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Overcoming Regret: My Journey to Resume Playing Violin Part VI - Adult String Retreat

6/27/2021

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According to Merriam-Webster, the definition of regret is to feel sad or sorry about something that you did or did not do.​ In high school, I quit the violin. This blog series is about my journey to resume playing. To read the entire series, please visit www.melaniebates.net/blog.
​

On June 25-27, 2021, I attended Levine Music's Adult String Retreat. The Retreat included technical skill work, musical topic sessions, music theory basics, and a jam session reading. I felt a bit apprehensive about participating as this was the first time I have played with others since returning to the violin in September 2020 after a 15+ year hiatus. 

​During the Retreat, we had the opportunity to compose our own piece. This was the first time I had ever written music. I named my piece "Butterflies." I chose this title because a butterfly represents nervousness i.e., "butterflies in your stomach," but more importantly growth and development i.e., 
metamorphosis. The next day, I performed my piece in front of everyone while the Retreat Director played a piano accompaniment. To my surprise, I was not as nervous as I thought I would be. The sense of pride and accomplishment overpowered any apprehension. I am truly grateful for the experience and look forward to the next phase of my journey.
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    ​Melanie Elizabeth Bates is an attorney and consultant based in Washington, D.C. The views expressed here are her own.

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  • Home
  • About
    • Meet Melanie
    • Awards & Honors
    • Blog
    • Community Engagement
    • Leadership
    • Media
    • Professional Development
    • Public Speaking
    • Resume
  • Consulting
    • What We Do
    • Our Team
    • Our Clients
    • Our Impact
    • Our Newsletters
    • Our Anniversary
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