How I did it: I took lessons with a teacher who made me laugh, and challenged my skill without ever making me feel inadequate.  I never feel ashamed during the lesson, even when I forget to practice during the week.

I rarely forget to practice now, since playing brings such pleasure, relaxation.  I can play out my emotions on it.  If I feel angry or sad, tense or remorseful, I can play the feelings out, and feel better after. 

I'm renting a cello through a local music store that allows me to 'rent to own.' It's just a student cello, which means it's not as fragile as the more expensive ones.  It's definitely the best way to start.  Even though it's a student cello, it still sounds beautiful.

Lessons cost $22 for half an hour, and they're totally worth it.  The cello cost about $40 a month, and I'll be able to trade it in for a better sounding instrument.  I may just upgrade the strings, and the bow first.

This isn't really an end point.  Mastery is a path.

Lessons & tips: Keep practicing.

Sit up straight.

Keep your pinky down.

Resources: The Suzuki Method books.

Listen to violin, cello music.  It will inspire you to play.

Korg chromatic tuner ca-30i

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Dec 14, 2008, 07:31PM PST | 0 comments | 2 cheers