*pounds on glass wall*

[gwendolyngrey]

I'm stuck. Or, more accurately, my LJ is stuck. I can't for the life of me get it out of rich text mode and I don't know what to do!!! Help? *turns on puppy dog eyes*

Now to the real heart of the matter of the day, namely, my piano.

When I started college I more or less stopped playing my clarinet as I didn't have time for band, but I discovered I'm one of those people who needs music (and poetry) in their lives. So, I turned to the piano. I hadn't taken lessons since I was fourteen, and during the school year I didn't have time for serious practice, but I would occassionally take out all the books I had and play through the songs I knew in what I called my attempt to "not get worse". Until this morning I though that's all I was doing, not getting worse. However, I haven't had a new piano book for over a year, and lately I've been really eager to get more music. Then this morning I had an epiphany.

I can play ALL the music I have.

Even Clair De Lune.

I haven't just stayed at the same level...I've become much better than I was a couple years ago!

Normally that wouldn't seem shocking, one plays more, one become more accomplished. But I've been laboring under the belief that my playing was simply staying at the same level because I still was using the same books. And now I REALLY need new music! 

Comments

[myladyswardrobe.livejournal.com]

I need music too! I used to play the flute but didn't have enough "puff" to play it properly (though I did end up playing a the Welsh Youth Orchestra for a summer school one year in Ogmore Vale!).

When I got to 18 though, I dropped the "f" and started to play the Lute instead! And that really helps. I have manged to work my way mostly through the Diana Poulton Lute Tutor book which gives wonderful exercises as well as real period tunes but I need to practice more again.

I have bought myself a 19 string knee harp which I just dabble on mainly (need to get a proper harp book).

What I would really like to do though is join a small chamber/a cappella choir. I love singing (mostly early music) but can't find anywhere near by so far.

Can't help about LJ being stuck though.

[idlewild-grey.livejournal.com]

I would dearly love to learn the lute! I have an uncle I have never met (my mother's half-brother) who is a lute maker. He has perfect pitch, but oddly enough he doesn't actually play anything. He just makes instruments.

Did you get your lute online, or was there an actual shop that sold them? I know there's nowhere here in MI where one can buy a lute.

[myladyswardrobe.livejournal.com]

Just had a look at Chris' website. He had the "half size" lute there now! Its called a descant lute and is so sweet!

He even makes and supplies the authentic looking boxes as well!

::sigh:: I DO so want a descant lute!!

Just need someone to play with now!

[myladyswardrobe.livejournal.com]

I got mine from a friend when I was in Wales. It was classed as a second hand lute but it had never actually been played. When I first saw it, it was in very poor state - the nut box had been snapped on in such a way that it looked as if it had never been on, the back had two slats smashed in and the soundboard had been smashed and removed.

3 weeks later it looked as good as new and it sang beautifully. My uncle gave me £300 (sterling) to get it and my parents gave the last £50 for it. The friend (Chris Allen) also became my lute teacher for the next 2 years.

I remember one day he had made a exact HALF size lute. Exactly same tuning except 1 octave higher than mine. I played the half lute and Chris played mine - it was fantastic!!! We played the same tune but it was such a gorgeous duet to play.

Chris does (or used) to make "starter" lutes and I think he did export to the US. However, if you came to Wales, then you could probably meet him (if hes still there).

Alternatively, the Early Music Shop (http://www.e-m-s.com/front/msframes.html) supplies/makes them (Chris used to supply them with his starter lutes).

And I've found Chris has his own website:
Chris Allen Luthiers (http://www.luthiers60.freeserver.co.uk)

I can heartily recommend him and Sabina (his wife).

[idlewild-grey.livejournal.com]

I'm desperatly hoping I'll be able to go to Wales next summer, under the official guise of looking into grad schools. Hopefully I might be able to meet him (and you!) then.

[myladyswardrobe.livejournal.com]

Well certainly you'll have the chance to meet up with Chris if you go to Wales. I now live in completely the opposite direction in Suffolk so you'd have to make a trip over to us then.

But yes, I'd love you to come and visit us.

[myladyswardrobe.livejournal.com]

Not sure if the original link to Chris' site actually worked. So here it is again:
Chris Allen Luthier (http://www.luthiers60.freeserve.co.uk/)

BTW - my lute that I have (I call it "Orlando") is the Venere lute (second one down on the first column). It really does play BEAUTIFULLY and looks gorgeous!