A few years ago, I realized that I was teaching some of the exact same lessons to different students. So rather than repeat myself like a broken record, I figured I’d write my thoughts out somewhere. Then I could kick back in the shade sipping lemonade while my job got done regardless (ha!). Or at least my students could stop falling into the same traps, and we could improve faster. That’s more enjoyable for everyone involved.
That was the inspiration. But I’d hate to have this project limit itself to only that. I decided to call my blog “Advancing Violinist” for two reasons. First, because there’s no such thing as standing still when it comes to abilities. Either you advance your skill or it deteriorates. It’s our responsibility to ourselves and those around us to always be growing.
Second, because I’m on the audition circuit. Auditions take place over several rounds. After each round, you either advance to the next round, or you get cut and you go home. It takes years of dedicated work to consistently advance in major symphony auditions. I’m working to reach that level of audition skill. And I’d love to attract other like minded people to join me in leveling up. A rising tide lifts all ships.
So that’s what this blog will be about — lessons I’d like to impart to my students, and my thoughts on how to approach your full potential as a violinist. I’ll post about violin-specific topics. But I’ll also get into other stuff, like how the brain works and learns. How habits work. That sort of thing.
Let me know what you think! Blogs like this take time, money, and brain space. It’s always nice to hear a little hello, so I know I’m not playing to an empty room.
Eric
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