when one interesting thing leads to another! An extra wise and graceful piece, with a deeply friendly last line and that bonus of Bach & Yo Yo Ma. Vive la résistance!!! Long live the return to dialogue!
Read this aloud to son Joel on afternoon of Yom Kippur, in the middle of us both a bit light-headed from fasting. Hope that Joel heard the part about imperfection and not letting that get in the way of practicing. All very moving and profound and connecting all the different threads. Well done!! also have seen the Warhol pieces somewhere or other.
Lovely, introspective piece.
Great post! I remember seeing your Andy Warhol performance. (ETA: Although I seem to remember it was at the Contemporary Jewish Museum...)
I'm also an atheist, and I also like that definition of God. It sounds close to what I've been working with while attending Quaker (Society of Friends) meetings over the past year. (Though I've been too grumpy/depressed to attend for the past few weeks :-( ) Most Quakers are Christians, but progressive meetings like San Francisco Friends welcome those of different religious beliefs (or lack thereof).
I also love Peter and the Wolf. Looking forward to hearing you perform!
Thank you, Pax!! Ben Franklin really loved the Quakers, too. And yes, my Warhol show was originally commissioned by the Contemporary Jewish Museum; afterwards, I continued developing and touring the piece.
Thankyou, again, Josh! The key to our survival is this relationship to practice, in my opinion. Looking forward to playing this piece with you and the RTSO in October 2024! RTSO violinist, Sara