[img]541|left|||no_popup[/img] One thing that I am continually inspired by in my students is their commitment to themselves. They recognize that even after long days of work, family and other responsibilities, making time for themselves in the form of their music study is critical. Even with the best intentions, however, this sometimes just doesn’t happen.
I had an adult student come to her lesson today wearing a sheepish look. I didn’t need to ask; I knew that she would soon confess to her lack of practice since our last meeting. Sure enough, after a few questions, she poured out her confession, looking as if she expected me to rap her knuckles for the tale.
I take a firm line on this matter. I insist that playing the cello is something to do for FUN, not something else to add to the stress list. As such, I responded that we were going to “just have fun” in her lesson, not concern ourselves with meeting previously stated objectives.
And we did. For the full hour, we laughed, we played through the cello choir music… and she learned. To let go, to trust herself and her familiarity with the instrument, to nurture her blossoming vibrato… and to remember that the cello is in her life as a release from life’s stresses. Not the other way around.
Ms. Dewberry, an accomplished cellist, completed her DMA in Chamber Music Performance from UCLA in December 2005. She received her MM in Cello Performance from UCLA in June 2002 and her B.M. in Cello Performance from Western Michigan University in April 1998. She also holds a B.A. in French with a minor in Women's Studies and Philosophy.
Her website is www.carterdewberry.com
She may be contacted at carter@carterdewberry.com
