Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon!

I had to take 5 days off. This will be considered my summer vacation. I had some personal and business things to take care of that were extremely important. Plus I was a little sick on a few of those days. I am starting to feel better thank goodness! Yesterday I did practice for about 25 minutes in between students! Today I will return to my routine! Yeah!
Plus, Friday was our 11the wedding anniversary! Can't believe its already been 11 years!! We went to El Callejon's for dinner up in San Marcos. It is an awesome Restaurnat! Highly recommend them!

Wed, 1 hour of Practice!

got my technique in! Not a full practice but at least an hour!

Tuesday, 2 hours of Practice!

This was a difficult night to practice. I was so tired. I had orchestra class tonight and lessons afterwards. It was a great class but I started to loose steam about 9pm. I started practicing at 11:15 and ended at 1:15am. When I am tired my muscles don't work as good and don't respond quick enough. I hope Wed's practice will be better! When I'm tired and don't feel like practicing I always say to myself you don't have time to lose, stay focused and remember the light at the end of the tunnel. I always feel so good when I practice!!

Monday, 2 hours of Practice!

It was a great practice day! The Winter is really getting better and the Scherzo Tarantella! The Rondo needs the most work.
Looking forward to tomorrows practice!

Saturday, 2 hours of Practice!

I didn't get to do all my technical studies today mostly scales. I tried to get through all my pieces tonight and I did! I'm feeling improvement with my bow arm. My up bow double staccato is actually starting to improve now on the Rondo Capricciosso. I was starting to think it was my bows problem but now I see that it was me and I just needed time and more practice on it. Its paying off!

I think the Winter is now almost ready to be preformed. I need a little more work on the 2nd and 3rd movements.

I love to practice! It is so rewarding and wonderful to be working on a goal!!

Friday, No practice!

I might have put in about 30 minutes of scales today. I spent the day with my daughter doing things with her. It was a good day!

Thursday, 2 hours of Practice!

Yeah! I got back to my 2 hours! It felt so good to practice like that. I did all my scales. I started on page for of Schradieck this time and went to page 10. I got through all my pieces; Rondo and Capricciosso , Winter, and Scherzo Tarantella!
I got a lot done today!

Tuesday, No Practice!

I had a lot of music arranging and zerox copying today for my class tonight. It went very well! It was a full house tonight even though I was missing five of the members. We had a lot of new students come tonight. It's going to be an awesome group! I am very excited about it! It did take away some of my practice time but it was for the better because I have a strained muscle in my right arm. I need to rest it! It might be from all the practicing I've been doing on top of carrying my little 2 1/2 year old daughter around! :-)

It was a great day. I"m looking forward to practicing tomorrow!

Mon, 1 hour of practice!

Not bad but I had to reserve some time to write music for my Orchestra class!

Sunday, Day off!

I had to take the day off!

Saturday, 1 hour of Practice!

It was a long day for me so I couldn't get 2 hours in but I did get one! I'm thankful!

Friday, no practice!

This is my day off from practice this week. I needed to rest my hands. Looking forward to tomorrow's practice.

Thursday, 2 hours of Practice!

It was a good practice. I have a long ways to go but I'm making progress and that is what matters most. I just love the pieces I'm learning. It's really motivating me and I can't wait till they are finished to be performed!

I was asked to perform September 11th. Maybe one of the pieces I'm learning will be ready by then. I hope!

Wed 2 hours and 30 mins of practice!

I got some good practice in! Im a little frustrated today because my bow and fingers aren't working well. Maybe I'm just feeling tired so my muscles aren't responding the way I want them to. It will be better tomorrow. I had over all a wonderful day. Took my daughter swimming and did some grocery shopping and taught students. Now Im ready to rest! Good night! Thanks to God for all the blessings in my life!

Tuesday, 2hours of Practice!

Getting back on track. Missing several days of practice really hurt me so I have to keep it going strong again. I really love practicing scales and technique because of the results I'm producing from them. I must play everything really slow until it's mastered. It is easy to start a habit of playing instead of practicing. There is a difference. I only have so much time to practice so I need to make the best use of my time and practice with precision. Moving along!

Monday, 30mins of Practice!

Not my best but it was a well used 30 minutes.

Thursday, Friday No Practice!

I have to take these days off due to my students recital. I'm still practicing but not on the violin. I'm practicing my piano accompaniments as well as cello and guitar. Busy busy Busy! Saturday night I'll be able to get back to my practice!

I'm excited about my students recital. I have tons to do tonight as well as getting up early to run to Cotsco and the Doughnut shop for refreshments! Wishh me luck!

Wed. 2 hours of Practice!

This was the best day to practice. Everything was so smooth and by bow arm was responding to my commands. It was a great practice! Moving right along!

Tuesday, 2 hours and 45 minutes of Practice!

I did better today. I spent a little of that time practicing piano for my students upcoming recital. I got through all three songs plus scales and technique. It was a good day. Got a lot done. Trying to get students ready. It's a busy busy week!

Monday, 40 mins of practice!

Got my technique in only today. Preparing for my students recital!

Monday, 40 mins of practice!

Got my technique in only today. Preparing for my students recital!

Wed! 1 hour and 45 mins of Practice!

Okay, I took off a few days because of the 4th of July holiday. I need to learn to take time off when its the holiday and not feel bad. If I had a performance next weekend I wouldn't take the time off so this time I believe it was ok to take the big holiday off from my music. Plus my husband, daughter and myself got a bad stomach virus that completely took our energy away and gave us lots of aches and tummy pains. Those darn viruses! ;-(

Fourth of July was great! We mainly rested and stayed home. I didn't want to deal with traffic or drunk drivers so we felt it was best this year to give it a rest. The fireworks made me proud! :-) I am so thankful to be an American and I love my freedom!!! Thanks to God for giving us this beautiful Country and our amazing Constitution of the United States!! God Bless the United States of America!!

I did pretty good today considering the heat and the valuable time I spent with my daughter as well as teaching! All in a days work. I love to practice and I love the music I'm learning. I just can't thank God enough for giving me a violin to learn from. What would my life be like without it....I wouldn't want to find out!

Looking forward to tomorrow's practice!

Thurs,Fri no practice!

Big bummer I didn't practice, but we are dealing a stomach virus in our household. My husband and daughter wasn't feeling well. I will have to make sure I practice both saturday and sunday to get my 5 days in this week.

Wed, 1 hour of practice!

Good day. Just didn't get as much time as I should but at least I got an hour of technique!

Tuesday, 3 hours of practice!

Great day. I got through all my pieces! My view atm if getting smoother and intonation is improving! Yeah!!

Monday, 3 hours of Practice!

I first thought I'd only be able to get an hour in but luckily at the end of the day I had time as well as the energy to practice 2 more hours. I'm finally seeing lots of improvement on the the Scherzo Tarantella as well as the Winter. It takes me about an hour to warm up. I still do all the same training I've been doing for the past several months. I'm a little further on the Schradieck. The 3 octave scales can be a bit tough at times but they make a huge difference.

As I practice and focus on technique voices of past teachers from college such as Howard Hill and Egor Gruppman pop into my head. It's like they're right there teaching me. I'm understanding more about what they taught me now that my skill level has improved. Howard Hill taught me a lot about technique such as 3 octave scales and chords and Ego Gruppman was the teacher that completely transformed my playing. He changed my left hand holding position with the thumb as well as the way I lean into the bow, not to lock my wrist. He also taught me arm vibrato which I'm so grateful for! My former teacher Howard Hill I believe has passed on to the other side. I haven't confirmed it yet but that is what I've heard from a couple people. When I heard that I was so sad. He was my first real professional teacher at SDSU.

Playing the violin is one of the greatest gifts God has given me. The greastest gift is my daughter!

Sunday, My day of Rest!!

I had to have a day of rest after having such a big weekend! Looking forward to Monday and getting back to my solo practice!
Thanks to God for a safe and peaceful weekend! All the practicing is paying off. I noticed when I was performing that I wasn't nervous. I was focused and my fingers and bow just did what they were supposed to do. I know with all my heart its due to all the practicing I've been doing! It's truly inspiring me to keep it going strong!

Saturday, 2 hour Performance at the Del Mar Fair!

I had a wonderful day at the Fair! It went great! All the singers and instrumentalist did awesome! My husband and I are very proud!! I am totally exhausted though! I carried my little daughter around the entire Fair plus walking to tim buck too and back! It is Sunday now and I'm super tired and sore! It was worth it though! I enjoyed my time with family, students and friends!!

Friday, Rehearsal Practice!

I practiced solo for 30mins then rehearsed with my husbands students for the the Del Mar Fair performance thats happening on Saturday. Sometimes this will happen which means not a lot of individual practice time but at least its for a good cause! I'm looking forward to Saturdays performance with our students! Yeah! I'm performing "Impossible" "Good Enough", "The Passenger" and "Good Riddance". Nice songs!

Thursday, No Practice!

This is my second day off this week which means I can't allow any more days to be missed!

Wed, 2 hours and 15 mins of Practice!

Great day! Got my time in. Worked on all three pieces plus technique! Feeling the improvement!

Tuesday! Fair Day!

Today most of my husbands students and a few of mine performed at the Del Mar Fair. It was really an amazing performance by all three bands. I was very impressed and blown away. I reserved this day off from practicing considering the events that took place. I will for sure resume anxiously to practice tomorrow!

I did listen to a Youtube video of the Scherzo. I'm researching to find the best performer on this piece.

Monday, 2 hours of Practice!

I did my scales and Schradieck. I played most of the time on the Scherzo Tarantella. Then I played through the Winter 1st movement of the Vivaldi several times. Whenever I get the thoughts of "I'm so tired, I'm going to put my practice off and maybe make it up another day", I stop and say to myself where do I want to be in a couple years? If I put my practice off it's delaying my success and ability to get out and perform and reach my goals. What could take me 2 years could take 4 if I put off my practice time. And, my health is good right now, you never know what could be around the corner. I'm given the opportunity to practice right now so I've got to take full advantage of it now, not tomorrow or next year! I just love the pieces I'm working on. The Rondo Capricciosso I've have to really push now! The others will come but this piece is a monster and I need to be working on it everyday!!!

I listened to some Youtube video performance of the Scherzo Tarantella. I really love Heifetz's interpretation of it and Itzhak Perlman's! My two favorites!!

Good night Yal!! Oh, God Bless America!! I can't believe the White House had "God" taken out of the "Pledge of Allegiance" when aired on I think it was CNN or NBC. I'll have to research it again to get the exact details. I heard about it today on the news and couldn't believe my eyes! I'm outraged!! Apparently, many other Americans are too!! You can't take God out, no not here in America!!

Sunday, Fathers Day! Day off!!

It was a lovely day today spent with family and friends at my oldest sisters house. It was a blast. Delicious food especially the carnitas and the homemade corn tortillas plus the homemade Texas Sheet Cake that my mom brought made eggless for me. It was awesome. The kids got to swim in the pool and the adults hung outside in the sun drinking ice water and great conversations. It was especially awesome because it was a special day for my dad and my husband. I love them both so much!

Afterwards we went to the Del Mar Fair to check out the stages that our students will be performing on this Tuesday and next Saturday. It turns out that the stages are in awesome locations and are huge. Our students are going to have a blast. What an incredible opportunity!

We had pizza and Icee's. We stayed away from the deep fry section! I saw deep fried Frog Legs, Yuck!! I would like to try the chocolate covered bacon! :-)

No practice today since it is a Holiday! I will start back Monday! Excellent day!!

Sat, 2 hours and 45 mins of Practice!

Yes, today was great! I did my routine, scales, Schradieck, The Scherzo Tarantella (2 pages), the first movement of the Winter and 4 pages of introduction to Rondo and Capriccioso. I got a lot done. I spent most of my time on the Scherzo. It is so hard but incredibly fun to play. I'm going very slow paying attention to my bow sound and intonation.

Now I'm preparing for Fathers Day. I have to wrap gifts and think up a good recipe for a sweet drink for the kids tomorrow. I love that drink that has Sherbert Ice Cream and Sparkling Seltzer Water mixed with another fruit drink.. I can't remember the exact recipe but I will look online tonight. Im looking forward to Fathers day at my sisters house where the kids can swim and we all eat Carne Asada and hang out with family especially my dad!

Hope everyone has a great Fathers Day! Practice, Practice!!!

Friday, 50 mins of Practice!

It wasn't my best for putting lots of time in, but I managed 50 mins. I got my scales in plus the scherzo Tarantella then it was so late had to go to bed I also rehearsed with my husbands student acoustic ensemble. I will be performing with them at the Del mar Fair next saturday. It was a lot of fun and they are sounding really good. I really liked the song Good Enough. Tomorrow will be a better day. Looking forward to more practice.

Thursday, Day off from Practice!

I wasn't feeling very good today plus my daughter and husband needed me since they both were sick. I think I was too. I'm allowed a day off so this was the day. Dispite being under the weather it was still a wonderful day.

Wed, 3 hours and 15 mins of Practice!

There is still time tonight to get at least 1 more hour of practice in. I'm so tired today and it was very difficult to stay focused during my practicing. It's just one of those days! But, it still was a good practice.

I went on Youtube last night and listened to a few performances of the Scherzo Tarantella. I listened to Maxim Vengerov and then this girl named Akiko. She was very good but some parts of the song she was playing too fast. I love the song though! I really can't wait to get it performance ready!

(later)........I changed the amount of practice because I was able to get another hour and 45 mins into my day. It felt so good. That extra hour makes all the difference in the world!

Tues, 2 hours and 30 mins of practice!

Great practice today! Went through all three pieces, scales, Schradieck ect. I realize I need at least another hour of practice because I run out of time and some pieces need more work. I'm up to page 4pm on the Scherzo Tarantella. I love this piece. can't wait to finish it so that I can perform!

It was a lovely day! I have no complaints! Thanks to God for this amazing day!

Monday, 2 hours and 30 mins of Practice!

Yes, I got my time in! Yeah!! It felt so good to practice today. The time flew by so quickly. I practiced everything except for the new piece, The Scherzo Tarantella. I love that piece and can't wait to learn it. I spent a lot of time on the Rondo. This piece really challenges me. I'm making progress. I must be tired because I felt like my bow weighed a hundred pounds. I couldn't get it to play smoothly tonight.

I'm so thankful everyday that I can practice! :-)

Sunday, Family Day, No Practice!

I took the day off to spend with my husband and daughter plus my parents, sister and her family up in SC. It was a lovely day. My sister is studying to be a Beautician at Paul Mitchell and so she pampered me a little this weekend.

Saturday, 20 minutes of Practice!

I didn't get to practice very much because I was actually not feeling very well. Towards the end of the day I felt like I had a stomach bug like my daughter had.

Friday, No Practice!

It was a challenging day today. I couldn't get my practice in. So it looks like this week I'll be getting 5 days instead of 6 but that is still good! My daughter was miserably sick. I taught some students today. I was very pleased to see that my student Yvette has been practicing and using her blog to post it. I can see the difference in her already!

Soon I'll be performing some Pop tunes at the Del Mar Fair this year with some of my husbands students. It should be fun. The music won't be difficult but definately entertaining. I'm relaxing at the moment watching House Hunters International. I normally never have time to watch TV but I'm killing time while my husband is working on a few things around the house.

It's late, time for bed!

Thursday, 2 hours and 17 mins of Practice!

Yeah, I went over two hours. It was a great day. I did my scales and scradieck. I practiced my three pieces. I noticed changes in my bow arm. It's loosening up! It is hard sometimes to keep the practicing consistent. There are times I feel really tired and feel like putting it off but I tell myself no, that type of thinking isn't going to accomplish my goal. I don't have anymore time to waste. Plus when I don't practice I miss it so much.

I got to see my dad, younger sister and nephew today. It was a nice drive up north. Drove through my old neighborhood, picked up a chocolate yogurt at Jamba Juice for my daughter and I. It was a nice day off!

Wed, 1 hour and 45 minutes of Practice!

It felt so good today to practice. I am really feeling the work pay off. Of course I have a long ways to go still but I have improved a lot since March. Consistency works! I am going to find a way to get in a t least 3 hours a day if possible. I could wake up earlier and practice an hour and 30 minutes and then at night before I go to bed another hour and 30 minutes.

Our schedule is always changing. That is the life of a musician and a music teacher! I wouldn't change it for the world because at least it is allowing me to be at home with my child and if I ever needed to cancel because of her being sick etc it is very flexible.
With this, I am very blessed!

Tues, Day off from Practice!

This was the day I chose not to practice. I was exhausted from the days events as well as taking care of a sick child! It was a great day though and I just love our weather. I hope it doesn't get too hot this summer. It looks like the rest of the country is getting hit with some very warm weather! I'm thankful to be living in Southern California right now! However, I hope the big earthquake we are due for isn't going to be in my lifetime or my daughters. They say its coming. I'm going to get some of those emergency backpacks for each person in the house just in case! It's better to be prepared then unprepared! Have a fabulous and safe day!

Monday, 2 hours and 45 mins of Practice!

It was a great practice today. I practiced while my daughter napped, after my lessons I managed to get in 1 hour and 30 minutes. Then after my daughter went to bed I practiced for another hour and 15 minutes. It's very late now and feeling tired. I feel so good getting in my practice today. I just discovered my student Yvette's practice blog. Way to go Yvette! I'm proud of you for starting it!

Thought for the day: Have faith in yourself and most importantly God and nothing can stop you from reaching your goals and your potential to be great! Strive to be the best you can be in this life before it passes you by in whatever you choose to do!

Sunday, 1 hour and 30 mins of practice!

I didn't get as much time as the last two days but it was a better day for me. I'm taking it slow! I'm staying focused and reminding myself of my longtime goal and that keeps me motivated. I will reach my goal someday. I can't wait to start rehearsing with an accompanists. I need to start looking for one very soon!

Life is wonderful and I'm thankful to be alive and have my health! I have many things in my life to be thankful for!

Saturday, 2 hours of practice!

This particular practice was tough. I practiced in a different place and the acoustics were bad so it made my violin sound dead. I got a little discouraged. Sunday will be better! I will think positive! It's ok to have an off day once in a while!

Thursday, 3 hours and 10 mins!

Yeah, today was awesome except for the my little girl being so sick. I feel so bad for her. I got a lot done. I got more done on the Rondo. I went through all of the Winter. I then sight read the first 3 pages of the Scherzo and tarantella by Weinawski. Because of all the scale work I'm doing it made it easier for me to read this music. I think I'm going to add this to the songs I'm going to learn. I got up to page 8 in the Schradieck Book. I made some good progress today.

Wed, 1 hour of Practice!

I wanted to do more but couldn't. But I am thankful that I got some time in today. Yeah! I hope tomorrow will be better.

Tuesday, no practice!

I chose this day to be my day off for the day.

Monday, 1 hour and 30 mins of Practice!, Good Advice!

It was such a beautiful day today. I am thankful to have had some practice, it being Memorial Day! We were going to go spend it with family but plans changed. We went and had frozen yogurt from Goldenspoons and drove to La Jolla where we had lunch and looked around. Later we came home and BBQ'd? It was a great day. I'm starting to notice changes in my violin playing. The continuos practice is starting to really payoff now. It is inspiring to me and makes me want to work even harder! Thanks to God for all that I have!

I heard some great advice from a preacher on tv last night. I don't normally watch this show but it came on right after a movie I was watching and it captivated me so I watched the entire speech. The message was about what kind of friends do you have in your inner circle. Are they people who lift you up or tear you down? The inner circle is very important because they are the friends who will support you and help you reach your goals and help you on the path God meant for you to be on. The preacher was saying that the inner circle are the people you lean on. You may have lots of friends but there might be only a few of them that you might only choose to be close to. He said, "if you want to soar with the eagles why hang out with the turkeys?" That sounds harsh but I know what he is talking about. He's talking about the friends that are negative and constantly pull you down. They are the people that may say, oh your too old, or, that really isn't you or, that is stupid, or, my personal experience "I've never really liked the violin" etc.. I've experienced lots of friends like this through the years and it has caused me to get off my purposeful path. It is important to be careful who you choose to be close to. When you are on the right path God will put people in your path who will help you reach your potential and will help you succeed and wont be jealous of you. He also said that you might fear of being alone if you make a decision to stop hanging around negative friends but it is only temporary because God will work in your life and bring you the right people. He also said that this doesn't mean to shun your friends because yes we all can be negative at times but he is talking about the constant drainers! This was a great message. I had to pass it on!

Sunday, no practice!

Spent the day visiting family! I will put in extra time next week for missing Sunday's practice!

Saturday, No Practice!

I took the day off from practicing. This means I will be getting 5 days of practice in this week.
I did teach most of the day. All the students that come on Saturday are usually violin students. Violinist always tend to choose Saturdays. Very interesting!

It was a super day but I definately miss practicing. I am staying connected to my goal! Very exited! :-)

Friday, 2 hours and 9 mins of practice!

Yeah, I got back to 2 hours today. I warmed up with all my scales and Carl Flesch Book, same, 5 Pages of Schradieck up tp 110 on the metronome. I spent over an hour on Technique. I played mostly the Rondo Capriccioso and only the 1st movement of the Winters Vivaldi. It felt better today. I have a long ways to go.

Today I helped one of my students Rabekah pick out a new violin. She loves her new violin! She already had it open in the car. The violin came with a beautiful Purple lined case. It was very Retro, I loved it! It made me happy to see her so excited about her new violin and now she is going to sound great and be more inspired! It was a great day!!

Wed, 1 hour and 40 mins of Practice!

It was a great day. I got some good practicing in. I spent a lot of time on the Vivaldi. I did my usual warmup. I'm rusty but it felt good to play. Yeah.

Political note: we are praying for Israel and the Americans in certain parts of our country who are facing devastation due to the tornados!

Tuesday, 1 hour and 30 mins of Practice!

I didn't get my full 2 hours in but I came pretty close. I did my usual warmups and then spent most of the time on all three movements of the Vivaldi Winter and the last 20 minutes on the Rondo Capriccioso. I love being back. I feel complete after I've practiced. Music is such a healer and a great way to vent and express myself. I am so thankful to have it as a main part of my life! It's not always easy to practice because I'm tired but I always feel better when I do.

One of my students (Rachel) today played through the entire movement of the Vivaldi's Summer Concerto. She finally got through the entire 1st movement. I am so proud of her. She is 10 years old and is off to a great start! It was inspiring to me as her teacher to see her progress.

Monday, 40 mins of Practice!

I finally got back to practicing. I didn't get my two hours in unfortuantely. My daughters nap time was shortened. At least I got my scales and technique in today! I hope tomorrow I'll be able to get my 2 hours! It felt good to be playing again! I love it!

Sat, Sun No Practice!

I wasn't completely well from this awful bug. Couldn't do very much or I would stay sicker longer. :-(

Wed, Thurs, Fri No Practice!

Today was my last day of being sick. I had a bad virus that just kept me off my feet. I finally felt better today but didn't want to over due it so I mainly rested. I am going to start my practice again Saturday! Yeah!! I miss it so much!

Sat, Sun, Mon, Tues No Practice!

Yes 4 days of no practice. I have been very sick with a bad cold and on top of that had a big final to study for that I finished today! Yeah!! I finally finished my class! I am so happy! I will be back to normal very soon. I miss my violin! I hope tomorrow I'll feel a lot better! This bug requires lots of rest which I haven't been able to do because of my final.

It was a rainy day and very cold! I had to ditch my flip flops for tennis shoes and bring out the jacket again. It felt like winter today! Love it!!

Friday, 2 hours and 20 minutes of Practice!

Yeah! After not feeling well yesterday wasn't sure how today was going to turn out. I was able to manage going over my usual time, yeah!! I need to now start memorizing the Winter and the last page of the Rondo. I am up to 85 on the Rondo's last page. I'm trying to keep it somewhat slow so that I'll really know it well when I speed it up. I drilled the last 2 measures over and over since it is so difficult to get in tune! I started with the last page first today on the Rondo and worked my way to the front.

I have a lot more control of my bow since I moved it out away from bridge. I'm learning how this bow works and every time I discover something new about it, it makes me better. The Winter I'm between 62 and 70 on the first movement. I'm trying to keep it on the slow side so that I can really master it.

I am going to schedule a trial performance in front of my family in August. I figure I could get out my nerves on my family. They are more forgiving if I make mistakes. Then if it goes well I'll schedule a performance in public in October or November. I'm very excited about it!

Another great day!

Thursday, No Practice!

I wasn't feeling good today. I had to take the day off. I didn't want to push myself and get sicker if I was to be coming down with a bug, so I rested! I noticed my arms and fingers were a little achey from all the practicing. My body is adjusting to all the practice. It's amazing how much upper body strength we use for the violin!

Wed 2 hours of Practice!

Yeah. Things are starting to really improve on both pieces. Moving my bow more away from the bridge solved so many of my problems. I really love practicing. A day complete!

Tuesday 2 hours and 17 Minutes of Practice!

It was a tough day! I woke up early to head to school for my last class. I didn't get to bed till after 1am. I came home and was totally exhausted. I just wanted to lay on the sofa all day but couldn't. I taught and later practiced my violin while my daughter naped. I went over the 2 hours today. Even though I was tired I pushed myself to practice. Once I started I regained my energy to keep going. I am thankful.

I practiced my scales and Schradieck as usual. I'm up to 4 pages on the Schradieck. The last page of the Rondo is now up to m=80. Im inching my way! I've been having trouble with getting a smooth sound with my bow. Everything was sounding harsh. I decided to move my bow out away from the bridge. It fixed the problem. I didn't realize I was playing so close to the bridge. I was even able to spicatto better. It made such a difference! Great discovery!

It was a wonderful day! I listened to a few recordings last night on Youtube of the pieces I am playing. I really enjoyed listening to Heifetz play the Rondo Capriccioso! I was pleasantly suprised by his performance on this piece. I thought it would be all technical and not musical but I really enjoyed his interpretation and found that it was very musical.! I also enjoyed David Oistrakh, he too is very musical however, his performance was a little too slow for me. But I do really regard Oistrakh as an amazing violinist and truly love his sound!

Thanks to God for a wonderful day!

Monday 2 hours of Practice!

Yeah! I feel so good! I was tired today but I pushed myself to practice and the 2 hours flew by. I had to really work on keeping my upper body relaxed. The Rondo tenses me up a bit and the bowing gets stiff so I just stop and relax my arms and try again and it works a lot better! The Winter is coming together pretty good, all three movements. The Rondo I got up to met =75 on the last page. The up bow spicatto on the first page is so hard for me. I was starting to think its the bow's fault but I know it's not. I just have to keep practicing it and I know it will get better! I warmed up with my 3 octave scales and the Schradieck. I am up to 3 1/2 pages in the Schradieck book. It's really giving my left hand a work out! Love it!!

This is my last week of class! Yeah! I have to say that I really love my Psychology class and will miss it. It would be a fun subject to Major in!

Sunday 2 hour practice!

Wow, I didn't think it was going to happen but it did. I got my 2 hours in on a Holiday! It was a wonderful Mothers Day! My husband took me out last night to the Cheesecake Factory. It was awesome, there was no wait, just walked right in and got seated within 5 minutes.

Today we took my Grandma, Mom, Dad and siblings and kids all out to the Harbor for a tasty lunch. Then went to Grandmas house to have some of my mothers Texas Chocolate Sheet Cake. Yes, eggless cake! My mom made it with me in mind since I'm allergic to eggs unfortunately!

We came home and Mark said, "Go practice while you can". We put Chloe down for a nap and she woke up right at the 2 hour mark. Perfect timing! Thank you God for blessing my life and my family's!

It was a lovely and wonderful day! I love being a mom to my daughter!!! It's a priceless gift!!

Saturday 1 hour practice!

Got a lot done in my one hour of practice! Wanted to do more but it wasn't in the cards for me. It wasn't because of laziness just due to being a mom, wife and teacher. I am just so thankful to be able to get time in on a regular basis. I love practicing!

Thursday 2 hours and 20mins of Practice

It was a great day! I got my time in. Played through both pieces (Rondo Capriccioso and the Winter). It felt so good!
I'm feeling the improvement. Looking forward to tomorrow!. I didn't do the Shradieck today. I will tomorrow and I'll do extra to make up for today.

Yeah! Life is wonderful!

Wed 1 Hour Practice!

I wanted to to do more practice today but I couldn't! I am going to try to make up that 2nd hour on Thursday. I will try to do 3 hours. I did all my Carl Flesch Scales and Schradieck. I did a lot on the Winter. I am making a lot of progress. I didn't get to the Rondo. My daughter needed me so I stopped. But tomorrow I know I'll get more time in.

It was a wonderful day. I am so thankful! :-)

Tuesday 2 hours and 15 minute Practice

Yeah, I got my 2 hours in. I wish I could have done more but I was just too tired. I had a Psych test to study for last night and didn't get to bed till after 2am. My practice went very well. Both pieces are starting to sound better now. I did my scales and Schradieck. The scales are sounding more in tune. I'm trying to relax more in my arms and it seems to really help with playing fast and shifting! I am also using more wrist in the Winter when I have the 2 slur 2 slur fast run at the beginning of the 2nd page. It really works!

It was a wonderful day! I can't complain about anything. I am keeping my self positive and not allowing outside sources distract me. It is important to keep my mind clear when practicing and to send the negative thoughts out the door. Negative thinking is a destroyer of dreams! It's not productive at all! I am thankful for the peace of mind!

Monday, No Practice!

I purposely took tonight off considering I had a lot of studying to do before my big test tomorrow. Its the beginning of the week so as long as I get my 5 to 6 days in I'll be happy. Last week I practiced 5 days out of the week. Not bad. I did miss my practice tonight. School is almost over and I'll have more time. Yeah!! One of my students wants to learn the Tarantella Scherzo by Weinawski. I listened to it tonight on Youtube....OMG it sounds insanely difficult. I can't wait to order the music!! I'm going to learn it after the current pieces I'm learning now. Can't wait!

Good day! :-)

Sunday, 2 hours of Practice!

Yeah, I got 2 hours of practice in. I was tired tonight since I started late. I started at 11 pm and ended at 1am. I thought maybe this time I'll skip the Scales and Schradieck and just practice the Rondo and Winter. It was a nice break but only for this time. I noticed that my shifts were more in tune when a had less pressure on the finger and was relaxed. It really made a difference!

Today was a wonderful day spent with my family! Later came great news that Osama Bin Laden was killed. That is a great victory for us Americans. Way to go Military!!

Saturday No Practice!

Well, it looks like this week I will only get in 5 of the 7 days! I will practice tomorrow. I had to rest today due to my back being out and extremely sore! Had to give it rest today. I'm looking forward to practicing tomorrow. I did do some homework in listening to different violinists on Youtube to see how they are playing some of the pieces I'm learning. It was very helpful.

Spent time with my family today as well. Was a great day despite the fact that I was having a back issue! :-)
I'm still watching bits and pieces of the Royal Wedding on Fox News. It is truly beautiful and Kate is a beautiful bride!! :-)

Friday, No Practice!

I'm letting today be my day of rest! I will practice tomorrow and Sunday. I am physically tired tonight and I know the weekend will be good to practice!

Wonderful day! Watched a little, very little of the Royal wedding today! Was lovely!

Thursday 2 hours of Practice!

It was very late when I started to practice. I started at 11pm. I was so tired but I pushed myself to practice and stopped at 1:04 am. I was a little discouraged because my shifts sounded out of tune and the bow was bouncy when I wanted it to be smooth. But as I got past the first hour things started to loosen up for me. I recorded myself with my phone but the speaker is so bad so it was more discouraging listening to it back. I have to get a better recorder. Recording is so helpful!!

I did my usual practice Winter, Rondo, Scales and Schradieck. I still have to go slow. I have to go slow on all the shifts to make sure they are in tune!

Anyways, it was a great day except for all the political drama going on in the world! These are crazy times! Just got to keep working hard. Keep our heads held high and may God watch over us!

Wed 1 hour 45 minutes!

Wasn't as long but still got some in! Yeah!

Tuesday, 2 hours and 45 Minutes of Practice!

Yeah! I was able to go longer today! I am so happy! It feels so good. I practiced the Rondo and the Winter 4 Seasons, all movements! I did an hour of warmups (3 octave scales and Schradieck! I am learning how to use this new bow of mine and realize that it responds best with less intensity on pressure. I am so used to my old bow that required lots of pressure to make a decent sound. I am loving my new bow everyday!


Great day! Got a lot done including school and playtime with my daughter! :-)

Monday, 2 hours and 20 minutes of Practice

Yeah! I'm back on track! Did the same routine! It feels so good to be back on schedule! Yeah!!!

Easter Sunday, No Practice!

I get the Holiday off! :-)

Saturday Practice 20 Minutes

This was a bad day for me to practice. I taught all day and ran around town getting ready for Easter. Was up till 2am and woke up the next morning at 7:45 to finish baking and wrapping Easter baskets for all the kids. So, I decided to take the day off after my 20 minutes. :-(

Friday, No Practice! ;-(

Couldn't practice Friday. Was planning on it but I had a serious emergency that ended well but left no time to practice! It was completely out of my hands! Oh well! At least I'll still be able to get 5 days this week in maybe six if I practice both Saturday and Sunday.
I will resume tomorrow. Maybe I can do 3 hours, well maybe not, it being Easter weekend might be a bit tough. If I get in my normal amount I'll be happy.

Good night!

Thursday, Practiced 2 hours!

I got 2 hours in today! Yeah!! I went to the Violin Shop today to help a student of mine pick out a new violin. I picked up a new shoulder pad for myself. It is an Everest with wood detail. I tried it out today and boy did it make a difference. I had been playing on an old shoulder pad that was falling apart and the legs were getting loose. My sound was different and I had more control and even my bow sounded better. Amazing! Who would think a shoulder pad would have that much affect on my violin sound! I am so happy I finally got it. I practiced 40 minutes today on Scales and technique and the rest of the time on the Rondo (Saint Saens). It sounded better. The last page is improving! I practiced with metronome. Last page at 60 is getting easier but I'm still going to keep it there until its very solid. My shifts are a little better today. I noticed if I use less pressure on the spicatto up bow, it is easier on the first page.

Wonderful day! I am thankful!! Yeah!

Yesterday (Wed) Practiced 2 hours!

It was a rough day because I got to bed at 2am and woke up early. I was bushed tired!! I didn't feel like practicing, I just wanted to nap and relax but I pushed myself to practice and I did. Because I was so tired nothing seemed to work right but I just kept going and had to tell myself over and over "Don't quit, Keep going, stay focused!" I am glad I did. I got 2 hours in!

Tuesday 2 hours and 30 minutes!!!

Yes, I went past 2 hours! It was an awesome feeling. I actually got to practice a little of the Winter 4 Seasons today, all three movements of it (30 minutes). I warmed up with technique for an hour playing my 3 octave scales as usual, same as yesterdays. Practiced the Schradieck same way. I added page 4 to it this time. I then started the Rondo Capriccioso. I was able to practice all six page drilling the difficult sections. It is sounding better and my shifts are getting better but I still have a long ways to go before ever performing this piece. I'm enjoying my practice tremendously. It's never felt so good. I think its because of my new bow. It really makes a huge difference. It makes my violin sound so good.

I ask God for his guidance in my practice since I'm without a teacher right now. He is my inspiration! I am thankful to him for he has opened up time for me to practice, he helped me get my bow and I believe he will guide me every step of the way to reach my goal and to fulfill my mission, whatever it may be, I know this is what I'm supposed to be doing! I love it!! :-)

Monday 2 hours and 15 minutes

Yeah, I went over 2 hours! It felt so good! I practiced an hour of technique. I do the usual 3 octaves scales. I do (G,D,C,A,E, F, Bb, Eb) Then I turn to the C Major page and do all the exercises up to number 8. Then I skip to the artificial harmonics #11. I go very slow on everything. I want to master it! Then I went to Schradieck and practiced the first 2 pages at m=110 and the 3rd page at m=100.

I practiced all pages of the Rondo Capriccioso drilling all the difficult sections. It is getting better. Some things are sounding good but having a few trouble with the shifting. I'm trying to get it perfectly in tune. The up bow staccatto is tough. I'm experiencing with my new bow where it sounds best. So far its in the upper middle of bow. The last page I'm between m=60/70. It's supposed to be m=120 and that is insanely fast but sounds awesome and technical! Its a great grandiosso ending!

I didn't practice the other pieces but I will tomorrow.

I'm thankful for a wonderful day of family, students and PRACTICE!! Woo Hoo!!! :-)

Saturday (1 hour and 45 minutes!)

Yes, I got my practice time in today. It feels wonderful! I love love love to practice! I'm still loving my new bow! It's taking a little time to learn it's capabilities. The Rondo is getting better. I didn't do Schradieck today but I will tomorrow. I added a new 3 octave scale (Bb Major). I am listening to a few of my favorite violinists performing the Rondo Capriccioso and so far my favorite interpretation is Itzhak Perlman! There is another violinist that I like and her name is Janine Jensen. I also like David Oistrak. I didn't like Joshua Bell's interpretation which I'm shocked because I loved his playing on the Red Violin. He is a great violinist but on the Rondo I wasn't impressed!

Today I tried practicing the sections by memory to see what I know. I went very slow. I was happy that I was able to play most of it by memory however, I'm still learning the fingerings and bowings. The last page I'm practicing very slowly and still have a long ways to go. I can play all of the last page but only slow, I'm mean super slow because as soon as I speed up it gets out of tune on the high parts and the bow gets out of control and I loose my tone. Over all it was a good day!

I always feel complete when I've practiced my violin!

No Practice Today

It was a challenging day! I didn't get any practice on violin but I did do 30 mins on piano. I have a few accompaniment pieces to learn for my students upcoming recital. I didn't practice because I didn't want to but I decided that this would be my day off. I will practice 5 to 6 days out of the week. My hands actually needed a rest today. I'll be back to my schedule tomorrow.

Good Day!!

Thursday 2 hrs & 15 minutes

Yes, I got past 2 hours today! Spent the morning at school and the rest of the day played with my daughter Chloe until it was nap time. It feels good to be back on a practice routine. It really shows when the practice is consecutive. I'm still doing the scales up to # 8 in the Carl Flesch System ( I love this book!). The thirds are actually getting smoother but still have a long ways to go. Schradieck is amazing. I notice a major difference in my left hand! I'm only doing the first 3 pages. The 3rd page is difficult to play fast so I'm at met=70 whereas the first two pages met=110.

The first page of the Rondo is difficult. I'm still struggling with the spiccato section of the first page. I have a long ways to go still. I really have to practice SLOWLY because when I speed it up the shifting gets a little out of tune which means I'm not ready to speed it up yet. The last page is super fast met=120, I could only do 80. It is a lot of fun to play. I can't wait till it's ready to perform. It is a dream of mine to be able to perform this piece. The Winter is getting better. It is difficult to get in tune and to sound clean because it is so fast! It's easy to get a stiff right arm when playing the fast staccato and fast runs. I have to remember to stay relaxed I love it! I'm taking it slow, slow, slow, slow etc!!!!

I got to remember to be patient! It is easy to get discouraged because I want to it to be perfect already but I have to remember that I've only been working on the Rondo for 2 weeks plus I've only been back into practice since last October. Also when we moved in November I had to stop my practicing because of my move. So really my serious practice only started a few months ago. I think it might take me a 3 or 4 years to get to a concert level. Maybe sooner, we'll see! I will start performing sooner, but only small performances. It's exciting!!!

Wed Practice 1 hr 45 Mins!

I'm holding myself accountable by posting my daily practice. It helps me see what I'm doing throughout the week!
I almost got 2 hours in. I would do more of course but when Chloe wakes up I'm done! I am thankful for the practice! It felt easier today. The Rondo is improving. I have to relax my bow arm for the spiccato and it works better. I did manage to practice Vivaldi's Winter today. I discovered a few things today with the bowing. On the last movement of Winter last page where the open G plus 3 d string notes section, I was getting a spiccatto bow sound but I want a clean smooth legato sound but naturally the bow started bouncing because of the bow cross to the G string. Well, I tried it in the upper half of the bow, YES, PROBLEM SOLVED! I was so happy!

Wed 1 hour and 45 minute Practice Today

I was able to get in 1 hour and 45 minutes worth of violin practice today. I wanted to do more but had to work. I did the same routine as yesterday. I only worked on the Rondo Capriccioso today as well as the scales and Schradieck. I was having trouble today with the spiccatto bowing on the Rondo. I discovered that by loosening the hair it made the bow more flexible and easier on the up bow spicatto and sound controlled, not out of control like it was when I first started. I didn't think I had it tight before but strangely enough it was too tight for this particular bow. I'm learning! I'm still having trouble keeping the violin still while I move up on the G string to 5th and 6th position. Maybe I should take off the chinrest and see how it feels.

It feels so good to be practicing again. It's amazing how my other bow was holding me back. Since I got my new bow my level of playing has improved every day since I've had it. I'm in love with my new bow!!!

It was a good day!

Monday 2 hour Practice!

Today I am happy that I was able to get in 2 hours of practicing. My 4:30 student didn't show up so it gave me some extra time to practice. I've been noticing quicker results now that I have my nice bow! The up bow staccato on the Rondo Capriccioso is getting more controlled, cleaner and easier. The first page (2 slur, 2 spicatto up strokes) is better then yesterday but still too difficult to play up to tempo. I have to resist the temptation of playing through the piece without practicing slowly and drilling and focusing on sections at a time. I forced myself to do this today. My slides and shifts are a little bit better. I did my 3 octave scales (C, G, D, A, E, F) . I also included the 3rds, Octaves, 6ths, up a 3rd down a second run. I did 3 pages of Schradieck. I noticed more strength in my left hand already. I used a metronome on this at quarter note=105/110 . Im having a bit of trouble keeping my violin secure under my chin. That will be my next task! I might need to hold my violin differently or get a different chin rest and shoulder pad. I absolutely love practicing the Rondo! It is truly an inspiring piece of music, it's just brilliant!!

My husband Mark noticed that my run on the Winter 1st page at the bottom (Vivaldi's 4 Seasons) is getting faster, smoother and cleaner. It was nice to hear that because sometimes it is very difficult to hear my own improvement. I didn't have time to run through the Bach or Weinawski. I might have to put those two on hold for a couple of weeks.

My goal is to work up to 4 hours. I can't right now because I'm taking care of my daughter which I love and I have to work! God has helped me this far so I know the door will open when it's time to up the practice!

Music I am Learning Right Now!

I warm up with 3 octave scales. I go in order of the Circle of 5ths. I practice slowly then I increase the speed gradually but I don't play fast unless its clean and the shifts are in tune. The shifts/slides are difficult to keep in tune so they must be practiced slowly. I sometimes do other exercises in the Carl Flesch Scale System Book like Octaves, 10ths and 3rds. I find it hard to do the 3rds smoothly. This is one of my weaknesses because I haven't spent a lot of time with them. But thats changing! :-)

I just started again the excersises in the Schradieck Book. Love this one. It really gets the left hand fingers in shape. I'm focusing on the first 2 pages right now. I am really out of shape and that is why right now I am reviewing basic training exercises to build up strength.

Here is a list of pieces I am attempting to learn:
1. Introduction to Rondo and Capriccioso by Saint Saens
2. Violin Concerto No. 2 in D minor, Op. 22, by the Polish violin virtuoso, Henryk Wieniawski
3. Bach Partita in E Major 1st three movements.
4. 4 Seasons "Winter" by Vivaldi

I think this is a big enough repertoire to start with! Wish me luck!

My Performance Goal for 2011

I just started practicing seriously again after years of neglect. I have been blessed to have had the opportunity to teach music to many wonderful children and adults throughout the years. I am a violin, piano, cello and guitar teacher living in the beautiful state of California. My focus and attention has been driven towards helping my students fulfill their dreams as musicians. Having a few health issues that held me back I also directed my attention on becoming a mommy to a wonderful daughter. Being a mommy is the best thing that has ever happened to me! I am truly thankful in making the decision to be a mom!

One of my lifetime goals is to become a concert violinist. I was starting to lose hope on ever fulling this dream of mine. I have had many set backs after my college years, I won't share them right now if I don't have to, I say that with a smile and a chuckle. They are in the past! I look at the past as experiences that has led me back to God. So yes, I am thankful for that as well! I believe God wanted me to teach but I now also believe that he wants me to fulfill my calling as a performer. I believe that there is something out there I'm supposed to be doing with my violin and music. I don't know where I'll end up but I'm letting God be the driver and I'm waddling along beside him going where he wants me to go. Yes some may say I'm crazy starting this goal so late in my life (I'm 37) but they have always said this to me from day one. The day that I uttered the words (in High School), "I want to be a Concert Violinist", I had so much negative attention placed upon me. Someday when I have the time I will share a few stories that might be entertaining to some of you reading this and could be helpful to those who are or have gone through similar situations as me.

I am excited about my journey. Nothing can stop be but God. My life is being turned over to my Creator. This is where I am most truly happy. I have tried it foolishly on my own and through that experience I now understand the power of God and how without him I am nothing!

My Very First Professional Violin Bow!

Yes, today is the day I got my very first professional violin bow! It was definately God sent! I am forever grateful! I have never owned a professional violin bow. My violin professors urged me to get one from the very start but I could never afford one! Well today is the day it happened. What a huge difference it makes! My violin sounds so sweet and rich. The bow is so powerful and expresses my emotions so beautifully! The man who made my bow is from San Jose named John Bolander. He died in the 1990's and made about 4,000 bows. He got into making violin bows in his 50's and wrote a book about bow making. I love his bow so much! Its really amazing. I am so excited to get to know this bow!

Classic Bow's Violin Shop is the best place to buy a violin or bow! The owner Greg Ghode is wonderful and gave me an awesome deal. I've known Greg since I was 19 years old, introduced by one of my former teachers Howard Hill.

Well, I'm just in awe and can't believe I found my bow! I just started practicing seriously again last fall and the music I'm learning is very demanding! My other bows just could not perform the special techniques I need them to and were a struggle to control. It was becoming very discouraging! Getting this bow right now has opened a door I thought would be closed for a long time! I am so excited!!! Yahh Hooo!!!!