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Instruction, Information & Inspiration for Players of Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass & Fiddle | Dec. 18, 2009

Frustration!

Some perspective for the beginning musician from down the road

A Strings Community member recently wrote:

Its been a good six months now since I started the violin. It feels, at this point, like buying a new car: you know how everything works, but you don't know how to drive, and when you do its scary. On some roads you feel like you’re comfortable but end up going too fast or too slow, and you can never drive perfectly no matter how long you spend practicing on that one piece. It this normal? I really do love the violin, but it feels so distant especially when I hear my teacher and others play it.
—Ricky

Oh, it really is like that, isn't it? Yes, this is completely normal. Realizing that you’re not “terminally unique” might be the first step toward putting things into perspective for the frustrated beginner.

The next step might be to adjust your timeline.

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