I've been playing the violin going on six years and the impact it has made on my life personally is beyond words.
1. Perspective
When you play in an orchestra, you not only have to listen to your part/your section, you also have to be aware of the other instruments' and what they are playing. You have to listen to the other parts in order to fit together and make the song work and sound good- like one big orchestra instead of several instruments. Playing the violin has taught me that in challenging situations, look at the big picture- the full orchestra- not just violins or cellos. Put it into a different perspective.
2. Details
When playing a piece, you have to look carefully in the details. You've got dynamics (loud and soft), tempo/speed, long or short notes, etc. They are what makes the song what it is. I never paid attention to those as much as I should have. But that helped me realize how I should pay more attention to details in general. The beauty of the sunrise, my best friend's favorite song, my mom's favorite tv show. It's in the little details.
3. Progress
Most of the time, frustration gets the best of me when I have a hard time playing a certain song. But usually, it becomes easier (not easy, but easier) to play it the more I practice. It will come to you, the key is patience. Keep the patience, the practice, and you will make progress and improvement. It may not, and doesn't have to come quickly or easily for you to be able to do it.
While playing the violin I've had many failures and frustrations. But the joy that it has brought me is much greater. It is a way for me to relieve stress, have fun, and even bring praise to my Savior.
