What you’re told to play vs what you want to play

[Molly]

Thanks Gretchen!! I have one app on my phone which is a timed note reading quiz, so that has been helping greatly. My teacher gave me a sight reading book to purchase as well, it has a recording which you sight read along with so that should be lots of fun. I really am looking forward to being able to read music easily, I know it is really handicapping me right now. Also, I’m going to perform a duet this weekend with my teacher so I’m hoping to have a nice recording of that to show people! But I also want a sound bite video of just me doing a solo piece as you said, so I’ll take a look at the song you suggested 🙂

Just want to say thanks again for all the wonderful feedback everyone!

[balfour-knight]

Oh, this is all so advanced over actual note reading flash cards, ha, ha! I retired from music teaching in 2013, just in time to avoid all this modern technology, thank goodness!

Best wishes to all of you, my friends,
Balfour

[Alison]

That’s ridiculous, I always check that the material is appealing to the pupil, or at least accommodated for it’s purpose, if it’s a technical study for example.

[Molly]

LOL Balfour, oh there’s an app for everything now!!

Regarding the music I do feel like part of it is just “growing pains” and you’re not going to be able to play interesting music when you first start… but thankfully I’m getting into a better part of the book and I also went to the music store with my teacher and we picked up a few new books that will be fun to learn. I understand why it was important for me to learn the way I did, because I’m really advancing pretty quick. But parts of the journey are just tedious, and you just have to stick with it. Especially if you cannot read music very well, like me!!

[balfour-knight]

Hi, Molly,

It is good that there are apps for learning music! I am also glad that Gretchen keeps up with all these modern things.

I forgot to mention that one very important part of learning and practicing is to review your past pieces. Do the ones that you most enjoy playing! Before too long, you will develop a repertoire that you can play for people.

It does sound like you are making great progress. Relax and enjoy the journey!

Our best to you,
Balfour and Carol Lynn

[Molly]

Thanks Balfour!! I do my reviews throughout the week & brought my harp in to the office and played some stuff for my co workers which was really gratifying :)) I’m finally getting to a point where I have some more interesting songs, albeit short and simple, but at least something to share!

[balfour-knight]

Bravo Molly, for taking your harp to work and playing for your co-workers! My friend, Angi Bemiss, at Simply the Harp, has many simple arrangements of favorite songs and pieces. You might find something there that you would enjoy–keeping it simple is an art!

Harp Hugs,
Balfour (and Carol Lynn)

[Molly]

Awesome!! I will definitely check it out. Thanks 🙂

[Author]

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