Tales of an Absolute Beginner - First Session Reflections
Greetings and salutations, Internet family! It's Ashley here again, reporting back after the conclusion of my last class of the session.
We've Come A Long Way, Baby...
It's truly hard to believe it's only been six weeks since I first picked up my fiddle. I am pleased to report that I put my shoulder rest upside down only about 25% of the time these days and am generally less clumsy with my bow. Progress!
The first tune we learned was Boil 'em Cabbage, which became the focus of my practicing for the first few weeks with my bow. I must admit that despite a shaky start, I really started to gain some confidence as my tone started to sound more consistently... not dying-cat-like. And the bowing started to feel more natural. (Perhaps there *is* a method to Laurel's madness in using this as the first tune - ha!!) This became particularly clear when I attempted You Are My Sunshine, tune number two.
Every Journey Begins with a Flat (and Sometimes Sharp) Step
Whereas the Cabbage kept my right hand on one string, Sunshine took my fingers on their first journey between the D and A strings - a challenge that proved to be arduous and difficult in the beginning. ("How could they be so clumsy??" I asked myself multiple times as I watched my poor fingers flail around.) Additionally, as my right hand struggled to find precision in its string placement, my left hand periodically compensated by coming down HARD with the bow. The sound was about as pleasant as you can imagine.
But you know what? Just like with most things, once it all got broken down in class, I was able to practice and slowly make progress. And, by the end of the last class, I was able to even attempt some of the suggested fiddle ornaments!
Awkwardly Happy
As I reflect on the experience, the thing that sticks with me is that despite the periodic frustration, it was actually pretty fun to just be awkwardly new at something. We don't always get a lot of those opportunities as adults... there isn't time, it's uncomfortable, there's a sense that you need to start with some kind of objective/goal in mind. But let me tell you: it's truly freeing to just let all those expectations go and just allow yourself to try because you feel like it. Laurel often says in class that there are no wrong notes, we're just composing! I think that's a mentality that should go far beyond fiddling... giving ourselves the freedom to try new things, to embrace the awkwardness of being bad at it, and just laugh about it as we learn. I mean, six weeks ago I didn't know the names of the strings on my instrument! I still might not if you quiz me on the spot, but I can play something. And tomorrow I'll be able to play a little more, and to me that is success!
Despite my meteoric rise (ha!), I am still thinking I want another go at Absolute Beginner, so if you're feeling brave and want to try, too, I'll see you in November! Cheers!
