First Lesson

Well, my first lesson took place the other day and it was a BIG success! I took it with one Laura London, who is an excellent teacher, having graduated from the Cleveland Institute of Music. First of all, we went over the proper technique for holding the cello, as well as the bow. One could virtually spend an entire lesson going over the proper bowing technique, but suffice it to say, we went over the pizzicato scales first, starting with D major, my late music director's favorite key! Lol. But seriously, it was good, having marked on the cello with a pencil the proper place to place one's fingers for the proper scale, as well as where to place the thumb, being marked with a little sticky pad. No, not your typical "sticky pad" per se, but one that would suffice nevertheless. It's all good. Well, then we progressed to a point at which I played through half of 'Twinkle, Twinkle', which happens to also be the first piece in my new book following the Suzuki method. Yes, I'm using Suzuki, as recommended to me by Ms. London. It seems good to me! Besides, I have it on good account, being that of one Johnny-Mac, that this is indeed a good method, as Jonny started in that very same way, as did Ms. London. Like a doctor, she skillfully maneuvered my arms and hands into the right configuration, making sure to note that I needed to loosen up (!). Well, it was my very first lesson after all, and that was all well and good. Perhaps I needed a massage? Haha. Well, no matter. She did not take me up on my subtle hint, but no matter. Maybe next time? Then, we went over the D major scale, after correcting the position of the cello so that it was positioned with the cello resting against my chest, which was supposedly totally correct. Then, it came time for the bow. Supposedly, I can practice with a pencil (or pen?), using it like a mini-weight such that my hand contracts in such a way, similar to that of the action with the bow. Using a pencil will help to build up the muscles in my hand hopefully enough. Then, it's off to the races! Another thing I can do is to use a squishy ball/ tennis ball and use that for my left hand, so that I will assume that position on the cello whilst playing. I will also practice with my hand off the cello, and then coming back to assume the position. With enough practice, I should be able to attach my hand lightly to the neck of the cello and find the right position. Then, eventually I should think I will have enough practice under my belt to find the finger positions without looking. Some such practice is similar to that on the organ when my feet can find the right pedals without looking even. Soon I will be able to play simple pieces, like 'Twinkle, Twinkle', and already I was assigned three, but told to go on if I had mastered those, of course without mistakes et al. I shall practice this evening before choir, I should think, and see how it goes! That's all for now. Like I said, a successful first lesson by all accounts, and looking forward to the same time next week, which will fall right between Christmas and New Year's and a day before my next piano lesson. Good times! Haha for now. Peeeeeeeeeace. -B.