Seeing as it is January 1, I think now is the perfect time to set some goals and make some resolutions about my violin playing. My goal for this year is to play violin well. Not just play well for a beginner, but play well—period. I’m not expecting (or even hoping) to play like a professional—that would be completely unrealistic—but I do want to play my pieces with reasonable tone and intonation, good control over rhythm and dynamics, and with relative ease. I’d also like to improve my vibrato (which is pretty rudimentary) and develop some more advanced bow strokes, like sautille and colle. Of course everyone learns at a different rate, but that doesn’t seem like a terrible lot to ask for.
In addition, I plan to play something at least once a day. It doesn’t have to be a full, all-out practice session—just, you know, run through a scale or play through a piece. Nothing crazy, but something each day. Even on days when I’m tired. Even on days when I just don’t feel like it.
And I plan to practice for real at least four times a week. Five times would be better, and every day would be ideal, but I’d rather plan for something I can stick with. It’s sort of like making a resolution to go to the gym for an hour every day and going for days 1 and 2, missing day 3, and then getting discouraged and not going back for 6 months. This is a really easy trap to fall into—and I know from experience! I’m aiming for good, not perfect.
Finally, I plan to make scales, arpeggios, and etudes a regular part of my practice routine. Especially scales and arpeggios, since I avoid these like the plague. On an intellectual level, I know that they are essential for developing a good technique, but knowing something is one thing and doing it is another. But this year I’m really going to do it. Honest!
Okay, and there you have it! That’s the plan. I’ll let you know how things go. Happy practicing until next time!