The High and Low of my First Violin Lesson – Well, I was lucky to come across a craigslist listing for an instructor I think will work out perfectly. My new instructor, Linda, and I exchanged a couple emails back and forth and I was offered a free 45 minute introductory lesson at her home, which to my happiness is conveniently located two blocks from my apartment! I was kind of nervous heading over there; it almost felt like a match.com date, as I’m thinking whether this stranger and I were going to click.
As I arrived at her home, Linda greeted me in her large fuzzy black slippers, which made me laugh. I think she and I are close in age. She is Scottish, and grew up in Britain before heading to the States, hence the English accent and wit. I also met her large, fluffy, cross-eyed black cat, Madame, before we began.
For my first lesson, I learned about tuning my violin, holding the bow properly and before long I was making noise! It was like wrist and elbow yoga, as I could tell I was awakening unused tendons. I was quite surprised (and she) on how quickly I was taking to my new avocation! I do think there is an advantage mirroring your instructor and by the end (1 1/4 hours later), I felt I met the right instructor for me.
Unfortunately, although playable, I learned my violin was damaged from the shipping. The soundboard inside my instrument popped off so I’m not achieving the true sound quality my violin can produce (so that's what was rattling inside!). Luckily I was in touch with the seller this morning, so I have the instructions on how to exchange it - hopefully as soon as possible.
Plug - Recommended local stringed instrument dealer/repair/accessories, Roland Feller)
Sunday rolled around and I just relaxed and played my new Star Wars game, 
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