Camera-Shy
June 30, 2009
Cedric Down Under writes:
Dear Pat and Patrick
I am practising away, diligently. I have a routine whereby I try to keep up all fronts, even though I am still trying to get “Aunt Rhody” under my belt reliably. I practise my frailing, my chord placements and switching between chords, some finger callusing exercises that I devised and which are most helpful, and now I have added in double thumbing and drop thumbing. I “sing” as I play.
I may be the slowest student ever of the Costellos, but I am enjoying myself, and I am personally happy with my progress. I can’t thank you both enough for shoving me out into the stream.
I would like to ask a big favour (but I will not be offended if you tell me to rack off.) Would it be OK if, when I get “Aunt Rhody” reliably under my belt and pluck up enough courage to video record myself, I were to send you a copy for comment?
All the very best for your connection on 25 August, Patrick. It thrills me just to imagine it.
We’d love to hear it – but don’t wait until you are good enough and don’t perform the song.
If you make it a performance you run the risk of stressing yourself out.
What I would suggest is turning on the camera and just start talking to Dear Old Dad and myself. Tell us about how you are doing or read a story from your local paper or show us around your garden. In other words, don’t just turn on the recorder and plow through the song but rather use the opportunity to share something with your friends in Crisfield.
Once you are comfortable doing that add in the banjo. Instead of putting yourself on the spot you’ll just be talking, playing and singing to the camera like
it’s the most natural thing in the world.
That’s how I do it.
-Patrick
July 1, 2009 at 5:39 am
G’day Cedric,
Pat’s quite right, you know, but I’ve never quite taken the plunge myself. Perhaps I too should follow his advice (which I’ve found spot-on till now). We are both a long way from the Chrisfield retreats and if you’re in the Sydney area we could possibly get together and lay down a few takes or just enjoy a pick-along. If so, let me know and we can make some arrangements.
George in Sydney
July 1, 2009 at 6:48 am
I’m at Cronulla, George.
cedric.b@optusnet.com.au
I wonder how many more Costello students we have within cooee.
July 2, 2009 at 10:43 am
Cedric, I entirely understand how you feel about being nervous in front of the camera. I have put up a few vids on youtube and Patrick has been kind enough to air some here. I always feel unready, make loads of mistakes and talk rubbish, but everyone is very kind and encouraging so go for it. I read somewhere “Don’t wait until you are ready or good enough because that never happens”
July 10, 2009 at 6:47 pm
I am sorry about the lateness of this reply, James, but thank you very much for the encouragement. I will take your quotation to heart.