[Jessica Platt (violin)]

I’ve been horrible about reading this book, yet somehow it’s changing the way I breathe! (; I have been doing breathing exercises in many different ways and asking questions to friends-mentors-etc about this! (; I plan on getting caught up as soon as the book is over. (; ha. Plane rides are great for this kind of reading. (;

[Jessica Platt (violin)]

This is a great place for me to start breathing in a more mindful way!

[Jessica Platt (violin)]

Have you tried very basics, like breathing in for up bows and out for down bows? I’m not saying I don’t hold my breath, too. But when I find myself doing this I go back to basics and play some slow piece or scales where I breathe in on the up bows and out for down bows. I actually had more coaching on breathing when I played tennis as a kid. We had to breathe in before serving and out when hitting the ball. Somehow this is what I use as a reference on the violin. Also when I’m holding tension.

I have no idea if that’s helpful. But when I also plan out and put some mark in the music it helps me.

[Jessica Platt (violin)]

I am a violinist and would love to find a partner. Thanks!

[Jessica Platt (violin)]

I am also looking for an accountability partner. With me, I tend not to figure out all the tech aspects before they seem to be over and I get behind without meaning to. Having someone else to discuss all these concepts or try them out with is helpful.

[Jessica Platt (violin)]

Stravinsky’s Apollon Musagete Coda –

Wish – to play it correctly with no mistakes.

Outcome – I will feel relieved.

Obstacle- I, literally, change multiple fingerings every time I practice it! I even write the fingerings in my part so I know what fingerings have worked for me “this time” and do not once play them as I have them in my part! If I were my own teacher I would be super frustrated with me. (: I’m wondering if my internal voice is telling me something to the affect of “you’re not a ballet player,” or something of this nature. Because I have about no confidence in my playing this and it’s no harder than anything else I am working on at the moment.

Plan – I wonder if I should make myself do physical push ups as a punishment for changing the fingerings. Corporal punishment? JK. – OK. I just will not change the fingerings or bowings again and stick to my guns. Period.

[Jessica Platt (violin)]

That’s about the funniest thing I’ve read of your posts! (:

[Jessica Platt (violin)]

I’m just replying to stay in the group. This past week was a bust. Sorry. I’m positive this next week will be better. I’ve had strange discussions with outside people about this and they aren’t exactly things to share. (;

I enjoyed trying the techniques from my first week of reading.

[Jessica Platt (violin)]

Did you find a partner? I am still looking for one. Jessica Platt (violin and violist- mainly violin, though)

[Jessica Platt (violin)]

Would you want to have a violinist for a partner?