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Post by Hexspa on Jul 8, 2017 7:41:52 GMT
I started on the violin. Ethan plays the cello. This documentary is enjoyable, hence shared. Thanks.
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Post by rock on Jul 8, 2017 18:08:37 GMT
Hey, that's great! Go for it! I started fiddling around with violin a quite a few years ago when my 8 year old son took lessons for about 3 years (he's 21 now and plays guitar). I sat in on all his lessons and picked up many pointers even though I never formally took lessons myself (I still might).
Not to discourage you but starting violin as a kid gives one a huge advantage. I think the kinesthetic memory training at an early age is the key. What I have noticed is the ability to finger the note EXACTLY is tricky. I mean hit it SPOT ON the first time and not have to correct it or slide into it. I have never tried cello but my kids teacher mentioned to me that adults have an easier time picking up the cello. I would believe this is true for the reason that since the string is longer, there is a little more room for error when it comes to intonation. Another possible reason is probably posture, again I never tried the cello but I do know proper violin posture is pretty demanding.
But hey, I would encourage anyone to try, why not? I totally suck at it as my friends and family say I should quit, but I refuse to listen to them. I'll quit when I quit having fun!
Cheers, Rock
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Post by Hexspa on Jul 8, 2017 22:01:45 GMT
lol, rock I meant violin was my first instrument. I only played for two years but watching that brought back memories. Sometimes I forget. Thanks
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Post by Hexspa on Jul 8, 2017 22:10:23 GMT
Here's a video of an adult female showing two years of progress: www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaugRxMz7tw It's an interesting point about being young and learning things. There's something to it, for sure. Even 8 years old is old when considering the ideal time frame for early-childhood learning. I started violin at 7 but immediate immersion before and after birth - especially prior to age 4 - is what I understand to be best if considering that window. But, like you say, old dogs can learn new tricks. In my experience, the main things to overcome are bipolar mental hurdles like, "I'm too old," or "I'm too good for this," etc. There's also making time and sinking in endless effort into something with potentially little social or economic value - thing adults tend to prioritize. I was just glossing over a book called Deep Work (which I don't recommend) and it says that conditioning finds other ways to undermine your success. If you habitually do "shallow work" i.e. the kind that doesn't require extended, intentional focus, you can actually limit your potential of deliberate practice. I guess it all comes back to the malleability of the brain, myelin and mental habits. But I'll be the first to admit I don't really know much about this topic other than what I've picked up in passing (which is probably the worst way to learn anything). Thanks.
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Post by rock on Jul 9, 2017 17:04:15 GMT
That video is really inspiring! So yes, I agree it can be done! Now on the other hand, and this may sound contrary, but I do notice the violinist in the video is still relatively young at 24 so I think the issue is not black and white but, as with most things in life, are a combination of factors.
Actually, (and this may be just me) I think the physical thing is the biggest limitation. I feel that when you play and instrument your entire life, or at least for a long time, your body and posture adapts and in contrast, as we age, certain joints and muscle groups don't have the flexibility. So the older you are, the harder you may have to work to achieve the desired result...and again, I imagine other factors are at play as well. That at least is my experience. I think with diligent daily practice, even this can be overcome but I think certain instruments may lend themselves better or worse to certain body sizes and types.
But I absolutely agree that with a positive attitude and consistent effort, progress and success are possible at any age. I'm glad to hear you have violin playing experience as a child so right off the bat, I think you have an advantage and I think you'll do just fine...so play on!
Cheers, Rock
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Post by Ethan Winer on Jul 9, 2017 17:28:45 GMT
This movie looks great, but it's too much to watch on my computer. So I'm saving it as an MP4 file and I'll watch it in on the big screen later. Thanks for the link Hex.
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Post by Ethan Winer on Jul 9, 2017 17:43:51 GMT
When I was learning the cello I wrote this article about my approach. I've received a lot of praise feedback from people over the years, so maybe others will find it useful: Learning the Cello as an Adult
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Post by rock on Jul 9, 2017 19:00:07 GMT
Great article! I agree with importance of bowing. My kid's teacher did stress that and said that it was more important than fingering, which seems hard enough. I heard an anecdote about some famous accomplished violinist who was know to practice bowing open strings for hours (I imagine he practiced other stuff too). But the point being bowing is a much bigger deal than most people know.
Cheers, Rock
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Post by Hexspa on Jul 10, 2017 2:59:30 GMT
Great article! I agree with importance of bowing. My kid's teacher did stress that and said that it was more important than fingering, which seems hard enough. I heard an anecdote about some famous accomplished violinist who was know to practice bowing open strings for hours (I imagine he practiced other stuff too). But the point being bowing is a much bigger deal than most people know. Cheers, Rock I've heard that mentioned about guitar too that the picking hand is more important. It fits in with another oft tossed about axiom that rhythm is the most important element in music. I don't know whether that's true but dancing and singing are important to people and both are at least assisted by some kind of rhythm.
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Post by Ethan Winer on Jul 11, 2017 20:59:45 GMT
Yes, I practiced bowing open strings for hour too. It really helped! But starting the cello in my 40s was just to late to ever get to a truly professional level.
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