Something about me you might not have known

Yesterday I accomplished one of the goals I've had in the back of my mind for a while -- I got out my viola, tuned it up, and started playing again.  The fingers on my left hand are now feeling the effects of that practice session -- it will take some time before they toughen up so that it doesn't hurt.  I shall have to try to play again soon, in spite of the hurt!  Daily would be good, if I can make myself take the time to do it.

I've been playing viola since 8th grade, and before that, violin, starting in 5th grade.  I played all through high school and some in college, but I didn't own my own intrument until a few years ago -- I just used what was available at the school.  My folks had a violin that I used sometimes, but once you have played a viola, which is bigger and richer, it's hard to go back to a violin!  When the opportunity arose to buy a used instrument from a friend, I jumped at the chance.

I've included a picture of my instrument that I took with my cell phone, then doctored up so it was viewable.  It's not a great picture, though; I'll have to take another sometime with a better camera.



A couple of things I learned in my practice session were:

• That I still know how to play and I wasn't half bad, either --  I was a bit squeaky, but part of that is my bow, which either needs new hair  or to be replaced altogether, because it doesn't grab the strings properly,  no matter how much rosin I put on it
  
• That I still know how to transpose music on the spot, by sight, playing in a key that is different than what is written -- which is always the case unless I have music written especially for viola, because it uses C clef -- go me!
  
• That I have really missed playing
• That in order to avoid squeaks I have to play boldly -- even if I am shy about other people in the apartment building hearing me, including my family
  
• That I need to invest in a new bow that is longer and loosens/tightens as it should
• That I need a wider range of sheet music for practicing

My next goal for my viola playing is to listen to all the Gondor themes from the Lord of the Rings soundtracks and pick the music out by ear on my instrument.  That will be fun!  Bet it will sound cool, too, even if I squeak!