(Untitled)

[lingering_words]

I had my very first viola lesson today. My prof told me my intonation is horrible. I need to work on all of my shifting and that right now my playing could be a lot more enjoyable to listen to if played in tune.  I am not cut out for this. I'm going to fail this program and I don't want to be here.

Comments

[jensen_tracy]

A professor of mine once told me that I'd never cut it in any academic or theatre profession because I was from the Maritimes (so was he). No real explanation as to what that really meant, but I've always taken it as a good example of the stupid things people in positions of power say. You're a talented woman, April, and you should never allow anyone to make you forget that -- one person's opinion isn't going to destroy your career; learning everything you can from him and making it your own will prove that you're bigger than he. And, of course, like in my case, you'll likely find out they say things like that to EVERYONE because they're a boring, angry failure who believes their talents are being wasted but life passed them by. Don't listen, just smile knowingly.

[strictlyrouge]

Honey, they say these things at the beginning of the program to weed out the ones with no determination. Practice, nurture your talents, and be determined. You're a wonderful artist, and a focused, dilligent pupil.
Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain, love. People in positions of power can get carried away.

[shannytook]

April, please don't think this. I have a lot of friends here who are in acting and some of them break down in class everyday. The profs. are there to cut you up and they do this to test you and see if you will actually make it. Don't drop out unless you fear for your life. Don't quit unless they make that choice for you. You have all the time you need to show them how awesome you are! Just practice and love the music. Remember why you want to be where you are.

[kidwiththeface]

Perhaps he's found your playing somewhat inspirational and wishes he had that kind of ability at your age. Teachers get pissed when their students are able to outdo them. And while I've never heard you play, if you put so much as a femtometer of determination into your viola as you have with what I've seen you produce on stage in a role, clearly you have incredible ability. Like Caarlie says, it's to weed out the ones who aren't determined. You can do this. You've done it all your life and it's what you're comfortable with. Don't let his ludicrous opinion deter you in any way. You got this far, if you back out now, he'll win. Don't let those in authoritative positions win. It never works out that way. I think you need a Travvie hug.

[_mirv_]

Don't say that. It may feel like that, but you need to realize it was a first lesson, a first time hearing from you, and he has a pre-determind, sound that he's assumes everyone needs to be placed in. You are cut out for this, just keep going what you love, keep playing. When I first got here, no one understood a word of what I was saying, though I knew it was correct from years of studying... Now everything is fine as they're use to me... and music.. your viola playing is a language, if everyone played it exactly the same, there would be no emotion or imagination attached to it, and is that not why we love it? It's all a mind game, and it's just the begining. stay strong, you want this. Stick with your ambitions, it won't be easy, but nothing is easy.