Hand Wisdom

Those of you who know me with a cello in hand also know that often my hands have knitting needles in them, and I read books on both subjects!

The following passage, while written about knitting, is SO applicable to cello learning! Both are about teaching one's hands to do new & different things.
 
"Most people learn to knit by rote.  That is, they are told or shown exactly what to do with their hands and yarn and needles, step by step.  At first doing it is extremely awkward.  Then it gets easier.  Hands learn things far more slowly than minds do.  You tell your fingers what to do and expect instant obedience, but it takes a while for fingers to figure out just how to obey. ...

... .  Once their hands know how to do whatever needs to be done, their heads begin to catch up.  They begin paying attention to the fabric that is appearing under their hands." 

   BK// "knitting for anarchists" by anna zilboorg

 

 

...and I hope that anyone who looks at people who have studied with me will see principles rather than clones -- for that is surely my wish. 

Cellist??

no comment needed.............

"keep the brain working"

the picture above (whoopee !!  I figured out how to import the picture) is from Better Homes & Gardens, January 2012 - part of an article about keeping Altzheimer's at bay.  And it involves MUSIC !! (what could be better... not much)
... says (cause I sure can't read the type)
Music Lessons for Adults
Want to hear a great song?  Make 2012 the year you step away from the stereo and pick up a guitar, trumpet, or a set of drumsticks.  ...Here's reason to tune up: Adults who study an instrument often come away with improved motor skills, auditory skills, and cognitive function, says Meagan Curtis, Ph.D., an assistant psychology professor and a music cognition expert at the State University of New York at Purchase College.  Your self-esteem might get a boost too.
...and ...there's no age limit on getting started....education researchers have found that adult learners (have) great self-motivation and sharper analytical abilities."

Sure has been my experience.