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Discussions => Teaching and Learning => Topic started by: arty on April 08, 2020, 04:38:41 PM

Title: Learning any new isolation skills?
Post by: arty on April 08, 2020, 04:38:41 PM
To be honest, I am both surprised and feeling rather pleased with myself!

I know there are many like me, that have always believed that they can only play with the sheet music in front of them. So, I thought, while I have time on my hands, I would see if I could just manage to play a tune without the sheet music. I chose a tune that I have played for some time, so that I have a fair chance of getting through it.

The first hurdle to overcome, is how does the bloomin' thing start? Eventually I get going, only to stumble three or four bars in, by playing the wrong bass. Back to the beginning, try again, same mistake, back to the beginning, try again, slowly this time. It goes right and I can't think what I did wrong the first two times! Back to the beginning and I try not to think about it this time and just play it. I make several mistakes, each time going back, trying to work it out, not allowing myself to look at the music. I get to the end and I feel pleased with myself. I try it again, from the beginning - less mistakes this time, and again and again.
 
The next day I play it through first time and no mistakes - I remembered!!! That feels so good - liberating!
I have been doing this for a week now, and I have 6 tunes embedded into my memory, all of which I had been playing for quite a while, with the sheet music.

Six tunes doesn't sound like much but it is a start and I am chuffed that I have discovered that I can do something that I never thought I would be able to do.  ;D

Is anyone else learning any new skills during this time of isolation?
Keep safe everyone, stay healthy.
Title: Re: Learning any new isolation skills?
Post by: John MacKenzie (Cugiok) on April 08, 2020, 04:56:17 PM
All my learning is by ear, and I can learn a tune fairly quickly, but I can forget it even quicker :) It takes ages for a tune to lodge in my head, I am learning 3 at the moment and the only one I can remember the beginning of, is The Sloe, and that's because it starts a bit like British Grenadiers.

Sir John
Title: Re: Learning any new isolation skills?
Post by: Dick Rees on April 08, 2020, 05:37:46 PM
Arty...

Good on ya!!!  Tunes do tend to ripen in the subconscious and get sorted for the next go/next day.

Bess twitches!
Title: Re: Learning any new isolation skills?
Post by: Chris Ryall on April 08, 2020, 08:17:53 PM
Er … playing bridge online on the BBO site, and possible recruitment to report xrays in the Nightingale hospitals . This virus has new patterns but still looks like  … a virus 🙂 Some excellent online training has emerged.  They seem to nurse ventilated patients face down 😳 quite the opposite of all the ITU xrays I’ve seen over 35 years. But “here we go” 🙏

Melodeon? strictly for relaxation. Hope to put some videos in the “Corona Folk Club” =  which has an excellent standard. My usual (see pic, our last session) Thursday Belvedere L1 pub sing song has collapsed to a “blog”. But some excellent satirical stuff is coming out of that.

     “It's in the evening after dark | That the isolated go to walk, |
     Safer perhaps being up with the lark | Coping with the lockdown”


Learned to use Zoom to contact my diaspora family. My tax might go in early this year 😉
Title: Re: Learning any new isolation skills?
Post by: Thrupenny Bit on April 08, 2020, 08:26:09 PM
My learning skill is 'how to take out a Leylandii hedge' until I filled up the rest of the garden with brush and twigs ::)
hey ho....
Title: Re: Learning any new isolation skills?
Post by: MikeK on April 08, 2020, 09:29:59 PM
Learning to play the tin whistle. I have slight asthma and hope this will improve my lungs. When I had to give up the PA and before I got a melodeon
I had a brief go on a chanter. At first ,I could only play a couple of bars before having to stop for a breath.Within two weeks,I could play the  complete verse.
Title: Re: Learning any new isolation skills?
Post by: Broadland Boy on April 08, 2020, 10:06:04 PM
Similar to Q, relocating the remains of a couple of churchyard Leylandii's brought down in the gales from a large pile therein to my bonfire heap - I don't think my steel rope is quite long enough to drag yours over Q and at 12mph flat out the round trip to yours on the old Fordson is not attractive even if we were not practising Isolationism.
Also improving mosquito swatting and evasion skills, too many outsiders walking or cycling here and no where can I find the persistence on proboscis data on the Banes of Bogside biting townees then me  :o
Title: Re: Learning any new isolation skills?
Post by: Thrupenny Bit on April 08, 2020, 10:13:44 PM
Thanks for the thought Broadland Boy.
If you feel like a trip to Devon on the Fordson, it's arguable that the outbreak would be over by the time you returned  ;D
Not sure our Devon and Cornwall Constabulary would deem it essential though!
Q
Title: Re: Learning any new isolation skills?
Post by: arty on April 08, 2020, 10:24:08 PM
Learning to play the tin whistle. I have slight asthma and hope this will improve my lungs.

That's brilliant Mike - benefits on several fronts then!
Title: Re: Learning any new isolation skills?
Post by: playandteach on April 08, 2020, 11:12:49 PM
Yes, playing online Bridge (using Trickster).
Title: Re: Learning any new isolation skills?
Post by: Tufty on April 08, 2020, 11:39:28 PM
Struggling to learn some French. We had planned to go for a couple of weeks in July. If there was no lockdown I would not have had the time to study. Now I can study not much chance of getting there. Is that irony?
Title: Re: Learning any new isolation skills?
Post by: Peadar on April 09, 2020, 01:33:38 AM
NHS Scotland e-learning: Why infection control matters.....and other modules "mandatory for all staff".
Title: Re: Learning any new isolation skills?
Post by: Winston Smith on April 09, 2020, 08:55:55 AM
Yes, learning to accept that in our relationship with our three grown up children, the roles are starting to reverse, and that we are now even more glad that we somehow managed to create three caring individuals.
Title: Re: Learning any new isolation skills?
Post by: Helena Handcart on April 09, 2020, 10:44:29 AM
NHS Scotland e-learning: Why infection control matters.....and other modules "mandatory for all staff".

Ah yes, the being told how to wash your hands course.  Done it a few times, although obviously not the Scottish version. Although my role is non-clinical I've spent enough time on wards to have been given that training.


How I love NHS mandatory training :)
Title: Re: Learning any new isolation skills?
Post by: Mazelman on April 16, 2020, 10:28:51 PM
With all the free time and the ridiculously good weather lately, I've taken up woodworking out in the open air. Currently working on a sort of cajon-like box that can both act as a seat and a kickdrum. If all goes well I can add an extra dimension to my melodeon playing by adding more advanced percussion (other than just regular old footstomping). For now I'm still stuck sanding the thing so it'll still be some time before it'll be making noise.
Title: Re: Learning any new isolation skills?
Post by: Thrupenny Bit on April 17, 2020, 08:55:29 AM
We've discovered paving slabs hidden around our new garden.
Therefore, stepping out from the conservatory onto four 12" square slabs has been converted into a 3m x 4m patio, just where you catch the afternoon sun.
Perfect for the recent beautiful weather.
Provides a platform to grab a stool and sit and play in the sun.
 
Today's rain is a bonus and will help bed them in and refill the water butts  (:)
All good for the next outdoor playing session when the sun comes out 👍
Title: Re: Learning any new isolation skills?
Post by: Winston Smith on April 17, 2020, 09:16:20 AM
That sounds idyllic! Let's all hope that we'll be able to properly enjoy life's little pleasures in the not-too-distant future, especially along with those whom we count as friends and loved ones! (Though it's a pity that we don't enjoy as much sun up here in the Northern wastelands!)
Title: Re: Learning any new isolation skills?
Post by: Thrupenny Bit on April 17, 2020, 09:32:14 AM
It has been idyllic.
We moved in a period of heavy rain, for almost a month. Then the sun came out and we've had sun since mid March.
The afternoons in the garden has been amazing, and now the hard work has stopped, a treat to sit, drink tea and play tunes.
Last night whilst clapping for the NHS we realised both neighbours are enjoying hearing me play.
Phew!
Title: Re: Learning any new isolation skills?
Post by: Thrupenny Bit on April 17, 2020, 09:34:26 AM
..... but Winston, bear in mind I am much closer to the Equator than you  (:)
Title: Re: Learning any new isolation skills?
Post by: Peadar on April 17, 2020, 09:52:26 AM
..... but Winston, bear in mind I am much closer to the Equator than you  (:)

But the further from the equator the longer the summer days!
Title: Re: Learning any new isolation skills?
Post by: Anahata on April 17, 2020, 10:16:57 AM
Not exactly a new skill, but I've been doing more (and more serious) practice on the cello, my first instrument. The plan is to go though a routine of scales in all 12 keys (this takes about half an hour) and then at least half an hour playing something else, including a Bach suite per day.

I found at first that my hands hurt after playing for so long, as they always do when I come back to the instrument after weeks of neglect, but they are getting stronger and I think that problem is going away.
And as Pau Casals famously said, when asked why he still practised 4 hours a day in his 80s, "I think I am making progress".

I've still not kept this up for several consecutive days in a row; I need to get into a proper routine.
There's no excuse really for not having done this before, especially in the last two years with the combination of retirement and having done most of the essential DIY work after a house move.
Title: Re: Learning any new isolation skills?
Post by: Graham Wood on April 17, 2020, 10:26:09 AM
Been trying to get hold of a Tit-fer (cajun triangle) but they are like hens teeth in this country. So I thought I would try and sample the sound of something similar so that I can edit the wave form to give a ringing and then muted sound of a Tit-fer. (Short for Petite Fer or little iron in English (I like Google)).

So my wife has been very be-mused whilst I wander around the house hitting everyday objects with the metal handle of a knife trying to find a sound I can work on. She thinks I'm stir crazy.

The learning bit is playing around with the waveform to get the sounds I want. No luck yet.

In normal times I would probably go to the forge and get one made. Got to be spring steel, mild steel is too dull. But this keeps me amused in between box practice and other things until I have to go back to work on Monday.

Title: Re: Learning any new isolation skills?
Post by: Thrupenny Bit on April 17, 2020, 10:50:36 AM
Peadar: longer days, yes, but... what advantage in the frozen north? ;)

Anahata: still working on D-I-Y but the lockdown means a frustrating time as I can't get to things... like the tip to dump Leylandii!!
Also I've discovered, being my size, using a sledge hammer and wedges to break a large Bay stump messes up your melodeon arms for a long while  :(

Graham: I remember using a 6" nail on a large horseshoe making a pleasing ring..... my girlfriend at the time meant I had a ready supply of used horseshoes, sometimes complete with bent nails!
Q
watching the rain wash the paving slabs clean....
Title: Re: Learning any new isolation skills?
Post by: Winston Smith on April 17, 2020, 10:54:12 AM
"Tit-fer (cajun triangle)"

I thought that you were looking for a tricorn hat!!! Haha!
Title: Re: Learning any new isolation skills?
Post by: Steve_freereeder on April 17, 2020, 12:19:51 PM
Been trying to get hold of a Tit-fer (cajun triangle) but they are like hens teeth in this country. So I thought I would try and sample the sound of something similar so that I can edit the wave form to give a ringing and then muted sound of a Tit-fer. (Short for Petite Fer or little iron in English (I like Google)).
'Titfer' is cockney rhyming slang for 'hat'. As in 'tit for tat' = 'hat'.
As in 'givus me titfer, I'm just goin' dahn the frog to the bath for a couple o' pigs'
Translation: Please hand me my hat, I'm just going down the road to the pub for a couple of beers.

Title: Re: Learning any new isolation skills?
Post by: Lester on April 17, 2020, 12:29:04 PM
Been trying to get hold of a Tit-fer (cajun triangle) but they are like hens teeth in this country. So I thought I would try and sample the sound of something similar so that I can edit the wave form to give a ringing and then muted sound of a Tit-fer. (Short for Petite Fer or little iron in English (I like Google)).
'Titfer' is cockney rhyming slang for 'hat'. As in 'tit for tat' = 'hat'.
As in 'givus me titfer, I'm just goin' dahn the frog to the bath for a couple o' pigs'
Translation: Please hand me my hat, I'm just going down the road to the pub for a couple of beers.


Cajun triangle is a Tifer
Title: Re: Learning any new isolation skills?
Post by: Graham Wood on April 17, 2020, 12:39:16 PM

Cajun triangle is a Tifer

Well I know how its pronounced.....now curious as to how its spelt.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qSBGAn7O68
Title: Re: Learning any new isolation skills?
Post by: Julian S on April 17, 2020, 01:32:10 PM
My Cajun 'tit fer doesn't get played much (perhaps I ought to practice more whilst in isolation !) and could be available though it might need tuning... ::)

J
Title: Re: Learning any new isolation skills?
Post by: Gary P Chapin on April 17, 2020, 01:43:14 PM
Over in another thread I've been getting/lurking good advice and honing my video editing skills and, for the first time, managed to make a video with me accompanying myself, which revealed for me that maybe one of my isolation skills improvement goals ought to be guitar.   :(
Title: Re: Learning any new isolation skills?
Post by: playandteach on April 17, 2020, 02:06:05 PM
Been trying to get hold of a Tit-fer (cajun triangle) but they are like hens teeth in this country. So I thought I would try and sample the sound of something similar so that I can edit the wave form to give a ringing and then muted sound of a Tit-fer. (Short for Petite Fer or little iron in English (I like Google)).
'Titfer' is cockney rhyming slang for 'hat'. As in 'tit for tat' = 'hat'.
As in 'givus me titfer, I'm just goin' dahn the frog to the bath for a couple o' pigs'
Translation: Please hand me my hat, I'm just going down the road to the pub for a couple of beers.
As a true Cockney (deliberately lost the accent according to my mum), we used rub-a-dub for pub. Of course that's not saying it was the only way.
Title: Re: Learning any new isolation skills?
Post by: Steve_freereeder on April 17, 2020, 02:19:02 PM
Been trying to get hold of a Tit-fer (cajun triangle) but they are like hens teeth in this country. So I thought I would try and sample the sound of something similar so that I can edit the wave form to give a ringing and then muted sound of a Tit-fer. (Short for Petite Fer or little iron in English (I like Google)).
'Titfer' is cockney rhyming slang for 'hat'. As in 'tit for tat' = 'hat'.
As in 'givus me titfer, I'm just goin' dahn the frog to the bath for a couple o' pigs'
Translation: Please hand me my hat, I'm just going down the road to the pub for a couple of beers.
As a true Cockney (deliberately lost the accent according to my mum), we used rub-a-dub for pub. Of course that's not saying it was the only way.
Now you mention it I do remember rub-a-dub. I'm not a Cockney but during my childhood we lived in part of a new town (Hatfield) which was populated mainly by East End folk who had been rehoused after the war. So I grew up surrounded by Cockneys and inevitably picked up the speech. It's mostly all gone now though...
Title: Re: Learning any new isolation skills?
Post by: Theo on April 17, 2020, 02:53:36 PM
Now back on topic:

My current learning project is converting a CF to C#D.  I didn’t think it would be possible but I’ve worked out a plan that involves mainly lowering of pitches.  I’ve done this by tip loading with solder for the lower half of the range and re-profiling the lower part of the reed for the higher pitches.  First tuning completed for the treble side.  Now to apply valves and wax the reeds back in place before the second tuning on the blocks outside the box, and then the final tuning with the blocks in the instrument.
Title: Re: Learning any new isolation skills?
Post by: Winston Smith on April 17, 2020, 04:13:54 PM
"re-profiling the lower part of the reed for the higher pitches"

That sounds rather interesting, you clever b****r! Any chance of some pictures for us dummies?
Title: Re: Learning any new isolation skills?
Post by: Theo on April 17, 2020, 04:32:06 PM
Yes I’ll post some pictures.  Here is a block I did this afternoon.

From the left:

First reed has been lowered by filing near the rivet. 
Second has been filed at the tip just to raise the pitch from 435 to 440.
Third reed same as the first.
Fourth reed tip loaded with solder to drop the pitch by a semitone.
Title: Re: Learning any new isolation skills?
Post by: Squeaky Pete on April 18, 2020, 07:12:39 PM
I thought it was time to get set up to tune reeds in the box properly. The Club IIIM has aluminium slides for the stops and it's pretty tedious disconnecting and reconnecting.
So I made a frame to dangle the bass end and just started.
It's not as tricky as I thought but I'm going to have to learn the technique of pulling the inside reed out. That's an isolation skill I could do with.
The little bent wire poky hooky things work though. All the pitch M reeds and all the L reeds done.
Tremelo tomorrow. I might ask for help.
Title: Re: Learning any new isolation skills?
Post by: george garside on April 21, 2020, 12:44:48 AM
 to pass the time whilst during the 'lockdown' I am spending a lot more time farting about with the one row 4 stopper in G.  In particular I am having a go at playing several tunes that contain accidentals tat the box doesn't have. in other words  honing, or trying to hone the art of faking.


the more you do it the more intreaging it becomes  as does the the  varying possibilities  of  covering for the notes you simply don't have.

great fun that I would recommend to all one row players  and also to 2 rowists pretending they are one rowists .

george
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