WOW! What an interesting week it has been! I was able to pick up my Cello rental from Long and McQuade last Thursday and have begun experimenting with its sounds. I was pleasantly surprised by how beautiful and handsome it is even when playing just open strings! 

After playing around for some time, I decided to jump onto YouTube to seek further assistance with the cello basics. The first thing I needed to learn was how to hold the instrument without it moving from underneath me. Secondly, I had to learn how to how the bow (the part I at one point in this journey referred to as the wand). As of now, I am practicing scales, and trying to learn left hand finger placement! 

I am the type of person that wants to learn the basics yesterday so I can move on to more complex steps. I am finding myself getting frustrated- particularly with D string. After taking a step back, what I have begun to understand about myself is that while I enjoy trying new things, once the novelty runs out, and I am forced to learn basic fundamentals, it is challenging for me to stay disciplined in my practice. I am also learning how overwhelming it is to take on and try to teach myself such a complex skill. 

As I embrace the suck and focus on moving forward (even if it’s inch by inch) I can’t help but appreciate the perspective this cello experience has given me.