I was never very picky about accepting only talented or extra-talented people. That was never my priority. It was always to discover if I saw a possibility for improvement. Those are the cases that make you feel that what you are doing is rewarding, when you see the progress the student is making because of the advice you’re giving. ~Bruno Giuranna, September teaching-themed issue
As I mentioned in a post almost two years ago, I am learning to play the dulcimer. I practiced diligently for a few months after I received it. However, as my attention strayed to other interests, my discipline wandered away with it. Fortunately, it found its way back when a seasonal ranger at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park arrived in Cades Cove. She bought a dulcimer at the local music shop and quickly outpaced my progress. Her enthusiasm reignited my interest, and I signed up for lessons from a professional. Since I returned to frequent contact with strings, I have become curious about their history. I mean, how did someone imagine that dragging a bow–or pick–over taut strings would stir emotions?
The Way-back Machine on Strings
Britannica tells us that stringed instruments pre-date both the Mesopotamian and Egyptian civilizations. This fact (or assumption, as the case may be) results from evidence of a bow-shaped harp created in that era. We do not know whether bows were used first for music or as a method of propelling arrows. We may never know, but the fact remains that mankind has been creating music for thousands of years. Similarly, the lyre was in play (see what I did there) in Mesopotamia as well. Bowl-shaped lyres incorporated turtle shells and possibly ivory, bone or various metals. Wait. I haven’t mentioned the strings yet.
According to both Britannica and a Strings and Beyond blog, some strings were made of cat gut. But no need to get your knickers twisted. Contrary to the words you see, so-called catgut refers to the “intestinal lining of sheep or cattle.” I don’t know where the moniker came from, but as far as we know, no cats were harmed in the process.
On to the Guitar
The MI College of Music and other sources indicate the guitar evolved from the lute, or oud. The latter is a Middle Eastern, pear-shaped instrument. It is thought it originally had three strings, but some versions had up to twelve or more. Four are difficult enough. By the 14th century, the lute was fading from favor, and the curves of the current guitar were coming into vogue. Within 100 years, the Baroque guitar was it for good. It had only five strings and “moveable frets.” These tune-ups facilitated easier music-making.
Britannica indicates the cello came along in the 16th century and Yamaha (they should know) was also a product of the same century. Banjos are a product of West Africa, according to the Ballad of America site. Of course, there are stringed instruments that haven’t been mentioned, but this should give you a sense of the progression.
So where do beauty and strings intersect?
That’s a good question, and the answer is entirely subjective. However, many have found true beauty when listening to live performances. I have found that to be true when I was lucky enough to hear Hannah Alkire (Acoustic Eidolon) and Yo-Yo Ma play their cellos. They are incredibly talented, and I don’t know how anyone could be immune to the deep resonating sound of that instrument in the hands of a master. I would say the same level of enjoyment is possible–though different–with any number of accomplished guitarists and violinists. Which brings me back to the quote and comments I started with.
I’ll start with the latter. We don’t know what prompted the first human to make music with strings. Stick a fork in that one. But as to teachers being open to the possibility of improvement by someone who yearns to learn? That is also a thing of beauty in my book. Good instructors have a high level of ability, and it must be challenging to gently guide a novice to steps that will effect change. Their patience cannot be overstated.
Lessons Learned from Strings
During my most recent dulcimer lesson, my instructor reminded me of something I heard at the shooting range years ago: when I practice, I need to focus on a particular skill. Simply firing at a target repeatedly won’t foster improvement. I must identify a weakness and work to achieve the required muscle memory. Right now my focus is strumming. Sounds easy, yes? Nope.
I am nowhere near the level I want to reach with my Ginger Dulcimer in any facet, but I have learned enough to know that, with few exceptions for the musically gifted, tremendous time and effort are required to excel. Of course, I have appreciated music generated by stringed instruments for decades. But it is only now, when I am learning to produce pleasant sounds myself, that I truly appreciate those who make it look easy.
Perhaps that applies to relationships and general human behavior as well. I’ll have to give that some thought.
Even though I have several instruments and I love playing them all, the guitar is my favorite.
Practice. Practice. Practice. Where you’re having difficulty, focus on it and practice it slowly. Step away for a few minutes to clear your mind if you’re starting to get frustrated then come back to it and practice some more. You will get it. I’m looking forward to hearing you play your dulcimer.
It’s the slow part that is a challenge. Learning anything besides new words is difficult. 😉 I’ll keep working at it though. Incidentally, you sound like my instructor. Almost verbatim. As to you hearing me play – it could happen, but I’d be way anxious about that.
No need to be anxious. We all started somewhere Maybe we can do a collab. 😊
That would probably be worth the price of admission, whether or not it turned out to be drama or comedy. Just sayin’.
I have made multiple runs at learning to play a guitar but never wanted to badly enough to devote the work required. Playing a musical instrument is very much like writing a book. Everyone wants to have written a book….until they understand how much effort it takes. I have heard that playing an instrument is good for your mental health……and it makes sense. It pushes all other thoughts out.
Hadn’t thought about the mental health aspect, but I suspect you are correct. I am getting to the point where I don’t watch the clock, and I did enjoy practice this morning. Taking it one skill at a time is frustrating, but it must be the only way.