I don’t know if I ever told you this, but when I was a little girl, I played the violin. I started playing in fifth or sixth grade and I played for about 2-3 years.  One summer, I even got to go to music camp. That environment was very inspiring.  But I always struggled to practice because I saw practicing as such a job.

I was into acting too, and finally abandoned the violin and music for the theatre.  And I would practice acting for hours.  How I loved it!  I do hope you both find something that you are passionate about.  Acting was truly my first love.

But I always regretted giving up the violin.  When I’d hear pieces like this violin duet, I’d wish I could play.

So, the other day, I was walking around a music store and the store had violin rentals.  I rented a violin for three days.  I also bought some sheet music.  I pulled out one of my old books and started to play again.

I only practice when your brother isn’t here.  It doesn’t sound as bad as if I never had played, but I don’t want to be heard until I sound a whole lot better.  I still remember quite a lot: how to hold my bow, how to get a good sound from the middle strings.  Those can be tricky for someone who’s never played.  I’ve had the instrument for two days and I’m really enjoying playing again.

The most important thing though is that when I practice the violin I “play” a lot more than I practice.  What’s the difference?  When you are doing something like learning a new skill, it’s important that you find a way to have fun.  The fun should actually be more important (in the beginning) than the practice because you wont keep working at learning if you don’t enjoy it in some way.

So, I’m on page 11 of my instructional book.  If I make a new page every day, that’s good.  I’m also working on learning a song – but more on that later.  I’ll need a tutor if I choose to go farther.  And that seems to be where I’m leaning.  Who knows, maybe we’ll end up with a fiddler in the family.  What do you think?