R
Retired
Active member
Hi,
Things are improving at last; two violin practices yesterday; whoopee.
Kind regards, Colin.
Things are improving at last; two violin practices yesterday; whoopee.
Kind regards, Colin.
R
Retired
Active member
Hi,
Two more violin practices yesterday 30 mins in the morning 45 mins in the evening; not serious practicing because I was just so pleased to have the violin and bow in my hands but very enjoyable. I could have practiced a lot longer now having the time but my arm and hands started to hurt too much; I'm so tired after constant heavy work in the gardens but now the heavy work hopefully is mostly behind me I'll quickly recover; I've been playing my violins as often as possible but only for short periods.
I've just enjoyed a proper violin practice this morning having to quit again due to hurting too much but another 45 mins is better than nothing and it all helps. The scores I'm practicing from I notice have lots of "D" string notes so out of interest I've concentrated on the "D" string playing against the electronic tuner from open D then E; F & G using three fingers; if I can fully memorize these notes and do the same on all four strings I'm sure it will be a big step forward also I'm learning to sight read because I've got a terrible short term memory and I find it difficult to hold a song in my head so I'm learning to suit what I can do and not worry about what I can't do; the plan is to learn the note positions off by heart so I can play them on automatic and match them to a violin music score; playing the D string notes constantly this morning they started to look good against the tuner many times bang on which pleases me.
I'm getting on top of the heavy work in the gardens; the last job at the moment is digging out couch grass; typical of my luck; I can't just have grass it's got to be couch grass and couch grass is a huge problem to anyone involved with soil; I'm determined to keep practicing whenever I can; I'll wander into the studio again this evening and play as long as I can; sessions are slowly increasing in duration but I play until I can't play any longer; if I only played whilst my arms and hands didn't hurt I wouldn't play at all; fortunately my index finger on my left hand is feeling much better after lots of joint pain; things are improving studio wise so I'm happy.
UPDATE; 2:30pm.
Why am I sitting here when I should be out digging and rotavating trying to eradicate couch grass; I've complained for the last 18 months of very little studio time; since my wonderful wife spoiled me buying me my first ever musical instrument it being a violin I've felled and disposed of 15 huge trees; then came subsidence damage to our two roomed rear extension which I fully repaired more recently I've dug up 8 of the huge tree stumps together with their roots; heavy work has just gone on and on over the 36 years living here.
New plan; don't dig or rotavate the couch grass; let it grow together with every weed wanting to join us; each time the lot reaches around 6" tall go over with the strimmer in little time so now when I'd normally be wet with sweat I'm about to head into the studio and enjoy all my new kit. Sounds like an excellent plan to me.
Kind regards, Colin.
Two more violin practices yesterday 30 mins in the morning 45 mins in the evening; not serious practicing because I was just so pleased to have the violin and bow in my hands but very enjoyable. I could have practiced a lot longer now having the time but my arm and hands started to hurt too much; I'm so tired after constant heavy work in the gardens but now the heavy work hopefully is mostly behind me I'll quickly recover; I've been playing my violins as often as possible but only for short periods.
I've just enjoyed a proper violin practice this morning having to quit again due to hurting too much but another 45 mins is better than nothing and it all helps. The scores I'm practicing from I notice have lots of "D" string notes so out of interest I've concentrated on the "D" string playing against the electronic tuner from open D then E; F & G using three fingers; if I can fully memorize these notes and do the same on all four strings I'm sure it will be a big step forward also I'm learning to sight read because I've got a terrible short term memory and I find it difficult to hold a song in my head so I'm learning to suit what I can do and not worry about what I can't do; the plan is to learn the note positions off by heart so I can play them on automatic and match them to a violin music score; playing the D string notes constantly this morning they started to look good against the tuner many times bang on which pleases me.
I'm getting on top of the heavy work in the gardens; the last job at the moment is digging out couch grass; typical of my luck; I can't just have grass it's got to be couch grass and couch grass is a huge problem to anyone involved with soil; I'm determined to keep practicing whenever I can; I'll wander into the studio again this evening and play as long as I can; sessions are slowly increasing in duration but I play until I can't play any longer; if I only played whilst my arms and hands didn't hurt I wouldn't play at all; fortunately my index finger on my left hand is feeling much better after lots of joint pain; things are improving studio wise so I'm happy.
UPDATE; 2:30pm.
Why am I sitting here when I should be out digging and rotavating trying to eradicate couch grass; I've complained for the last 18 months of very little studio time; since my wonderful wife spoiled me buying me my first ever musical instrument it being a violin I've felled and disposed of 15 huge trees; then came subsidence damage to our two roomed rear extension which I fully repaired more recently I've dug up 8 of the huge tree stumps together with their roots; heavy work has just gone on and on over the 36 years living here.
New plan; don't dig or rotavate the couch grass; let it grow together with every weed wanting to join us; each time the lot reaches around 6" tall go over with the strimmer in little time so now when I'd normally be wet with sweat I'm about to head into the studio and enjoy all my new kit. Sounds like an excellent plan to me.
Kind regards, Colin.
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BTStudio
Well-known member
Hi Retired,
I've been reading your posts and totally understand your struggles finding studio time. I’m still working and with 2.5 acres of property to take care of, tons of projects around the house, and family obligations, it was tough to even pick up a guitar. Around 2 years ago I decided to put an end to all of that and made it known that I would be taking at least one day off from everything each week to use the day for what “I” wanted to do. Mostly that’s recording and beer drinking. Since then I’ve had the time to write a song, record a whole album, record two holiday songs, and continue on that path. Sometimes you just have to put your foot down
Good luck. Guy
Slouching Raymond
Well-known member
Sounds like a plausable plan, Colin. All the note positions will become automatic in time, along with recognising notes on a page.
You're just a lad right now, but someday you'll have to slow down anyway. Its best to be in charge.
I adopt a 'Just mow the lot' policy in my back garden, and that is more than enough work.
Went to a garden centre today, and bought a heavy concrete base for a garden parasol. I've had a mahogany parasol in the shed for 15 years plus, which I've never used.
I just assembled it on the base, and it is so far impossible to put up, because of the force needed to push the big mahogany collar far enough up the pole, beyond the holes
where the metal pin slots in. I think a new modern parasol will be on the cards before summer.
You're just a lad right now, but someday you'll have to slow down anyway. Its best to be in charge.
I adopt a 'Just mow the lot' policy in my back garden, and that is more than enough work.
Went to a garden centre today, and bought a heavy concrete base for a garden parasol. I've had a mahogany parasol in the shed for 15 years plus, which I've never used.
I just assembled it on the base, and it is so far impossible to put up, because of the force needed to push the big mahogany collar far enough up the pole, beyond the holes
where the metal pin slots in. I think a new modern parasol will be on the cards before summer.
Mickster
Well-known member
Ok....I give up. Was trying to ask a question about IEM's in this thread called "Gear Reviews and Questions" and my posts keep getting bumped by a long running discussion about learning violin and garden work.
Ok.....I'm being unreasonable. I know it. Sorry. But you have to admit......this thread has been taken over by a lot of garden work discussion.
Mick
EDIT: Sorry if this offends anyone....really.
Ok.....I'm being unreasonable. I know it. Sorry. But you have to admit......this thread has been taken over by a lot of garden work discussion.
Mick
EDIT: Sorry if this offends anyone....really.
rob aylestone
Moderator
It doesn't get bumped - I just read it, it came up in the list. However - if more people read this, than the IEM one, maybe the mods should move this though, I agree, into a more suitable location.
R
Retired
Active member
Hi,
Not everyone has unlimited violin practice time to enjoy; I've posted my endeavours whilst struggling just to get into the studio; I'm sure there will be many with circumstances similar to mine and if my thread isn't of interest then I'll stop posting and go it alone on my own. No offense taken but it does take quite a bit of my limited free time to compose and add the posts; I'm sorry I don't respond more to other members threads/posts especially when they are kind enough to spare time to reply on my thread; time is precious to everyone. I'm very appreciative of all the generous help; suggestions and advice I've been freely given and take notice of it all but by adding my frustrations I didn't want anyone to think I'm not serious about learning to play a violin.
Over to you Mick; I hope you can obtain what you're after without me getting in the way. I'll not post for a while in order to help you.
Kind regards, Colin.
Not everyone has unlimited violin practice time to enjoy; I've posted my endeavours whilst struggling just to get into the studio; I'm sure there will be many with circumstances similar to mine and if my thread isn't of interest then I'll stop posting and go it alone on my own. No offense taken but it does take quite a bit of my limited free time to compose and add the posts; I'm sorry I don't respond more to other members threads/posts especially when they are kind enough to spare time to reply on my thread; time is precious to everyone. I'm very appreciative of all the generous help; suggestions and advice I've been freely given and take notice of it all but by adding my frustrations I didn't want anyone to think I'm not serious about learning to play a violin.
Over to you Mick; I hope you can obtain what you're after without me getting in the way. I'll not post for a while in order to help you.
Kind regards, Colin.
Mickster
Well-known member
Hey....no worries. I bumped it to keep it going. Not for nothing though....this conversation has evolved...let's say....out of the realm of equipment where it began....long ago. The good thing is that some of you seem to enjoy this thread....which is a double edged problem. If someone posts a diffferent thread here....the popularity of the old thread keeps people posting and bumping the new thread....of course. I'm glad some of you have a great common interest in gardening and the like.....but perhaps it belongs in Prime Time?
And yes....I get it.....if you post in Prime Time it'll surely get bumped by the many...shall we say....more "heated" topics of the day.
Anyway...no big deal. I think spantini gave me an answer in my other thread.
Mick
Mickster
Well-known member
Hey Colin.....no worries. It's not about asking you to stop posting...so don't stop.Hi,
Not everyone has unlimited violin practice time to enjoy; I've posted my endeavours whilst struggling just to get into the studio; I'm sure there will be many with circumstances similar to mine and if my thread isn't of interest then I'll stop posting and go it alone on my own. No offense taken but it does take quite a bit of my limited free time to compose and add the posts; I'm sorry I don't respond more to other members threads/posts especially when they are kind enough to spare time to reply on my thread; time is precious to everyone. I'm very appreciative of all the generous help; suggestions and advice I've been freely given and take notice of it all but by adding my frustrations I didn't want anyone to think I'm not serious about learning to play a violin.
Over to you Mick; I hope you can obtain what you're after without me getting in the way. I'll not post for a while in order to help you.
Kind regards, Colin.
Mick
Slouching Raymond
Well-known member
This thread is called Violin Sound.
Mickster, I suggest you post your IEM questions in an IEM thread.
Mickster
Well-known member
You may have missed my point. I did post my question in an IEM thread to begin with. It kept getting bumped for garden discussions. I just wanted a little exposure so I could get my question answered. As I said...sorry if I offended anyone.
And....this thread is under the forum heading of "Gear Reviews and Questions". An IEM is gear. Conversation about garden work for weeks on end is sorta not.
Mick
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TalismanRich
Well-known member
Hey Colin, it looks like a perfect day for you to sit back in the studio and practice. It's definitely not a day to be out in the yard digging stumps! I'm watching the coronation for a bit, and it seems like a dreary, soggy day. Poor Charles finally gets his big day and it rains!
I almost forgot that the coronation was even happening. It's Kentucky Derby day here, and there have been lots of celebrities, parties. and horse races this weekend. The weather here is absolutely gorgeous, yesterday was sunny and about 78F, with today looking similar. All chances of frost are over, so I've gotten the first annuals out in the front yard, and yesterday turned the dirt in preparation of putting in the tomatoes.
Later, it will be off to a Derby party, time to lose a little money betting on the ponies and eat some food and have some laughs.
Hope your day is a good one.
I almost forgot that the coronation was even happening. It's Kentucky Derby day here, and there have been lots of celebrities, parties. and horse races this weekend. The weather here is absolutely gorgeous, yesterday was sunny and about 78F, with today looking similar. All chances of frost are over, so I've gotten the first annuals out in the front yard, and yesterday turned the dirt in preparation of putting in the tomatoes.
Later, it will be off to a Derby party, time to lose a little money betting on the ponies and eat some food and have some laughs.
Hope your day is a good one.
R
Retired
Active member
Hi,
Many thanks TalismanRich for your excellent suggestion; I've already enjoyed a violin practice having wandered into the studio after breakfast this morning and I'm about to wander in again shortly with a third practice this evening; yesterday I enjoyed three short practices due to aching arms and fingers; I thought I'd really overdone all the heavy work but browsing the web I discover I might have a vitamin D deficiency so now I'm taking Vitamin D3 1000IU one tablet per day; ideally I'd like a supercharger fitted but there isn't a suitable type for dinosaurs available .
I've also washed the car after the Teradactyls latest bombing run.
Picking up the violin this morning I found playing just the D string using three fingers is starting to become much easier; once I'm fully proficient then the flats and sharps should be much easier to learn; now I can get into the studio I'm also starting to feel more at home knowing what to plug in etc; I've got recording gear bought ages ago I still don't fully know how to use also I'd like to learn how to use the laptop in the studio to aid recording; so much to learn but I'm not in a hurry unlike previous practices where I've been acutely aware of time limits.
I'm using my Yamaha YEV-4 electric violin and Yamaha amp which at the moment are my favourites but I have a problem; I've never managed to sort out a shoulder rest to suit me so I've been using a towel folded twice placing this on my shoulder together with a chin rest deluxe leather cover this having a small shoulder rest included so I'm struggling with shifting also the Yamaha isn't the easiest of violins to use with a shoulder rest due to how it's made.
I'm doing my best to master the D string notes E & F these being so close together I'd like to be able to shift my fingers just a bit but with practice it is getting better. It's all down to practicing and today my fingers aren't as stiff which is a bonus. It's rewarding to see the electronic tuner display notes I'm trying for; if I sit in the same position with violin used in the same manner it's starting to come together; another thing I struggle with is very long notes as in Amazing Grace; I'm well aware professional violinists play very long notes using up and down bow without pause so just something else to get to grips with but I love playing in the studio and with playback from the Tascam pocket studio into powered monitors I can hear progress; the Virgin Media technician who adjusted the Yamaha amp has made a huge difference; the squeaks and rough noises too are gone; it's been incredibly hard to gain studio time but now I've broken through at last it only taking 36 years; this year is starting to look good and with summer to look forward to.
Kind regards, Colin.
Many thanks TalismanRich for your excellent suggestion; I've already enjoyed a violin practice having wandered into the studio after breakfast this morning and I'm about to wander in again shortly with a third practice this evening; yesterday I enjoyed three short practices due to aching arms and fingers; I thought I'd really overdone all the heavy work but browsing the web I discover I might have a vitamin D deficiency so now I'm taking Vitamin D3 1000IU one tablet per day; ideally I'd like a supercharger fitted but there isn't a suitable type for dinosaurs available .
I've also washed the car after the Teradactyls latest bombing run.
Picking up the violin this morning I found playing just the D string using three fingers is starting to become much easier; once I'm fully proficient then the flats and sharps should be much easier to learn; now I can get into the studio I'm also starting to feel more at home knowing what to plug in etc; I've got recording gear bought ages ago I still don't fully know how to use also I'd like to learn how to use the laptop in the studio to aid recording; so much to learn but I'm not in a hurry unlike previous practices where I've been acutely aware of time limits.
I'm using my Yamaha YEV-4 electric violin and Yamaha amp which at the moment are my favourites but I have a problem; I've never managed to sort out a shoulder rest to suit me so I've been using a towel folded twice placing this on my shoulder together with a chin rest deluxe leather cover this having a small shoulder rest included so I'm struggling with shifting also the Yamaha isn't the easiest of violins to use with a shoulder rest due to how it's made.
I'm doing my best to master the D string notes E & F these being so close together I'd like to be able to shift my fingers just a bit but with practice it is getting better. It's all down to practicing and today my fingers aren't as stiff which is a bonus. It's rewarding to see the electronic tuner display notes I'm trying for; if I sit in the same position with violin used in the same manner it's starting to come together; another thing I struggle with is very long notes as in Amazing Grace; I'm well aware professional violinists play very long notes using up and down bow without pause so just something else to get to grips with but I love playing in the studio and with playback from the Tascam pocket studio into powered monitors I can hear progress; the Virgin Media technician who adjusted the Yamaha amp has made a huge difference; the squeaks and rough noises too are gone; it's been incredibly hard to gain studio time but now I've broken through at last it only taking 36 years; this year is starting to look good and with summer to look forward to.
Kind regards, Colin.
rob aylestone
Moderator
It sounds like you are progressing. Maybe now is the time to take a steeper step. You have also got your recording facility working I think. If I've followed correctly, you've got the hang of the 'white notes' in the C Major scale, with the occasional F sharp?
My guess is that you will have fallen into a few bad habits, so now is the time to work on these, or your progress will slow. One very common one is tempo. What often happens is that you play pretty much on the beat, but when a more tricky note appears, you will slow down while your brain and fingers catch up. The biggest problem will almost certainly be intonation. You MUST (it's very important) develop your ear to replace the tuner. I don't think any teacher would want you checking intonation with a tuner, it MUST be your ears. They need educating. Muscle memory will gradually tell your fingers where they need to be, and if it's not quite right, which way to go - up or down. This is really vital stuff to learn. Guitarists never have to learn this kind of tuning.
What I suggest you do is play with yourself. Set a tempo to around say, 60bpm. Play C-D-E-F-E-D-C, one note per beat, and repeat. Try to make sure each note is the same length. Start with first note as a down bow, second as an up bow, third as a down bow and so on. Once you have mastered this, swap to playing C, then D on a downbow, then the E then F on an upbow.
Then once this is going well, record it, and then play along with what you played. This will mean your tuner is impossible to use, because you will be tuning to the recording - right or wrong - exactly as you would do when playing with another musician. The recording, plus you live fighting with each other to make the notes match will improve your playing no end.
I would urge you to use the tuner for tuning the open strings, then switch it off. It's vital your ears control your tuning.
Tuning is a skill to learn as quickly as you can. It needs to not be thought about. Next skill is timing. Playing to a click/metronome is not recommended, it too is something that must be learned. 60bpm is an aim, but 55-65 would be a success. Speeding up and slowing down musically is great, slowing down when the next few notes are harder to play is not good.
At some point soon - you're going to need some constructive feedback. Raymond or I would be happy to give an honest opinion, privately. We could both point out what is going well and what isn't. Hopefully, any negative comments you'd already know about. Positive comments would let you know what's going well - but you really need a progress report to develop.
My guess is that you will have fallen into a few bad habits, so now is the time to work on these, or your progress will slow. One very common one is tempo. What often happens is that you play pretty much on the beat, but when a more tricky note appears, you will slow down while your brain and fingers catch up. The biggest problem will almost certainly be intonation. You MUST (it's very important) develop your ear to replace the tuner. I don't think any teacher would want you checking intonation with a tuner, it MUST be your ears. They need educating. Muscle memory will gradually tell your fingers where they need to be, and if it's not quite right, which way to go - up or down. This is really vital stuff to learn. Guitarists never have to learn this kind of tuning.
What I suggest you do is play with yourself. Set a tempo to around say, 60bpm. Play C-D-E-F-E-D-C, one note per beat, and repeat. Try to make sure each note is the same length. Start with first note as a down bow, second as an up bow, third as a down bow and so on. Once you have mastered this, swap to playing C, then D on a downbow, then the E then F on an upbow.
Then once this is going well, record it, and then play along with what you played. This will mean your tuner is impossible to use, because you will be tuning to the recording - right or wrong - exactly as you would do when playing with another musician. The recording, plus you live fighting with each other to make the notes match will improve your playing no end.
I would urge you to use the tuner for tuning the open strings, then switch it off. It's vital your ears control your tuning.
Tuning is a skill to learn as quickly as you can. It needs to not be thought about. Next skill is timing. Playing to a click/metronome is not recommended, it too is something that must be learned. 60bpm is an aim, but 55-65 would be a success. Speeding up and slowing down musically is great, slowing down when the next few notes are harder to play is not good.
At some point soon - you're going to need some constructive feedback. Raymond or I would be happy to give an honest opinion, privately. We could both point out what is going well and what isn't. Hopefully, any negative comments you'd already know about. Positive comments would let you know what's going well - but you really need a progress report to develop.
Slouching Raymond
Well-known member
I'm all ears.
You should hear my cello playing. I dont practice it, but at least the G,D and A strings are similar to a trusty old guitar.
I watched a bit of coronation, and played a couple of synths through a P.A.
R
Retired
Active member
Hi,
You're a gem rob; thank you; yes I agree I've now reached the stage to move on a bit. I've just enjoyed my third practice for today; I'm finding if I practice for about 30 mins each session my concentration copes but much over this I start to lose the plot and my playing gets gradually worse.
I'll now proceed using your excellent advice and I've been wondering what size music file I can record to add onto the open forum; I'm not bothered about looking a fool with my mistakes in fact being open and honest could well help others in my situation; please bear in mind my short term memory is very poor so this isn't going to happen overnight; I'm playing from the scores because I can't remember strings of notes at least by playing like this it should improve my sight reading allowing me to play many more uncomplicated pieces.
Yes indeed I'm also progressing with recording but still need to gain more experience transferring from Tascam to computer; I've done this but it was slow going; I might be trying to learn too much at one go but what quicker way to learn than jump in and make all the mistakes I accept it's going to be a struggle but hopeful the end result will be worth it.
I'll print off your most recent post rob and take it into the studio tomorrow and work with it; I'm helping out with home chores to give my wife a rest she being unwell so tomorrow I'll fit in violin practices between ironing and baking but I've certainly got more studio time at the moment and want to make use of it; it's been a long time coming.
I've played against the metronome so can roughly judge note lengths and as you say I just now need to take a big step and move on. Thanks again rob.
Your cello playing won't be any worse than my violin playing Raymond; stick with I'm in the same boat but with rob steering.
I'm tired again enough is enough for today but if I go to bed and have achieved something during the day I'm content.
I well remember as a child of five years old back in 1953 HRH Queen Elizabeth's coronation which really was something special and I've always regarded the queen with the utmost respect and admiration for doing such a remarkable job for a lifetime; by contrast I've not bothered in the least with today's coronation having no interest in it at all; all the in-fighting and back stabbing in our royal family has been blown all out of proportion by the media eager to report every bit of bad news as they now do daily about so many things. I don't want to start a discussion regarding my views on the royal family otherwise it will end up running on like my gardening problems.
I'll carry on ignoring The British Brainwashing Corporation and enjoy YouTube; my life with my wonderful wife and time with my assorted hobbies violin now top hobby.
I'd sack many more before sacking this guy;
https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/local-news/bbc-radio-york-presenter-34-26856496
Kind regards, Colin.
You're a gem rob; thank you; yes I agree I've now reached the stage to move on a bit. I've just enjoyed my third practice for today; I'm finding if I practice for about 30 mins each session my concentration copes but much over this I start to lose the plot and my playing gets gradually worse.
I'll now proceed using your excellent advice and I've been wondering what size music file I can record to add onto the open forum; I'm not bothered about looking a fool with my mistakes in fact being open and honest could well help others in my situation; please bear in mind my short term memory is very poor so this isn't going to happen overnight; I'm playing from the scores because I can't remember strings of notes at least by playing like this it should improve my sight reading allowing me to play many more uncomplicated pieces.
Yes indeed I'm also progressing with recording but still need to gain more experience transferring from Tascam to computer; I've done this but it was slow going; I might be trying to learn too much at one go but what quicker way to learn than jump in and make all the mistakes I accept it's going to be a struggle but hopeful the end result will be worth it.
I'll print off your most recent post rob and take it into the studio tomorrow and work with it; I'm helping out with home chores to give my wife a rest she being unwell so tomorrow I'll fit in violin practices between ironing and baking but I've certainly got more studio time at the moment and want to make use of it; it's been a long time coming.
I've played against the metronome so can roughly judge note lengths and as you say I just now need to take a big step and move on. Thanks again rob.
Your cello playing won't be any worse than my violin playing Raymond; stick with I'm in the same boat but with rob steering.
I'm tired again enough is enough for today but if I go to bed and have achieved something during the day I'm content.
I well remember as a child of five years old back in 1953 HRH Queen Elizabeth's coronation which really was something special and I've always regarded the queen with the utmost respect and admiration for doing such a remarkable job for a lifetime; by contrast I've not bothered in the least with today's coronation having no interest in it at all; all the in-fighting and back stabbing in our royal family has been blown all out of proportion by the media eager to report every bit of bad news as they now do daily about so many things. I don't want to start a discussion regarding my views on the royal family otherwise it will end up running on like my gardening problems.
I'll carry on ignoring The British Brainwashing Corporation and enjoy YouTube; my life with my wonderful wife and time with my assorted hobbies violin now top hobby.
I'd sack many more before sacking this guy;
https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/local-news/bbc-radio-york-presenter-34-26856496
Kind regards, Colin.
R
Retired
Active member
Hi,
Just when I thought I'd broken through all the hassles I was out of bed at 2:30 this morning armed with torch to visit the toilet then wander down to the workshop to check the consumer unit; everything was dead electrically; the RCD's & MCB's were fine non had tripped so back to bed. We've suffered a two hour power cut.
Years ago a former neighbour directly across the street from us suffered a power cut lasting for over a day; when the electrician finally arrived all he did was to push the main breaker up; the neighbour hadn't pushed it hard enough; his son had tripped it by using a faulty iron.
I now feel more tired than when I went to bed; will I ever fully relax living here.
UPDATE,
I'm now coming round and feeling a lot more positive; I didn't feel up to doing anything in the studio so instead I've just baked a batch of ginger cookies; with these completed I'm now re-reading your kind information;suggestions rob reading them slowly so I fully understand and they are now printed off ready for a violin practice this afternoon; I'll follow your suggestion and tune the violin then put the tuner away. I'll have a go with Amazing Grace but sight reading from the traditional score because I find it virtually impossible to remember more than a few notes and build on this; I'll put in practice time then hopefully add directly onto the forum for yours and Raymond's expert assessment.
This thread so far has been more punishment than pleasure as I've fought so hard for studio time so time now at last to turn it around allowing me to be much more positve.
Kind regards, Colin.
Just when I thought I'd broken through all the hassles I was out of bed at 2:30 this morning armed with torch to visit the toilet then wander down to the workshop to check the consumer unit; everything was dead electrically; the RCD's & MCB's were fine non had tripped so back to bed. We've suffered a two hour power cut.
Years ago a former neighbour directly across the street from us suffered a power cut lasting for over a day; when the electrician finally arrived all he did was to push the main breaker up; the neighbour hadn't pushed it hard enough; his son had tripped it by using a faulty iron.
I now feel more tired than when I went to bed; will I ever fully relax living here.
UPDATE,
I'm now coming round and feeling a lot more positive; I didn't feel up to doing anything in the studio so instead I've just baked a batch of ginger cookies; with these completed I'm now re-reading your kind information;suggestions rob reading them slowly so I fully understand and they are now printed off ready for a violin practice this afternoon; I'll follow your suggestion and tune the violin then put the tuner away. I'll have a go with Amazing Grace but sight reading from the traditional score because I find it virtually impossible to remember more than a few notes and build on this; I'll put in practice time then hopefully add directly onto the forum for yours and Raymond's expert assessment.
This thread so far has been more punishment than pleasure as I've fought so hard for studio time so time now at last to turn it around allowing me to be much more positve.
Kind regards, Colin.
Last edited:
R
Retired
Active member
Hi,
At last here's an example rob & Raymond. I finally got into the studio for a few minutes last night at 7 o'clock and quickly played the notes for you rob; CDEFEDC Then I played using all four fingers and this morning I was in the studio by 8:30 having already done the shopping and quickly recorded Amazing Grace Judy Collins version.
C-D-E-F-E-D-C
Using all four fingers.
Amazing Grace.
Definitely no cheating because I've removed the violin electronic tuner and used sight reading for the Amazing Grace because my short term memory is very poor; this so far is the best I can do and it's raw recording.
I hope all this turns out OK because I've struggled with Audacity having to learn how to use it again.
As usual it's been a rush but taken all morning and now dinners ready. A very interesting morning and no interruptions, WOW.
Kind regards, Colin.
At last here's an example rob & Raymond. I finally got into the studio for a few minutes last night at 7 o'clock and quickly played the notes for you rob; CDEFEDC Then I played using all four fingers and this morning I was in the studio by 8:30 having already done the shopping and quickly recorded Amazing Grace Judy Collins version.
C-D-E-F-E-D-C
Using all four fingers.
Amazing Grace.
Definitely no cheating because I've removed the violin electronic tuner and used sight reading for the Amazing Grace because my short term memory is very poor; this so far is the best I can do and it's raw recording.
I hope all this turns out OK because I've struggled with Audacity having to learn how to use it again.
As usual it's been a rush but taken all morning and now dinners ready. A very interesting morning and no interruptions, WOW.
Kind regards, Colin.
Last edited:
Slouching Raymond
Well-known member
I've listened a few times, downloaded the recordings, and score.
I shall pick over it all, and come up with my observations.
Bear with me.
I shall pick over it all, and come up with my observations.
Bear with me.
Slouching Raymond
Well-known member
Ok, Colin. I've sat down at my acoustic piano (which I had tuned recently), to follow your playing, while looking at the score.
C-D-E-F-E-D-C
I'm hearing: D-E-F-G#-F-E-C#
Using all four fingers
I'm hearing: G-A-B-C#-D-E-F-G-A-B-C#-D-F-D-C#-B-A-A-F#-E-D-C#-B-A-G
Amazing Grace.
It is a little slow for my liking, but I'm not complaining. The score does say 'Slowly'.
You've got a lot right there.
Bars 2,3, and 4 were ok, which end on a C#.
The first bar, and bar 5 are not quite right.
That very first note, in bar 1, is a B, but I think you play it as a C#.
Similarly, although you correctly end bar 4 on a C#, in bar 5 you play two C#s rather than two Bs, before the E.
Then it is all ok up to bar 12, and I noticed you got the rest in bar 9 right.
In bar 13, you do the same thing as you did in bar 5, playing two C#s that ought to be Bs.
It looks like you're playing the two pages, one after the other, straight through.
You're doing that same thing again, playing C#s instead of Bs, at page 2 bars 4 and 12.
The very last 2 notes on the first page, above 'Twas' are B and E, but you play C# and E.
You do the same again, for the last 2 notes of page 2, above 'When'.
So, all in all, you just have one error Colin, repeated in several places, where you don't play the B underneath the stave correctly.
But mostly, you played a lot of it right.
Is it eyesight maybe?
Maybe getting a magnifying glass to check it out, is the way?
I bought a magnifying glass at Boots, the other day, for reading tiny food labels.
Other than that, there's just timing (could be a bit faster), and playing the repeats printed in the score, but I'm not going to complain about that.
You've come a long way. You just need to focus on playing those Bs.
C-D-E-F-E-D-C
I'm hearing: D-E-F-G#-F-E-C#
Using all four fingers
I'm hearing: G-A-B-C#-D-E-F-G-A-B-C#-D-F-D-C#-B-A-A-F#-E-D-C#-B-A-G
Amazing Grace.
It is a little slow for my liking, but I'm not complaining. The score does say 'Slowly'.
You've got a lot right there.
Bars 2,3, and 4 were ok, which end on a C#.
The first bar, and bar 5 are not quite right.
That very first note, in bar 1, is a B, but I think you play it as a C#.
Similarly, although you correctly end bar 4 on a C#, in bar 5 you play two C#s rather than two Bs, before the E.
Then it is all ok up to bar 12, and I noticed you got the rest in bar 9 right.
In bar 13, you do the same thing as you did in bar 5, playing two C#s that ought to be Bs.
It looks like you're playing the two pages, one after the other, straight through.
You're doing that same thing again, playing C#s instead of Bs, at page 2 bars 4 and 12.
The very last 2 notes on the first page, above 'Twas' are B and E, but you play C# and E.
You do the same again, for the last 2 notes of page 2, above 'When'.
So, all in all, you just have one error Colin, repeated in several places, where you don't play the B underneath the stave correctly.
But mostly, you played a lot of it right.
Is it eyesight maybe?
Maybe getting a magnifying glass to check it out, is the way?
I bought a magnifying glass at Boots, the other day, for reading tiny food labels.
Other than that, there's just timing (could be a bit faster), and playing the repeats printed in the score, but I'm not going to complain about that.
You've come a long way. You just need to focus on playing those Bs.