Me and my violin (Artist Date #2)

Seven violin memories and one light-filled lunchtime recital

I’m committing to weekly creative adventures and this is my second and it brings up a lot of violin memories! “An Artist Date is a tool for attention,” says Julia Cameron in her book The Artist’s Way. “A once-weekly solo expedition to do something that enchants or interests you.” For the sheer delight of it. To escape, to explore, to listen to yourself. Join me?

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ONE: I’m ten years old and I want to play the trumpet. Six of us do but only five are allowed. We sit in the music room and blow into a trumpet mouthpiece, one by one. Those who can make a noise will be loaned an instrument and given lessons. Sounds vary from buzzing to blasting to honking. I am last and, distracted by the volume of spit now lodged inside the single mouthpiece wiped vaguely with a tissue, I manage only a small wheeze. The trumpet is not for me, then. Instead, I am offered a violin. When I first hold one, I love it. The chestnut colour, curved edging, four neat strings.