Oh, dear reader, I can't believe it's been 9 days since I last posted. Please forgive me. Never fear, though. The Project is alive and well. It's so alive, in fact, that I've been incredibly busy (musically and otherwise)!
Since I last posted, I played for an adult amateur masterclass with Linda Chesis. She is a dynamic teacher. I played the first movement of the Bach Partita. She helped me realize that I don't need to "tank up" with a huge breath before I begin playing. I have plenty of air in my lungs at any given time to successfully start the piece. This tidbit has helped me conquer a fear that I almost didn't know I had - the fear of beginning to play. Another good point she made is that I try to make my sound too pure. Her comments and suggestions have helped me strive to have a sounds that projects and is vibrant rather than a sound that is pure and fails to reach the back of the concert hall. She also talked a lot about the physical aspects of playing the flute, and her comments and demonstrations were spot on. Other pieces played by the participants were the CPE Bach Sonata in A Minor, Rivier Sonatine and Reinecke Undine Sonata. I received an email afterward from the event sponsor, Ms. Trimber, saying that Ms. Chesis has invited me to an adult amateur chamber music weekend, which is part of her Cooperstown Music Festival. Apparently the amateurs are grouped with professional muscians for a ton of chamber music performances. I'm already planning the trip! I haven't received any further emails, so I hope it still happens.
The following day I had my lesson with Aaron Goldman. He's simply brilliant. His comments and demonstrations in one lesson have been unbelievably accurate and helpful. One of many examples is his use of what he calls "super slow scales" to help develop even technique. I've always thought of technique as fast, impressive playing, but his approach is to play the T and G EJ 4 at a metronome marking of 80 bpm and play one note per metronome click. Sounds easy, but the work is incredibly exacting. The fingers must move instantaneously BEFORE the click of the metronome in order to get the note to speak exactly on time. Another example of his teaching is the concept of the "laser to Mars". In order to project one's sound, the player imagines his sound as super focused on a far away place (e.g. Mars), whether he is playing softly, loudly, with a bright color or dark color. The teaching point that has probably caused the biggest improvement in my playing in a short amount of time is the fact that I play with the corners of my lips drawn too tight. His opinion is that the corners of the lips should be completely (or near completely) relaxed and the majority of the work with the embochure should come from the middle of the lips. I have an off-center embochure, but my lips were still too tight. I've been working on relaxing my embochure and already I think my sound has improved.
I've been keeping a practice journal, and the following is from my most recent practice session:
Breathing exercise from Wye's series.
Moyse long tones in minor thirds.
Dick's Tone Development Through Extended Techniques, the first three lines of the first throat tuning study and the first harmonic study.
Super slow scales.
Articulation study from Wye's series.
T and G EJ 1 and 2, first page, articulation number 2, 96 bpm. I've added exercises that practice high C, C# and D per Mr. Goldman's suggestions, but I must say they are really difficult. I've resolved to practice them at a painfully slow metronome marking until I get a handle of them.
EJ 4, all the sharp scales (alternating between the "sharp" and "flat" scales each day), artic 2, 92 bpm. Again, I'm trying to be more complete with my scale practice by expanding my range to the higher notes.
Excerpt from Brahms Fourth.
Mozart G Major Concerto, first movement, exposition. Mr. Goldman has suggested I set my metronome to click on the downbeat of every measure rather than every beat in order to fine tune my rhythm. This is very challenging. In order to do this, I downloaded an app called DrBetotte, which is clearly a Dr. Beat ripoff. It was $9.99, I think, and it's okay. I'd prefer the actualy Dr. Beat, but I don't want to part with the money just yet.
Work has been going okay. I had an evaluation with my Chair today, and she was very complimentary. We have a boring retreat scheduled this Saturday that will take up the entire morning. Joy :)
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Sunday, April 15, 2012
A Quick Update
It's official. We got the house! We are moving the first weekend of May.
I now have a flute teacher. Aaron Goldman, associate principal flute with the National Symphony Orchestra, has agreed to take me on as his student. I'm quite excited. I hear he's a fabulous player and teacher.
I now have my flute. The Hammig headjoint didn't quite fit, so I took it to a repairman's house/shop on Saturday. It took him all of 10 minutes to get the job done.
My life has recently exploded with music-related events. I'm going to a Linda Chesis masterclass this Saturday. I have my lesson with Mr. Goldman on Sunday. I have an audition for the Capital Wind Symphony on May 19th. Finally, I perform the JSB Partita in A Minor on June 3rd. This is more than I ever thought would happen in such a short amount of time.
Practicing is going well. I recently started keeping a practice journal. It's extremely useful. It's surprising to me how much I forget from the prior day's practice session.
Here's where I am:
I've started doing a breathing exercise from Wye's Practice Book 5. It's basically a complete exhalation followed by extreme inhalation of air to the point of pain. Repeat x 6. I think it will take awhile before I see results. I was inspired to start doing this when I couldn't sustain notes from his long tone exercises.
Long tones (Wye): exercises from Practice Book 1, including pitch control exercises that focus on getting C# in tune.
Harmonics (Wye): I got the high Bb to speak! I still am inconsistent, but this is huge!
Etude (Cavally): 18th etude in book.
Excerpts (Baxtresser): Mendelssohn Scherzo and Daphnis.
Solo work: I am done working on the Faure Fantasie for now. I'll get back into it closer to time to record for the competition. Working on the exposition of the first movement of Mozart G Major Concerto for the CSW audition.
And that's all. I wanted to post quickly tonight (it's late). I didn't want to go too long without posting since so much is happening so quickly!
Monday, April 9, 2012
Beautiful Day Off
It's a gorgeous day in DC. The temperature is in the mid 60s, sunny, a bit windy, and the best representation I can recall of what a spring day should be. I'm post-call today, which gives me the chance to raise my vitamin D levels a bit. I've already spent a few minutes outside. My housekeepers come on Mondays, so I took the pooch out for a walk and sat out on a bench until they were finished.
Have I mentioned my pets before? In case I haven't, there's Molly, a 7 year old pug; Gandalf, a 15 year old cat; and Kitty Poo, a 7 year old cat. Much like people, they're all great and all awful in their unique ways. The newest drama is trying to give Gandalf medication to stop him from marking outside his litterbox. He deftly spits pills out, so the vet had the same medication compounded in liquid form, chicken flavored, no less. He apparently doesn't like the chicken flavoring, as he runs away as soon as I get the medicine in his mouth and then salivates terribly. I'm waiting on a call back from the vet about this one. I hope to be on the way to solving the inappropriate urination issue soon, as our potential new home has carpeting on two of the four levels.
Speaking of potential new homes, I have news. The owner's realtor called and told me it's ours for the renting! She then qualified the news by saying that it's all pending finalizing our application, which should be complete today. Finally, after living in a tiny condo with only one bathroom for a year, I'll be back in a single family home, with multiple bathrooms, and with a garage! And let's not forget there is a third bedroom that I'm going to use as a studio. It has skylights! We should be moved in at the beginning of next month, fingers crossed.
I have changed up the content of my practice routine a tiny bit. Here's where I am:
Long tones (Wye, Practice Books for the Flute, Book 1, Tone): Low register exercise 1; middle register exercise 1; high register exercise 1. I know these exercises are simple, but I do get a lot out of them.
Harmonics (Wye): This is such slow, painful progress. I still can't get the fifth harmonic of low Eb to speak. I think it will happen soon, though, and that day will be a glorious one.
Scales (T and G): EJ 1 and 2, second page, two octaves, mezzo forte, articulation # 8, 84 beats per minute; EJ 4, A Major through C Major, mezzo forte, articulation #7, 80 beats per minute.
Etude (Cavally): The 17th study in the book. These etudes are becoming more difficult, as one would expect. I can no longer breeze through them in a 15 minute practice session. I played the prior etude for 5 consecutive days before I was satisfied enough to move on.
Orchestral excerpts (Baxtresser): William Tell. I wish I knew a pianist who could play the English horn part while I practice this. I'm sure it would make all the difference. It would be so easy to get behind on those 32nd note rests.
Solo work (Faure): Fantasie. This is the required piece for the adult amateur competition I plan to enter. I've known the piece for a long time, and I love it. It's such a fun work. It's been so long since I've played it that it's a bit like playing it for the first time. The preliminary round recordings aren't due until September or so, but I really want to find a pianist soon so I'm not scrambling at the last minute.
I must find a teacher soon. I emailed the gentleman in Maryland again, but he hasn't responded. I don't know if he's busy, or flaky, or both. If I don't hear from him by Friday, I will seek another teacher. Ms. Trimber is delivering my new flute to me that day, so I will ask her for recommendations. She seems to be in-the-know when it comes to the flute scene in DC.
Here's a photo that could very well have been taken today (it wasn't, but it could have been!)
Have I mentioned my pets before? In case I haven't, there's Molly, a 7 year old pug; Gandalf, a 15 year old cat; and Kitty Poo, a 7 year old cat. Much like people, they're all great and all awful in their unique ways. The newest drama is trying to give Gandalf medication to stop him from marking outside his litterbox. He deftly spits pills out, so the vet had the same medication compounded in liquid form, chicken flavored, no less. He apparently doesn't like the chicken flavoring, as he runs away as soon as I get the medicine in his mouth and then salivates terribly. I'm waiting on a call back from the vet about this one. I hope to be on the way to solving the inappropriate urination issue soon, as our potential new home has carpeting on two of the four levels.
Speaking of potential new homes, I have news. The owner's realtor called and told me it's ours for the renting! She then qualified the news by saying that it's all pending finalizing our application, which should be complete today. Finally, after living in a tiny condo with only one bathroom for a year, I'll be back in a single family home, with multiple bathrooms, and with a garage! And let's not forget there is a third bedroom that I'm going to use as a studio. It has skylights! We should be moved in at the beginning of next month, fingers crossed.
I have changed up the content of my practice routine a tiny bit. Here's where I am:
Long tones (Wye, Practice Books for the Flute, Book 1, Tone): Low register exercise 1; middle register exercise 1; high register exercise 1. I know these exercises are simple, but I do get a lot out of them.
Harmonics (Wye): This is such slow, painful progress. I still can't get the fifth harmonic of low Eb to speak. I think it will happen soon, though, and that day will be a glorious one.
Scales (T and G): EJ 1 and 2, second page, two octaves, mezzo forte, articulation # 8, 84 beats per minute; EJ 4, A Major through C Major, mezzo forte, articulation #7, 80 beats per minute.
Etude (Cavally): The 17th study in the book. These etudes are becoming more difficult, as one would expect. I can no longer breeze through them in a 15 minute practice session. I played the prior etude for 5 consecutive days before I was satisfied enough to move on.
Orchestral excerpts (Baxtresser): William Tell. I wish I knew a pianist who could play the English horn part while I practice this. I'm sure it would make all the difference. It would be so easy to get behind on those 32nd note rests.
Solo work (Faure): Fantasie. This is the required piece for the adult amateur competition I plan to enter. I've known the piece for a long time, and I love it. It's such a fun work. It's been so long since I've played it that it's a bit like playing it for the first time. The preliminary round recordings aren't due until September or so, but I really want to find a pianist soon so I'm not scrambling at the last minute.
I must find a teacher soon. I emailed the gentleman in Maryland again, but he hasn't responded. I don't know if he's busy, or flaky, or both. If I don't hear from him by Friday, I will seek another teacher. Ms. Trimber is delivering my new flute to me that day, so I will ask her for recommendations. She seems to be in-the-know when it comes to the flute scene in DC.
Here's a photo that could very well have been taken today (it wasn't, but it could have been!)
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Trouble on the Homefront
The condo didn't work out. My one or two readers will remember that Keith and I were waiting on a decision by the seller on whether to agree to an inspection of the exterior of the condo by a structural engineer to determine if repair of the mortar between the bricks was necessary. The seller refused and has signed a release form allowing us to have our good faith deposit back. Oh well.
We've been looking at rentals, and we pounced on a beautiful townhome in the Palisades. It's billed as two bedroom, but there is space for a third. There are two full baths and two half baths. It has a one car garage, with room in the driveway for a second car. The kitchen is big and fairly modern, with a gas stove and double oven. The kitchen leads to a separate dining room, and off from the dining room is a deck and really cute back yard. There is a den, which the owner uses as an office currently. The best feature is the fourth floor bedroom. I plan to use it as a studio. A studio! With skylights! We offered more than the asking price and have filled out an application. We'll hear in the next couple of days. I must get out of this current broomcloset of a condo!
My first two days back to work since Footsurgerygate have been light and uneventful. I've been working half days and plan to continue that throughout the week. I am on call this Sunday, which I hope is slow, for my foot's sake. I overdid it today and was certainly reminded of my recent surgery by a dull ache at the top of my defective appendage, as if wearing a cumbersome metal boot isn't reminder enough.
My musical progress is progressing progressively. Here's an update:
Long tones (Moyse) - I've been paying attention not only to the quality of my sound, but also to whether I can begin each note clearly and in tune, maintain a steady and clear steady and clear sound, and release the sound without a change in pitch. The tuner is helping tremendously here.
Harmonics (Wye) - I'm just waiting on being able to hit the fifth harmonic of low Eb. It's gonna happen, I can feel it.
Scales (T and G) - EJ 1 and 2, fourth page, mezzo forte, articulation 6, 76 beats per minute, two octaves; EJ 4, Eb Major through C# minor, mezzo forte, articulation 6, 76 beats per minute.
Etude (Cavally) - 16th study in the book, which is the first of 12 studies by Kohler. This one is fun, and the other 11 look like they are as well, although they seem to become long and tiring. But isn't at least one of the points of practicing etudes developing endurance?
Orchestra excerpt (Baxtresser) - Rossini, William Tell.
Solo work - JSB Partita in A minor. Getting the Bourrée Anglaise under my fingers. After that, I must put the piece to rest and start on something else (Faure Fantasie)
My dear reader will recall that my new flute has arrived. Ms. Trimber is en route home from Germany currently and will call when she arrives. I really need for her to agree to delay payment for the flute until May 1, since it wasn't supposed to be ready until then anyway. I hope she accepts and allows me to have the flute in the meantime. Until then, the Trevor James she's loaned to me sounds pretty good with my Hammig headjoint, if I do say so myself.
And here's a picture of the living room of the home we're hopint the rent. Nice, yes?
And here's a picture of the living room of the home we're hopint the rent. Nice, yes?
Sunday, April 1, 2012
A Musical Breakthrough (Almost)
My best friend, Nichole, came from Louisville to visit this past week, so minimal flute playing occurred until after her departure today. I love her visits. She has a great sense of humor and is a lot of fun. She also reads my blog, so what's not to like? She, Keith and I did a lot of eating out and driving around the city. Yesterday we watched University of KY (UK) beat my and Nichole's alma mater (University of Louisville) in the NCAA men's basketball final four at a bar in DC called Nellie's. We had a blast, even if our team didn't win.
I had my post-op appointment a bit early due to splintgate. The ortho said I can walk without crutches (yea!) but will need to wear my metal boot for the next 4-6 weeks (bummer). Fortunately, or unfortunately, I get to go back to work starting tomorrow. I plan to work half days this week, and then it's back to a normal schedule.
The housing drama continues. I saw a real estate attorney who told me that Keith and I can delay closing until the agreed-upon repairs are completed to our satisfaction. We really want this home, so I came up with a contract for the seller to sign that states he agrees to repair the exterior of the home (repoint) pending an inspection from a structural engineer, or he will refund our deposit and we'll all part ways. If the engineer says the exterior is in good condition, then we agree to move forward. The seller hasn't yet responded. Fingers crossed he'll agree.
I practiced for the first time in three days today due to my friend's visit. Here's where I am:
Long tones (Moyse)
Harmonics (Wye)
Scales (T and G): EJ 1&2, mezzo forte, articulation #6, 76 beats per minute, second page, two octaves; EJ 4, C Major through G minor, mezzo forte, articulation #6, 76 beats per minute
Orchestral excerpt: Hindemith Symphonic Metamorphosis
JSB Partita in A Minor: Bourrée Anglaise
I had a sort of breatkthrough today with long tones. For some reason, I was hitting the fifth harmonic of low C, C# and D with minimal difficulty. There was even some clarity there. I still had problems with low Eb. Once I get that high Bb to speak, I think I'll start using a harmonic warm-up from my most recent edition of Flute Talk. I find these harmonic exercises to be very beneficial in knowing how much I can push each note, improving the richness of my sound.
Finally, some exciting news from Ms. Trimber. My flute has arrived! I can't get it right away because, (a) she's in Germany, and (b) I'm not prepared to pay for it (I've made a 50% deposit already). I've asked her to allow me to get the flute from her upon her return and to charge my credit card on May 1 (when the flute was supposed to have arrived). I haven't heard back, but I will keep my dear reader informed.
I had my post-op appointment a bit early due to splintgate. The ortho said I can walk without crutches (yea!) but will need to wear my metal boot for the next 4-6 weeks (bummer). Fortunately, or unfortunately, I get to go back to work starting tomorrow. I plan to work half days this week, and then it's back to a normal schedule.
The housing drama continues. I saw a real estate attorney who told me that Keith and I can delay closing until the agreed-upon repairs are completed to our satisfaction. We really want this home, so I came up with a contract for the seller to sign that states he agrees to repair the exterior of the home (repoint) pending an inspection from a structural engineer, or he will refund our deposit and we'll all part ways. If the engineer says the exterior is in good condition, then we agree to move forward. The seller hasn't yet responded. Fingers crossed he'll agree.
I practiced for the first time in three days today due to my friend's visit. Here's where I am:
Long tones (Moyse)
Harmonics (Wye)
Scales (T and G): EJ 1&2, mezzo forte, articulation #6, 76 beats per minute, second page, two octaves; EJ 4, C Major through G minor, mezzo forte, articulation #6, 76 beats per minute
Orchestral excerpt: Hindemith Symphonic Metamorphosis
JSB Partita in A Minor: Bourrée Anglaise
I had a sort of breatkthrough today with long tones. For some reason, I was hitting the fifth harmonic of low C, C# and D with minimal difficulty. There was even some clarity there. I still had problems with low Eb. Once I get that high Bb to speak, I think I'll start using a harmonic warm-up from my most recent edition of Flute Talk. I find these harmonic exercises to be very beneficial in knowing how much I can push each note, improving the richness of my sound.
Finally, some exciting news from Ms. Trimber. My flute has arrived! I can't get it right away because, (a) she's in Germany, and (b) I'm not prepared to pay for it (I've made a 50% deposit already). I've asked her to allow me to get the flute from her upon her return and to charge my credit card on May 1 (when the flute was supposed to have arrived). I haven't heard back, but I will keep my dear reader informed.
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