Easing your nerves: Tip #1

 Nerves are so annoying and can make your playing go from an A+ to a C.

I've experienced it plenty of times.  Your hands start to sweat....you're shaking....your entire body is tense.....  You begin to envisage the worst.  The piece you're about to play becomes extremely frightening (although you've practiced it perfectly 50 times already.)  You start to ponder what people are going to think of you...all of these eyes are focused on you waiting to make one mistake!! Too much pressure....you're freaking out!!!!!! Ahhhh!!!!!!!!!


Ok, seriously...relax.  


I could write a book on everything I have learned via experience and research to help you out on conquering your nerves before performing.  There are innumerable tips and tricks I can share with you, but that would mean I have to write a book.  Right now I don't have that kind of time, so I will try my best to break it down into "tips" every day for you.  I'm not sure how many tips I will end up with....but my guess is, easily over 10. 



The first tip is actually something I've learned from a musician friend of mine who is also a parent to one of my students.  When my students were playing at our Christmas party event, he overheard one of them complaining about her nerves kicking in (aka stage fright.)  He told her this sentence, and it's stuck in my mind ever since:

"You're already doing more than what the audience is doing....you're going up on stage." 


Think about it.  The majority of the time, I assume you aren't playing in a room full of professional musicians (unless you are a professional or music major, of course.)  You're playing in front of a bunch of people, who I would bet, don't play any instrument.  Therefore, just by having enough guts to walk on that stage and attempt to play something....you are doing more than they could do!!!!!!!!  And they respect you for that!!!!


So, tip #1 is to keep that sentence in mind.  You're already above them, so who are they to judge you for how you play? 


Tip #2 should come tomorrow.  Eat these tips up because they could be your new best friend during performance time!


Til next time
~Givi Girl

PS~I don't know about you but I'm sick of this cold weather!!!!

~








 

Sally's story (a must-read)

It's very rare that someone decides to take on learning an instrument without a few stages of "I want to quit" time.  And sadly, it's even more rare for someone to go straight through with their music education all the way until high school is over. Let's cut to the chase today and begin to examine "Sally's" violin experience:

*Ages 8 or below-Sally is a six-year-old girl who saw a violin player on TV and wanted to be just like that person.  So, she starts violin lessons.  She's extremely enthusiastic.  Her parents are excited and just as, if not more, enthusiastic as Sally is.  The music is all of her favorite songs.  "Twinkle twinkle", "Mary had a Little Lamb", etc.  All is peaches and rainbows!!!!!!!'


Ages 8-12-Sally is now 10, so she has four years of playing under her belt.  The great thing is, coming and going to and from lessons is common routine for her at this point.  And guess what: all of the kids at school are beginning to learn an instrument!  It's the cool thing to do!  Sally's best friend, Kristy, even decides to begin the violin!  To top it off, Sally is four years ahead of her peers since she started early!  It's safe to assume Sally was in a front seat at this point.  Her teacher loves her, her parents are proud, her friends want to be as good as her, and everyone is happy.

Ages 13-17-Sally realizes the music is getting difficult and requires more practicing.  She's becoming lazier at home and would much rather text, tweet, and talk on the phone.  A lot of her friends at school quitting their instruments, including her best friend, Kristy.  In fact, the only students who seem to not be quitting...we'll just say....are certainly not in the popular group. "Is playing an instrument nerdy?" she begins to ask herself.   She observes the "cool kids" in school are cheerleaders and wished she had pursued that. (The irony of this situation-rather than people cheering for her after a performance, she'd rather be on the sideline cheering for others.)   Sally also has taken an interest to boys...she develops her first crush on this boy in her science class.  He gives her that "butterfly feeling" in her stomach which she's never felt before.  Her violin doesn't give her that!  Now, she begins to wear make-up, hang out at the mall, and the mirror is her new best friend.  Sally can see she's becoming very attractive!  Her violin is pretty much a headache at this point; for the parents and for Sally.   Her mom is sick of reminding her to practice, because half of the time, Sally resists which ultimately causes a battle between the two.  School is more demanding, and in her spare time, Sally has much more important things to do, like paint her nails.  (It's cool to have good nails...it's not really cool to play the violin.)  Her mom contemplates in her head if all of this trouble is worth it.  After all, the lessons are an extra expense and the violin is clearly adding to the family's stress level.  Maybe she should just say "screw it" and let her daughter quit like all of her friends have.

  ***THIS IS WHEN THE PARENTS GIVE IN AND LET THEIR CHILD QUIT OR THEY STAY FIRM. In Sally's case, her parents made her stick with it.***

Ages 18-21-At this point, Sally has a lot of great experiences to put on her resume thanks to her violin playing: community service, orchestra, etc.  What college wouldn't appreciate that?  Sally got into Penn State, the college of her dreams.  She goes to college and decides to major in finance. While visiting home during the holidays and a few weekends, Sally picks up her violin here and there.   Her private lessons are over, so now when she picks it up, it's simply for pleasure purposes.  Things have also cooled down between her mom and her, and Sally actually feels bad for being so difficult.

Ages 21 and over-Sally graduates from college and her violin is home waiting for her.  Every time she talks to someone about it, they are instantly impressed she has that talent. It's almost like she has a super power. "Wow, that is awesome!  I used to play an instrument when I was younger...man I wish I stuck with it" is typically the response she receives.  She begins to reflect back on her life and feels fortunate she never quit.   "Just think, I wanted to quit basically so I had more time to paint my nails."   It's actually "cool" to play violin in the real world, where people appreciate all of your hard work throughout the years to do something they never have completed.   Anyone can have painted nails...but certainly not anyone can play an instrument, let alone, play it beautifully as Sally can. 


 Ironically enough, her old high school crush ran into her and he, too, is impressed.  Who would've thought?!?! Kristy watches Sally play and regrets quitting.  She's thinking of starting up again...and who better to teach her, than Sally?  If only she stuck with it so she didn't have to start from square one again.  Imagine how much further ahead she would've been by now.   


Sally plays for her church during the holidays and she always makes sure to bring her violin for family functions.  She even plays for her work parties.  Everyone is so intrigued by her playing!!   Other times, she plays at home after a long, hectic, day.





















Sally gets married, and her husband loves to listen to her play.  They get blessed with a baby boy.  





  ......The rest is history.


Til next time,
~Givi Girl 

What's YOUR musical New Year's Resolution?

Happyyyyyyy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's the big 2-0-1-4!!!!! What did everyone do for NYE??  Mine was awesome!!! A few girl friends and I went to this mansion up on Mount Washington that's known as the "Smart House."  Basically, this house is completely computerized.  It tints the windows with the click of a button, for example.  It was pretty cool!  We got a great view of the city, too.  I think Pittsburgh is so beautiful, and filled with many beautiful violin players (especially my students.)  ;)

Here's a pic of me from New Year's Eve!!!

So this post was actually something my mom does with my students that I thought was a clever idea.  In the beginning of January, she asks them what their "Musical New Year's Resolution" is.  I think it's important to always have goals; never get too comfortable!!!!! Until you're a professional...and even then, only get semi-comfortable. 

Your musical New Year's resolution does not necessarily have to be "I want to play this piece by this time."  Of course it can be, if that's what you want.  It's your resolution, so it's up to you. 

Let me give you some other ideas:

-I want to have better posture. 

-I want to perfect my vibrato. 

-I want to become comfortable with third position.

-I want to get accepted into an orchestra. 

-I want to memorize a certain piece(s).

-I want to visit the symphony more often.

-I want to become more comfortable playing in front of people. (Aka-you want to take advantage of performance opportunities more.)

-I want to compose my own piece.

-I want to never miss a single lesson. 

-I want to learn a second instrument.

-I want to get through the entire book by the time the year's over. (whatever book you're in.)

-I want to read Givi Girl's blog on a regular basis. ;) ;) ;)

Catch my drift?  


Once you choose your musical New Year's resolution, write it down and stick it somewhere you'll often see.  Maybe your refrigerator, for example?  You can obviously do this with your "non-musical New Year's resolutions" as well.  This will reinforce you to stick with it!!!!!!!! Don't start slacking around March...imagine how satisfied you'll feel once you've achieved your goal!!!!!! 


Note: Don't set a goal that is too far of reach.  Aim high, but make it something that's actually attainable.  Don't go overboard!!!!!! There's always future "New Year's Resolution" opportunities. 



This is YOUR year!!!!!!!!!!! Make it count!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Til next time
~Givi Girl

Be nice to your teacher

So it's almost Christmas...in fact it's Christmas Eve-Eve! I have no idea how Christmas snuck up so quickly this year.  They say the older you get, the more time flies...but come on...I'm 25...if I can't keep up now, I'm pretty much screwed.  I found out tomorrow was Christmas eve when the church I play for every year called me.  We discussed the music, rehearsal time, mass time, etc...then I said "See you in a few days" and they corrected me and said "You mean, see you tomorrow?"  ...uhhh sure, that's what I meant.  Ugh.  


So I was one of those crazy people fighting traffic today running around trying to snag some last minute gifts.  I had some good luck though!!! A ton of stores at the mall had 50% off EVERYTHING!  Let's just say I'll get the best sister of the year award once Christmas comes and goes...and I will rip off the red part where it shows the reduced price so my brothers think I spent the full amount.  Good thing they don't read my blog!!!!! Ha-ha-ha (evil laugh.)

Anyways...

Being that it's the holiday season and all...most people, I assume, are in the mood to simply be kind to one another (then again, if you were driving in Robinson Town Center today, you'd probably beg to differ...but just hear me out):

The point of this post is quite simple, really.  To put it as straight forwardly as possible:  It's really important to be kind to your teacher. Not just your private music teacher, but any teacher for that matter.  There are countless reasons why I emphasize this!  For example, in college, if I'm teeter-tottering between an A and a B (which I have countless, previous times,) I swear...the fact that I was always so respectful to my professors is what got me the "A" in the end.  

I understand that with private music lessons, such as in my case with me being a private violin instructor, one could argue that it's not that important to be overly kind to your teacher.  You might think, "Sure, it's nice to be friendly...but how does it benefit me to be nice to someone not giving me a grade?"  Here's why:

If you are a sweet student, your instructor will have your back.  It's really as plain and simple as that.  Let me give you an example:

I had two full-sized violins in my possession...both of which were Stradivarius imitations.  They were being sold for an amazing deal, and their sound  quality was absolutely incredible. What type of student do you think I'd want to let know about this awesome deal? A sweet student with a good attitude or a student with a poor attitude?

Another example:  I have different opportunities throughout the year to include my students in different functions that benefit them greatly as violinists.  For example...a restaurant asked me to play for their work Christmas party. I decided to invite a student to play a few Christmas duets along with me to give them a taste of what it's like playing in the "real world."  Afterwards, we enjoyed a complimentary buffet and received free gifts.  I did not invite the student of mine with the most talent...I invited the one with good talent, but an even better attitude. That day, alone, made that person a better violinist.  It was fun, too!

Yet another example:  It's pretty much a guarantee your instructor knows people who knows people.  They might know a judge in an orchestra.  They might know the dean of a university you're applying to. Politics is everywhere, unfortunately, and in the music world that is no exception.  Most of it is about talent, but it's also about who you know and the connections you make.  As long as you're respectful and kind to everyone who comes your way, you'll be fine.  

The list of "examples" is endless.  

If you're a kind and respectful student, then your teacher...if they have any ounce of a soul and care about what they do...will be willing to bend over backwards in your favor. Trust me.  I will go out of my way for any student as long as they are kind and have a positive attitude.  

I will get into the teacher-student relationship in much further detail in the near future...but in the interim, trust me when I say this: It is worth it for yourself to simply be nice.  Be pleasant! Have a good attitude during your lessons.  Have a good attitude OUTSIDE of your lessons...because believe me, many times, your words, actions, (or lack there-of actions,) come back around.  Don't gossip.  

Always be kind to your instructor...it will only benefit YOU!  





Til next time,
~Givi Girl

Play when people ask you to

So I'm sitting in my class right now...and it's the LAST ONE BEFORE THE SEMESTER IS OVER!!!!!!!!!! #Relief #Finally #Celebrate #Mybrainisfried ...ok I'm done with the hashtags and I promise I will try my best to not get in that habit on this blog.  There's just something about hashtags that are addicting.  It's like...how many words can you use via hashtag to support whatever statement you made?  And then, once you start, you can't stop!  Anyways...I did my presentation for this course, and now I just have to kick back and pretend to listen to my classmates go up.  It's the last day, give me a break!

When it comes to thinking about topics to write about...it's extremely easy to do.  There are so many cool things to ramble on about when it comes to music, and a lot of the stories (in my opinion) are not only interesting but informative as well.  I would say I wish I read blogs from violinists while I was just starting out...but that was back in the stone age when the internet didn't exist.  My point? TAKE ADVANTAGE OF MY KNOWLEDGE!!!!! It's only going to benefit you!!!!! I had to figure these things out on my own (with the help of my awesome violin instructor and parents growing up, of course.) 

I lost all of my grandparents.  My grandma was clinging on but just couldn't make it this year.  Her passing was sort of unexpected.  Actually, completely unexpected.  When I lived in Buffalo, she and my grandpa often came from Pittsburgh to attend my concerts (see the post "Your family should always be there to support you.")

Has anyone ever asked you what your favorite childhood memory was? Or did you ever ponder that thought yourself?

I have different, special, memories with different, special people...as I'm sure you do, too.  Memories with friends, for instance, are probably much different than memories with your first crush or your favorite uncle.  Everyone has a different role in your life, and I'd like to share my Grandpa's role.

When it comes to my violin journey...I often think of my grandpa.  My gramps was the sweetest and softest souled guy I've ever known.  However, he was very quiet and didn't say much (sometimes I wonder how he's related to me with my big mouth!) Therefore, when he did speak, I listened.  My fondest memory of my gramps was how he'd always go out of his way to ask me to play my violin for him.  Next to my mom and my instructor, he was my biggest fan.  I remember how he was just so content sitting there and watching me practice in front of him.  I loved the fact he asked me to play, and I'm so happy I played for him. The violin brought my grandpa and I closer thus creating our special bond, and now one of my dearest memories. 

Your loved ones won't always be there.  People who truly appreciate your talent and dedication aren't easy to find.  So, when they do cross your path, play for them.  It doesn't matter if it's a total stranger or your grandpa.  It might not seem like a big deal then, but those times might turn into one of your fondest memories.  I look forward to the day I can play my violin for my grandpa again. 

<3

Til next time
~Givi Girl

Don't hurt yourself

Heyyy e'rbody!!! 

What an exciting week.  Got a handful of new students.  First lessons are always so interesting.  I never know what to expect, and first impressions are always so unpredictable!  I guarantee I get just as excited (if not more) for a new student learning how to play than they themselves do!  It's always so exciting to have our first lesson....whether it's a young child or an adult...and picture teaching them a couple years from now.  I think big for all of my students, and it's usually pretty easy to tell which ones will go far.  I'm not ALWAYS right on that first hunch...but so far, I'd say my accuracy is about 90%.  Maybe I should start charging people for my psychic abilities and let them know where they will be in the book a year from now.  Lol. Or not.

Moving on...

Learning and instrument is like playing a sport in many ways.  It requires a lot of practice, discipline, teamwork in many cases, and...it can cause injuries if you're not careful.  You have to make sure that if any part of your muscles start to feel tense, crampy, or any other sort of pain...stop playing and stretch out your muscles. Think about it.  When you play, you're putting pressure on your joints, back (IF YOU'RE SITTING UP STRAIGHT WITH GOOD POSTURE, THAT IS!), arms, shoulders, lungs (if you're a wind player), and more. You need to give these muscles a break!  

 It's also important to WARM UP your fingers before playing anything crazy.  Do a few, slow scales.  Do some slow vibrato warm-ups. Ease into your playing.



A lot of times, half way through hour lessons, I give my students (especially the younger ones) a quick "stretching break."  We shake out our hands...roll our shoulders forward and backward...do push-ups...etc. Remember: when you play your instrument, everything must be relaxed.  This includes the back, shoulders, chest, etc.  Not only is that a safety issue to prevent injury, but it will produce the best playing!

Practicing can also be harmful to your body if it becomes too stressful. Stress is not good...too much of it is cancerous!  If you're working on something overly challenging and it becomes extremely frustrating, stop and give your mind a break. It's not worth making yourself crazy over. Flip back a few pages in your book and play a piece or exercise that you've already mastered.  I also suggest leaving the music and returning to it later.  

It's amazing what your brain can absorb overnight!  Have you ever studied for a big exam, and found a lot of the information you thought you'd never memorize actually stuck in your brain overnight?  The same goes with playing!  Try doing that with the challenging exercises.  Do a bit each day...and practice during the evening before bed.  It will gradually become easier if you just put the effort in and are consistent.

For more information on how to stretch properly, check out: http://www.musicianshealth.com/stretches.htm  

Til next time,
~Givi Girl