Takács Boosts

Today my quartet played for the Takács Quartet. The masterclass was very uplifting and a great experience to have professionals compliment our playing. The things they had to say are very helpful and encouraging. I am not one to boast, but it is ALWAYS reassuring when you have positive interactions with musicians. So often I spend hours alone all day correcting myself, getting mad at myself or becoming frustrated. I work hard and go to lessons where teachers tell me things I need to correct. It is always a fix-this-fix-that mindset. So, when someone gives me praise for my playing and only comments on musicality, it is a pat on the back and a morale booster!

On another note, I have still not heard back from IFCP. I am starting to wonder if I ever will.

I am 95% sure I am choosing to go to New York for the summer, especially after today, even though I have already been convinced. The NYU String Quartet Workshop seems to be a wonderful idea, as does working in the city trying to make some connections or at least LEARNING about what I need to fix in my playing/how to break into the scene.

The last of my MT friends left for New York. It is already weird and the usualities of my day have changed... I cannot wait until I see them again. I am still happy, which is always a good thing. The anticipation of a reunion is keeping me chugging along. Luckily I am giving a recital this quarter so I have something to keep me focused and to keep my free time down to a minimum (that, and I am actually doing ALL the reading for my history class! Wow, I myself am even impressed at that one).