Hope for the Future, These Days

[Christina]

It seems like somehow my life has been ruined, socially in communication.  We all deal with controversy, though, and find ourselves in different ways in life.

I keep thinking it'll be okay. I just be patient with the violin, and someday I can live in Germany and either watch classical music or help out or play myself with others. I want to learn German and already started. Either way, I wanted to learn another European language. I also want to do something in instrumental music, preferably classical.

[scrivener]

I don't think it's over yet. You did great this semester at school. You have lots to look forward to.
You are getting better and better at violin.

You can always start using Babel to learn German.

[Christina]

Yes, I think people will think they can take advantage of my time if I go for my AA because it's a lot of work.

I am teaching myself violin at this point, and I am getting better and better with my method.  I'm using Suzuki books, 10 levels, and the other books are less plus way too easy or way too hard.  I just pick a few songs in a row and work on them until they are polished.

I looked at Babbel.  It reminds me of Rosetta Stone, which I got at a big deal.  I use a variety of methods, but my CD player broke.  It was cheap and portable.  I also have a book that seems good with describing pronunciation and things I want to get into.  I wonder how much I will get done while I'm in school, taking 3 classes a semester.


Well, I'm really excited about college and getting my AA at last, with priorities set and goals in mind.  Before, I thought it would wear me out and not be conducive because I wanted to be a model/actress when I was 21 and am 32 now.  I'm excited to each myself violin and have the German book.  I need to do my laundry after I relax some since school ended.  At least I got my room clean.  I need it that way for school, like room on my table and a place for things.

Violin is challenging for me technically now but maybe not for others.  I have myself fixated on certain things when switching strings.  I have more confidence and am more refined than in the past.  My other teachers didn't have me polish my work.  They just went on.  My last teacher, the Polish one, was rather nice, though, how she taught, a little tough and picky and pressing.  I feel better teaching myself in that I changed my mind to focus on Suzuki because it's tough physically to do too much.  I wonder if I will ever major in college.

[scrivener]

Self-teaching is often the best teaching. You are enjoying this now with violin. I wonder if you might benefit even more from using Babel and teaching yourself German now. Later you can interact with German in school or in travels.

You did fantastic in college this past semester. I think you are on a good path to get your degree. I wish I had a degree.

I often wonder why it seems to take everyone such a long time to sound smooth on a violin. Is there some secret that no one knows or can pass on right at the beginning? You are beginning to sound smooth now. Do you know what the secret is?

The Scrivener

[Christina]

My favorite method of learning another language was when I was learning German on my cell phone with some app.  Stuff from different methods gave me the answer in new ones.  I'm just sick of focusing on the road, flying, restaurants, and hotels ... or animals and numbers.

If I did violin lessons, I could not teach myself.  I benefited from them before, which I could practice more.  For instance, at the moment, I'm only using Suzuki, no exercises right now.

Yes, I am so glad I did well in school.  I hope it goes even more smoothly next semester.  More math!

I don't know the secret to sounding other-worldly smooth on the violin.  I think it takes practice.

[scrivener]

That sounds interesting that you learned on your cell phone. I never knew you did that. I hope you can find something that is not restaurant or travel related.

How does the Suzuki method teach music?

Practice will make you better. That's for sure.

I'm happy you are going to school again next semester. I know that school is important for you.

Scrivener

[Christina]

I've been trying to be able to play 3 whole songs well so far in the Suzuki book, still at it after a few days because I falter and have some technique difficulties.  Suzuki has somewhat more substantial lesson songs, for your level, and little exercises.

I like college, that I can take things like real Physics if I chose for General Studies requirements, so later maybe I can come back and build on it, if I remember the material.  Yes, school is important to me, something I can depend on, like a clean room.

I didn't see if Babbel charges money eventually.  I need to learn using a variety of sources.  Too bad my CD player broke; it was portable and rather cheap.  My Windows laptop takes too long to start up, could be 1/2 hour to get it to run a CD, like using iTunes.  So, I'll have to buy another CD player, with more money.  I am not sure when that will be, hopefully soon.

[scrivener]

The Suzuki method sounds great. Sometime I hope to hear the songs you are working on.

You are certainly getting your life together, with college and a clean room.

I think Babel charges either monthly, quarterly, or yearly. It is up to you. I think the quarterly rate is highest and is around $12 per month.

I will look into buying a CD player for you.

[Christina]

Thanks!  Why don't you post in this topic: link?

[scrivener]

OK. I did.