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Does anyone know about literature that I might go to for ideas and understanding of
dyslexia so that I can incorporate this in my teaching. Thanks.
Virginia
Meg, I loved your program. Sounds like fun. So, tell us the sad story relative to
Marguerite at the Spinning Wheel! Thanks
I can’t believe this person is teaching harp, or any instrument for that matter. The way a
harpist holds his or her hands has EVERYTHING to do with EVERYTHING. Don’t pass go,
don’t collect your $200, just get away and find a real teacher. With regard to the carpel
tunnel, I have suffered with that in both hands for several years, fighting desperately the
need for surgery. I finally gave in to it when I could no longer play. Within one month of
surgery I was able to play a recital and while it was tough getting to that point so quickly, I
am very thankful that I did it.
Immediately following surgery I had several sessions with Alexander Technique teachers
who have completely resussitated my hand position, teaching me how to relax and play
with ease. Please get some help with your hands, shoulders, neck and sitting position in
order to avoid any further damage to your hands. I now play better and with more pleasure
than ever. Good luck!
Joanne:
I’m so sorry for what happened to you and your daughter. No one knows what’s going on
in the mind of that teacher, but she is obviously immature and unprofessional.
Unfortunately, with many teachers, it’s all about THEM, not the student.
But the damage was done and your daughter lost an important person in her life. I would
put those teaching materials (which are now only negative clutter) away where she can’t
see them or throw them away. They will only remind your daughter, every time she glances
on them, of the loss she has suffered.
I recently began teaching in another state after never having wanted to make time for
students. In L.A. my work as a harpist was “too demanding” to make time for students
(shame on me). In my new home I found
Teachers and parents take note (religious or not);
Wishing ?to encourage her young son’s progress on the piano, a ?mother ?took the ?boy to
a Paderewski concert. ?After they were seated, ?the ?mother ?spotted ?an old friend in the
audience and walked down the aisle ?to greet ?her. Seizing the opportunity to explore the
wonders of the ?concert ?hall, the little boy rose and eventually explored his way ?through
a ?door marked “NO ADMITTANCE.” ?When the house lights dimmed ?and ?the ?concert was
about to begin, the mother returned to her seat ?and ?discovered ?that the child was
missing.
Suddenly, ?the curtains parted and spotlights focused on the ?impressive ?Steinway ?on
stage. ?In horror, the mother saw her little ?boy ?sitting at ?the ?keyboard, innocently
picking out “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.” ?At ?that ?moment, the great piano master made
his entrance, quickly moved ?to ?the ?piano, and whispered in the boy’s ear, “Don’t quit.
Keep ?playing.”
Then ?leaning over, Paderewski reached down with his left hand and ?began ?filling ?in a
bass part.
Soon his ?right arm reached around to the other side of the ?child, ?and ?he added ?a
running obbligato. Together, the old master and the young ?novice ?transformed what
could have been a frightening situation into ?a ?wonderfully ?creative experience. ?The
audience was so mesmerized ?that ?they ?couldn’t recall what else the great master played.
Only the ?classic ?”Twinkle, Twinkle ?Little ?Star.”
Perhaps ?that’s the way it is with God. What we can accomplish on ?our ?own is ?hardly
noteworthy. ?We try our best, but the results ?aren’t ?always ?gracefully flowing music. ?
However, with the hand of the ?Master, ?our ?life’s work can truly be beautiful. Next time
you set out ?to ?accomplish ?great feats, listen carefully. ?You may hear the voice of ?the ?
Master, ?whispering in your ear, “Don’t quit. Keep playing.”
May you ?feel His arms around you and know that His hands are there ?helping ?you turn
your feeble attempts into true masterpieces. ?Remember, ?God doesn’t seem to call the
equipped; rather, He equips ?the’called.’
Life is ?more accurately measured by the lives you touch than by ?the ?things you acquire.
Mark: Hope your practicing is going well. I just stumbled onto your original question. I
have an interesting piece of info to contribute. If you’re practicing a lot, you may find this
“holistic” approach helpful. 30+ years ago I found myself playing with a stage band at
NBC. We rehearsed our brains out and my fingers were really getting sore. The bass player
told me to go out and get some Tincture of Myrrh (right out of the Bible) from my
pharmacist. You can now order it at health food stores, etc. Just put a few drops on your
finger tips and rub it around bit till it’s dry. Your fingers will feel no different to you, but
will not blister or even get sore!!! I’ve used the same bottle for many years and pull it out
when I have a lengthy gig to play. It has never failed me. I wouldn’t use hand lotion for fear
of ruining my strings. Good luck. Virginia
