Tuesday, May 13, 2008

SPT: Something old and new...


I missed last week's SPT, so I am combining last and this week's into one. I was about eight when someone in our congregation got up and played a violin solo in our chapel. I instantly knew that this person had inspired something inside me. Soon after, my mom, hearing my pleas to start taking lessons, asked this same person to teach me. I progressed quickly, but never put much focus into the violin, as I was also very interested in the piano and was taking violin and piano lessons at the same time. I took for 10 years and majored in the violin for half a semester - and then put it down.


Long story short, it's been 15 years since I've really felt the urge to play. I've taught and played some solos in church, I'm not very confident and have always felt I cheated myself by not focusing harder on this instrument. This violin I purchased from a neighbor in California, it built in the 1950's by a violin maker in Passadena. It has a beautiful rich tone. It was so beautiful to play I've decided that maybe I should begin to play again. This old violin inspired me to take something old I used to do, and make it new again. I will be beginning violin lessons in the next couple of weeks. Wish me luck!


Did you do SPT?
Do you play?
Have you ever thought about picking up your instrument again, or begininng?

20 comments:

Noriane said...

What is SPT? It's awesome that you're taking violin lessons again, I'm sure you'll love reconnecting with your violin. I still love playing the piano.

By the way, you've been tagged! Go to my blog for more info...

Amber Grannis said...

Ah, so awesome! I always wanted to play the violin, but took piano instead. Good for you for picking it up again!! What a neat talent to have! And those bad boys are expensive so it's a good thing you kept that violin around even when you weren't playing.

Alisa said...

Oh-
So wonderful that you are picking this up again!
You will be so glad you did- and how wonderful for your family to get to enjoy it too!

Holly said...

Good for your for picking it up again and using your musical talents. I never learned to play any instrument, I wish I had.

Jennfer said...

cute...old and new all in one post. I'm excited for your new found excitment.
ps..I've been trying to call you, but something weird keeps happening. Like I can hear voices in the distance on the line.

Sarah said...

I so wish I could play an instrument. Good for you for taking it up again. Good Luck.

Lauralee said...

good for you! way to go on taking it up again!

Dacia said...

If I could play anything it would be the violin. Good for you. I wish I could play any instrument. I was never so lucky to have any lessons. Maybe someday!

Chris said...

I like your old and new combined. I think you should go for it. I know I wish I had kept at piano, my dad is learning now too.

Marie said...

Is there an end to your wonderfulness? I so admire that you are going back and regaining a talent you had let slide. That is so admirable. Will we soon hear you playing on your sidebar? A violin version of Prancing Princesses, perhaps?

Jeanette said...

Hooray for you! I love that. You're an inspiration. Maybe I'll take up piano again. Maybe.... I'm such a chicken.

Courtney said...

Michelle that is so awesome! Good for you for picking it up again. I played the piano and LOVE to play the piano for myself...not for others...and for lack of finances to purchase the piano I want...I don't play often. Someday...Maybe...You've inspired me :)

Mandi said...

What a wonderful thing!!! I have always wanted to play an instument and about 6 years ago Aimee started learning the acoustic guitar - she has now moved onto an electric (so much louder!!!) at the time I spoke to her teacher (who was a friend of mine) about learning myself - he told me that I had to cut my fingernails in order to be able to use the strings properly - THAT WAS THE END OF MY LEARNING GUITAR!!! My fingernails are one of my signatures - everyone comments on my hands - I think maybe that was the wrong decision but I just couldnt cut them. On one visit to Houston I cut my nails before I left so I didnt have to worry about them while I was on holidays as soon as I arrived in Houston Jenn took me to her nail place and I had acrylic nails put on - interesting!!! My husband was horrified - he said anyone can have those - you have such beautiful nails why did you do that??? So they came off and I grew my own back!!!! Anyway I look forward to sitting in your house one day and having you play for me - either the violin or the piano both are simply beautiful!!! Thank you so much for your post on my blog - it made me feel so good. I cant tell you how much I enjoyed the time with your Mom and Dad during that visit, it was so special. Take care and I wont be gone for long....xxxx

Jenny said...

How wonderful. I have been inspired recently to start playing flute and singing again. When I was called to lead the music in primary. I was in disblief, because I had carefully hinden my music talents away. (not sure why) Now that I have been working in primary....singing. It has stirred a feeling of wanting to perform again. I spent at least 15-16 years playing flute. I like that the muscles don't seem to forget where those fingers should be moving when playing. I would like to confess though I have been desiring to learn how to play piano so very much. Think I will get a key board and take some lessons. You have inspried me to take the next step.

michelle said...

I finally am catching up on your blog. I have missed seeing your daily happenings. I have never played the violin. I was just saying last week that I hope to take lessons some day. There is nothing more beautiful than the sound of a violin. I play the piano, and flute, and love them both! I have been so bad about remembering SPT's. I am going to put a post it, right here on the computer so I won't forget next week! :)

The hearts that you made for the wreath on your header is so cute!!! Have a great day!

Laurie said...

Good for you! I'm so impressed that you're taking it up again.

My 5 yr old daughter is showing signs of interest in the violin. I'd love her to learn.

The monkey bunch said...

Good for you! I always said I should have put more of an effort into piano and now feel bad, but have never given up the cheap side in me to pay for lessons again!

crystal said...

I love how you combined the old and the new! The violin?!? You are so multi-faceted and talented.

lelly said...

i think i tried every instrument imaginable when i was growing up - all woodwinds and brass, though. i always had *cello* envy...

Carrie and Troy Keiser said...

I took piano lessons for a summer... the instructor got tired of teaching my brother and I.... 3 of my kids take lessons and I try to get them to understand how nice it is to have that ability.
My grandpa played the violin/fiddle and he was awesome.... from what I hear. He passed away a few years before I was born.
I played the drums from 5th grade to 11th grade.