Lesson 128 - Nyai

My non-bio mother passed away a couple of weeks ago. It was a stressful time and hopefully, time will heal.

Naturally, there's been a lack of focus and I find myself just trying to get familiar with the fingerboard and notes but getting nowhere. If there has been any progress at all, it's been begrudgingly slow.

We spoke about my goals and ambitions - why I even started on this journey.

When I first got on the cello express my intentions were simple, learn to play the cello and maybe use the knowledge to play it in my band. I had no ambitions at all; pick instrument, see where it takes me.

Deryn says I've reached my goal and I've come a long way despite my physical anomalies and the struggles that came with it. Along the way, I've developed a great technique and my solid musical ability, drive and passion has carried me this far so it would be a waste to let it fizzle out.

She suggests we set a goal to rekindle the drive so we looked at symphonies in the area to apply to. We've whittled it down to 3 thus far so the next step is to attend practise rehearsals to see if I like the sound of the orchestra, the location of the venue (I don't have my own transport) and the conductor.

Deryn's past symphony experience, both amateur and professional were varied, but amateurs want to be there (they usually pay to be members of an orchestra) so she assures me that there would be less politics and drama.