alex@aecom.UUCP (Alex S. Fuss) (03/05/85)
I play guitar, and have tried piano and flute, and decided
I like stringed instruments best. I would like to learn to play classical
music (eventually with other players) which means learning to sight read
real well. I am thinking of taking up the violin, since it should be
relatively easy to read (only one line -- like the flute).
I know it is really difficult to play, but if I am not in a rush,
can it be done at my age (28) with some degree of satisfaction ?
I have a good ear, and when I'm in practice, my fingers are nimble ?
Would a viola, cello or other instrument be easier ? Maybe I should switch
to classical guitar, which at least has frets, but its music looks difficult
to read ?
I would appreciate some informed advice.
--
from the philosophical outlook of:
Alex S. Fuss
{philabs, esquire, cucard, ihnp4}!aecom!alexgadfly@ihu1m.UUCP (Gadfly) (03/14/85)
-- > ... I am thinking of taking up the violin, since it should be > relatively easy to read (only one line -- like the flute). > > I know it is really difficult to play, but if I am not in a > rush, can it be done at my age (28) with some degree of satisfaction ? > > Alex S. Fuss After 12 years of playing the oboe, and as many at pre-classical winds and reeds, I picked up the viola-da-gamba (well into my 30's). The VdG is easier to start up on than modern strings because (1) it is fretted, and (2) the guitar-like tuning makes much of the literature playable without a lot of shifting. But like all strings, the fingering comes pretty quickly. It's the bowing that takes a long time. So, if you can bear playing a bit scratchily for a while (it should be easier to take than playing out-of-tune, which will not be a problem if you have a good ear), go for it! Good luck. -- *** *** JE MAINTIENDRAI ***** ***** ****** ****** 14 Mar 85 [24 Ventose An CXCIII] ken perlow ***** ***** (312)979-7188 ** ** ** ** ..ihnp4!iwsl8!ken *** ***