I finished my Bachelor of Music halfway through this year. Since I was eight I’ve always had something to practice towards – all the AMEB exams, recitals, university exams and concerts. And now…it feels a bit like a free fall, especially as I’m not having lessons at the moment.

I want to keep growing, developing, exploring on my violin. But it can feel difficult when there are no clear markers to aim at.

So here’s a bucket list of various goals that go beyond what I’ve learnt on violin so far. They’re challenging enough to really develop as a creative and brave musician even without lessons!

• Memorise a flashy fiddle tune – could be bluegrass, celtic or gypsy music. Something to show off at a party!
• Learn ALL  42 of the Kreutzer studies and exactly what each one aims to teach. Think of some creative variations one could use to teach the same things.
• Learn an entire Bach sonata or partita – all the movements (I’ve just got a Gigue to learn to have all of the G minor sonata!)
• Pick a favourite concerto and learn all the movements (I don’t think I’m the only one who went through my entire undergrad only learning bits and pieces of concertos). Have a go at making up your own cadenza.
• Using a loop pedal work out the bass, groove, harmony and melody of a classic pop/rock song. Layer up and record to Youtube.
• Learn three songs from your cultural background. Arrange them three different ways for a beginner, intermediate and advanced players.
• Learn something in scordatura! (Alternative tunings: there are fiddle pieces and baroque pieces that use scordatura)
• Transcribe a solo from a recording you like. Transcribe a solo originally played by your instrument or try transcribing a solo from another instrument.
• Write your own instrumental – you could try a theme and variations. Pick a theme that you like, or invent your own theme.
• Listen to a 20^th century/21^st century composition written for your instrument. What’s something new about the way they use your instrument? Research any new techniques you hear them do (borrow the score from a library, read the liner notes etc) and work out how to play them yourself (perhaps add to theme and variations)

Have fun!

How do you challenge yourself to keep learning and developing?  Share your ideas in the comments section!