Christine's Violin School

Various stages of wincing 🥹

I’ve been working hard in physical therapy, pushing myself every day. Because of that, some days my wrist just feels stiff and sore!

The point of this post is not to complain (or is it?) but to emphasize an important point: TAKE YOUR TIME!!!

As soon as I started wincing, I stopped and did hand stretches and warm ups. It took maybe 5 minutes and then I was able to play without pain!

Through the years, I learned to play through tension. I would drill and drill without taking the time to release tension or stretch out. Guess what that resulted in? More tension! Tension is an enemy to a high quality sound.

Feeling pain? Tightness? Clenching your jaw? That is a sign to STOP. Take time to learn how to release it!

✨100 days of practice✨

In March 2022, I found out I had a tumor in my right wrist 😧 I had an amazing oncologist that removed it from my hand. Now, I have a cement, a plate and several screws in my arm, permanently. I’m doing physical therapy to get my range of motion and strength back! 💪

Starting to play the violin again has felt like coming home, but it’s been challenging. I can’t play as long as I used too, my wrist feels different as my muscle memory tries to kick in and sometimes it just hurts. But each day that I play is slightly better than the last!

Yesterday I started a new challenge of practicing the violin for 100 days in a row!

Stay tuned here as I share my journey!

Pic 1: Day 1 of 100 days of practice
Pic 2: What my current scar looks like (still healing!)
Pic 3: The x-rays of the cement, plate and screws
Pic 4: My last day of playing the violin before surgery (Playing for my friend’s wedding)
Pic 5: My first day of playing after surgery (my look of giddy mixed with exhaustion)

It’s been a minute, but here’s some music for your Thursday night!

It seems ridiculous until you hear this dude’s voice.

My exciting adventure is about to begin! Starting January, I'll be teaching violin lessons 😍

I love love teaching music, so I've decided to start a violin school. Although lessons don't start until January, sign up today for super cheap special pricing!