Saturday, August 13, 2011

Cape Breton Duo

There are really good quality videos for one of my favorite performances of the 2011 World Harp Congress, Cape Breton Duo. Yay!

Friday, August 12, 2011

I got a tetanus shot today and my arm is completely useless.

Correction, it's quite useful as a noise-maker - every time I move it, you can hear a little squeak of pain.

I was told that moving it would help it hurt less. This is not true. In fact, the opposite is true, complete with nausea. I think the "shotter" managed to hit a nerve, THE nerve that goes from my neck, around my funny bone, and into my pinky.

I did, however, remember this little factoid: "Mental practice - If you are injured, play hard two hours a day WITHOUT TOUCHING THE HARP. Apparently, you can learn up to 90% of your music this way! I must try this." Did I do this? Not today. But I would like to remember it's an option in the future.

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Kicked my own ass with a long bike ride to class and an even longer one home, despite it being downhill, and not eating properly. Managed a few exercises and run-throughs, but couldn't hold my arms up. Another day wasted. And I still have a headache from throwing my neck out.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

My new tuning key holder:


I didn't do the best job sewing it, and I will probably try to make another one at some point, but it is sturdy and works and now I don't have to hunt around for it every time I want to tune!

ETA: Exercises

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Stretched before playing.

Warm-up with Lariviere.

Played everything quietly and focused on relaxing and playing longer amount of time rather than loudly and for a short time. More of an aerobic thing than weight-lifting thing?

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Tuning key holder thingy

I'm also making a new harp tuning key holder thingy.


Worked on Prelude 1 trouble spots - really helps in upper registers if I relax.

No stamina after taking time off and transcribing.

ETA: Got all of Insónia into Finale.