Violin Forum/Message Board

[ryanvaughn]

My name is Ryan Vaughn and I am not a musician. My wife Danielle Belen, however, is a world class violinist and teacher. She is currently the teaching assistant to Robert Lipsett at the Colburn School.

My challenge: under the expert guidance of my lovely wife, can I perform the Paganini Caprice #24 in one year?

I would like to know what this message board thinks of my chances and also if anyone is interested, to follow my progress on my blog:
http://www.vaughnvsviolin.com

Thanks, and I look forward to hearing from you!

[Jack H.]

I say Yes, but the only question remaining is how well. Gonna take a serious effort on your part though. good luck.

[Benedict White]

I would just add that this reminds me of the Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy part where some one had to prove that they could move a mountain.

Either way it is a lot of work! Good luck, but it is doable.

[Stradsman]

You may not be able to play the last few variations at all. It takes many years to accomplish the technical challenges that they entail. The right hand pizzicatos too will be nearly impossible to master in such a short time.
_________________
"No one should be allowed to play the violin until he has mastered it."
Jim Fiebig

[Nate Robinson]

I've seen your videos and read about your project. It is a lofty idea and I commend you for undertaking it. To answer your question, yes you can perform it, but personally I'd rather hear you play an easier piece at a high level rather than it be a struggle for you with something that's not currently in your range.

Would you start trying to bench press 300 lbs without ever having lifted weights before? No. You'd injure yourself, which could also happen in Paganini if you haven't had extensive training.

Learning violin is a gradual progression - there are no shortcuts. Paganini, is like that 300 lbs barbell - you want to come to the music with technique to serve it rather than the music owning you which unfortunately happens with these little kids who have stage parents.

Anyway that's my 2 cents. Good luck on your studies!

[BobW]

Ryan, I commend you on your initial determination, however you stated you are not a musician. This implied to me that you were making this a quest of music quantity rather than quality. It seems you lost interest, but it can be a good thing, where you can now enjoy the music at your own pace. Music should never be considered a competition, that's for horses. Enjoy the music.