I had grand aspirations when I decided to rent a violin in the summer of 2006—a time when the World Cup fervor filled the bars and taverns, and I strolled down the street with my machine-gun 4/4 violin case in hand. It was a vibrant season, and my heart raced with anticipation. Armed with just two lesson books and their accompanying DVDs—YouTube was still a distant dream—I dove headfirst into this new musical adventure.
The violin, a fretless instrument, posed an intriguing challenge. Unlike a guitar, where metal frets guide your fingers, the violin requires you to rely solely on your ear and muscle memory. My fingers glided across the strings, feeling their way up and down the fingerboard like a steel whisper searching for home. It was both exhilarating and daunting.
Tucking the violin under my chin offered a breathtaking perspective, as if I were peering down a long, winding road or an expansive tarmac. In that moment, I saw not just the instrument but the overwhelming potential for expression and artistry, just short the talent. It was a view unlike any other—a unique connection to the music waiting to be unleashed.
Yet, despite my efforts and the myriad of violin-related gifts I received, I never fully became a violinist. The instrument now sits in the corner, silently beckoning me, a reminder of unfulfilled dreams and the beauty of the journey. Learning an instrument is no small feat; it demands patience, dedication, and an unwavering spirit. I failed the violin like many things in my life when I ran up against complexities I never knew existed.
Though I hesitated to write about learning the violin without mastering it myself, I felt compelled to share this experience since failure dominates a lot of really neat ideas. To anyone who finds themselves captivated by the allure of music, or life, remember: every note, every slip of the finger, and every moment spent with your instrument is part of a profound journey. Embrace the struggle, for it is in that that we uncover our passion and resilience. Not meeting aspirations is to be expected; choose which battles to surrender. I hope it resonates with those daring enough to pick up an instrument, even life, and let their own journey unfold.