Lesson 1

                   Today, Alyssa and I had our first lesson. We were very successful and we both have our own homework. The lesson felt very short, but we managed to accomplish our goals for that lesson.
                    I taught Alyssa how to correctly hold the cello and the bow. She is still having trouble correcting habits formed from 3 years of playing the viola, but that was expected. She can successfully play a 1 octave D major scale relatively in tune. Though I feel that the next lesson will be much more difficult, considering what I have planned, I believe we will be able to succeed.
                    For the second part of our video, Alyssa was teaching me how to play the viola. I had expected the viola to be easier. It is actually very different from the cello, but I have Alyssa to teach me, so I don't need to worry. I had trouble with finger placement and bow hold, so that is my homework.
                   We took the time to take two videos showing most of our progress and teaching. Those are here:--------->
PART 1

PART 2

 

Problems...

                   Hello everyone! This week, we were supposed to start our lessons on the cello and viola, but because of scheduling issues we were not able to. I am also sorry to say that I will not be able to fully learn the viola.
                  On April 17, I broke my wrist. I will not be able to play with a bow, so Alyssa and I will adapt accordingly. Our project may come out to be unsuccessful, but it also might teach us how to cope with accidents and scheduling issues. So far, we have worked on our lessons for a little amount of time.
                With my broken wrist, I may not be able to teach Alyssa as well as I had hoped to. I will have to cope with only explaining how to do certain things, but I am hoping that I will be able to show her. The outcome of our project depends on what the orthopedic doctor says about the fracture in my wrist. The last thing I want to do is make it worse!

Here is the video that goes with my first entry. Sorry it's so late! We had to figure out why blogger doesn't like my wifi.... or me! :)

Can I Teach the Cello and Learn the Viola?

              Hello and welcome to my blog! ☺ In my English class we are working on our Genius Hour project. Genius Hour is a project in which the teacher allows the student to take time in class to work on a project they find interesting. I chose to learn the viola and teach someone how to play the cello. I will be working with my friend, Alyssa. she will be teaching me how to play the viola and teach her how to play the cello.

            My inspiration for wanting to learn the viola is my goal of playing 5 instruments. I would also like to be able to play the viola alongside my friend. The viola will be easier to learn than the violin because it is in closer in relation to the cello (the instrument I play☺). They have the same strings and relatively the same finger patterns. Violas are like the cellos' cousins.

             My reason for wanting to teach someone how to play the cello, is because I like teaching. I like to teach others and later see them succeed or enjoy it.
             I hope that our project goes well and that we both get something out of it.