So, I have decided to learn the Cello.
At 37.
Never having touched an instrument in my entire life before, with the notable exception of the didgeridoo, but I'm not certain that I will be able to recycle my didj skillz into cello mastery.
This should be interesting.
My only qualification is that I have listened to a lot of classical in my years, which is a lot like having a doctor tell you "I'm not really a doctor, but I watched every episode of ER", so that is not too much of a qualification in itself.
This is my cello, Pandora. It is a cheap cello (because I think that learning to drive with a Rolls is a bit silly), and therefore it is brand spanking shiny. And already with the obligatory beginner's tape, which I put in myself, which is why it is all crooked. But hey, one is not really supposed to look at the tape, right?
There seems to be this law of inverse appearance with strings instruments in that the cruddier and older they look, the more valuable they are. That sorry looking old thing over there? A Stradivarius, worth millions. This beautiful, shiny instrument here? Twenty bucks.
(No, I paid a little more than this for Pandora).
Well, the thing is, they look old because they are old. And the fact that they survived this long, in itself, is definitely worthy of some respect.
Yes, I know, it's what they sound like that matters.
I regret a little bit that my cello has a spike with a rubberized foot. I know it's more practical, but I was hoping for the pointy kind so I can defend myself whenever I feel like speaking ill of the boy wonder in the presence of other musicians.
I guess I'll have to make do.
4/3/2004. Update.
After a little over a year learning the cello, I've had to put my efforts on hold due to the impending birth of our baby and a number of home construction projects associated with this upcoming event.
The level I have achieved after this year of study is reasonable although not terribly exceptional - I am afraid that I have not practiced quite enough.
Let the hiatus start.
