It was better than being in a stuffy house on this gorgeous day. I took this photo of it with my daughter’s greyhound, Lacy, who was keeping me company out there. As I write this it occurs to me that dogs and cellos have a few things in common: they both like to lie around but if you play with them they come to life. Now, I don't want you to think I am not taking good care of my cracked cello. I have learned that the best way to store a cellos is on its side. My music teacher does it.
My practice session consists of three things. First, I practice the scales, starting with the low C, which is the lowest string, when played open. I play the scale up and down with my fingers several times before I pick up the bow. It sounds pretty good. Then I pick up the bow and play the scales up and down several times. It sounds pretty bad, kind of screechy. You see the bow has to be perpendicular to the strings at all times. This is a little tough to do, but easy to tell if you are not doing it right because you can hear the difference. So there is a bit of trial and error you have to get through to get it right. But, I am pretty proud that at least I always remember to loosen the bow after each practice.
Then there are 2 songs I practice. The first is Ode To Joy by Beethoven. I picked it because it is a classical tune
that I already know by ear, even though after a few times it is pretty boring. But, since I already play both guitar and bass, the
fingering comes very easy for me, especially if it is a song I already
know. The other song I practice is Hallelujah
by Leonard Cohen. I heard a cellist play
this at a Boston Pops concert a few weeks ago and it was mesmerizing. I play it with my fingers first, which again
sounds pretty good and then I pick up the bow and the screechiness (not a real
word) ensues. But I persevere, because -- I know I will get better, if I stay
with it.
That’s all I have to do: stay – with – it. And I will.
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