Cello Resolutions

Happy New Year to all!

In a hopeful mood, I plan to really improve my cello-playing this year! (and lose weight, prosper during the recession, and, finally, declutter.)

Here are a few thoughts on the cello resolutions:

1. Practice more, and more consistently. Let's say at least five days a week, at least an hour. And focus on the things my teacher [repeatedly] brings up in lessons (I sometimes forget to even look at the notes I make during lessons.) Consistent practice has been a problem for me because my work is so deadline-oriented, and not restricted to regular "office hours," so it often fills the day, and the night, and the early-morning hours. But, there are ways to find the time.

2. Focus on intonation. There's no point in playing the cello if it is not in tune. For this, I am going back to scales, etudes, and easy pieces and duets, playing with a tuner, with recordings, and with others.

3. Prioritize music for ensembles: cello duets, orchestra, fiddling groups, flute choir. These all used to come after Suzuki music, but I have put Suzuki on hold for the time being. I love playing with others, but I also want others to enjoy playing with me! I haven't entirely ditched Suzuki (though I am not memorizing it, as I used to), but there is also much to learn from the ensemble music. And, there is only so much I can do at one time.

4. Keep working on the Messiah throughout the year so I can play it brilliantly, or at least competently, next year.

Have a warm and happy, healthy and prosperous, and fulfilling and creative 2009!