I was confused. Musicians were using the word “technique” in seminars and master classes and I felt they were speaking Mongunese. To me, it sounded like I needed tools from the Home Depot and work on my technique.
Yeah, laugh all you want. But that was a tough year. I had been playing my instrument for 3 years and was recently accepted to major in violin performance.
The term “colors” was another confusing one. How do you explain colors in music to a guy who is lost in a conservatory?
I was lost—and the worst violinist there. I felt bad. Who likes to be the least awesome? No body. And if you are last chair of the second violins (me), it’s pretty obvious.
I had to do something about it immediately. I studied my options but had no clue how to come out of that last chair. The only thing I knew was that my life was about to change…
I didn’t appreciate being the sucky violinist and I should’ve.
The first year as a conservatory student was the best for my development. I was lost and my skills sucked. But when you are the worst musician you can learn from everybody, not only the star players but from the average as well.
They are still better than you.
No matter what you hear or see or experience inside the conservatory, everything will affect you directly. You will level up rapidly because you’ve never seen or heard that before.
If you are passionate you’ll catch up quickly and I promise you’ll leave them behind. At least those who don’t commit the same way you do. Get rid of those first, then follow the star players.
Listen to their performances and don’t envy their playing. Admire them and know they’ve been doing it longer and working harder.
Awesomeness doesn’t come from drinking natural water,
it’s grown.
When you find yourself in the last position, analyze your options and learn from the guys on top. Your goal should be to be like them, no less.
You’ll be up for a long and difficult ride. Welcome to the path of the erudite.
For the empire!
CESAR AVILES