Good Day

So I braved the weather and went to school early to study for my theory 4 test. I really had no idea what the heck the test would be on because the material that we went over was so on the surface that I couldn't think of what we would possibly have a test on. There was plenty on the test however; a section where we had to write in 9th and 11th and 13th chords; a section on tristan and Mahler; and a little figured bass/descending chromatic sequences.

It wasn't that bad, and afterwards I had plenty of time to get ready for my lesson. I dedicated this lesson to Strauss and played excerpts from Ein Heldenleben, Don Quixote, Don Juan, And Till Eulenspeigiel Merry Pranks. I also did the 3rd movement of the Gliere Concerto which sounded great! It is really great when hard work pays off.

Private lessons are a process. You work and work all week on specific things that will make your playing better in the future; you climb towards the peak of the mountain on to, at the end of your lesson, to be placed at the bottom to climb up once more. Most times you never actually make it to the top, but on select occasions you make it high enough to feel good about your accomplishments. Needless to say, I feel pretty good right now because I had two great lessons in a row. Texas and Brevard application submissions are coming up, so I need to get back acquainted with the Mozart 2nd concerto exposition. Class at 4, rehearsal at 6, dinner at 7:30 for my fraternity brother, then free for the night.

Off to live,

Deron