LESSON 3.
You should be coming along in good shape, now, so you are to have two new exercises this week. One of them is particularly for the hand. It is barely possible that this exercise of snapping the fingers open will cause the wrists to tire. Do not be discouraged by this. That is a sure indication that you are in particular need of strengthening of these muscles, and once they are built up, you will find yourself doing constantly better work on the instrument.
The second of the new movements is for strengthening the upper arm. Remember to take it easy at first until the shoulder feels strong enough to resist the strain that is brought to bear upon it. This valuable exercise will be continued next week.
Many students find it convenient to learn the exercises for the week by heart, and then practice them at odd moments as on their way to work. This is quite satisfactory, and if you are pressed for time, it is a good idea to get into this habit. BUT, be sure that you get in your two full periods each day.
Review work in any study is of utmost importance. After an exercise has been dropped from the current week’s lesson, make it a point to do it, just the same, at least once or twice a day. In this way, not only will you be assured of losing nothing of the work that has gone before, but you will also progress faster with the new. All of the muscles depend more or less on each other, and what helps one, helps all.
And remember—decision of character outstrips even talent and genius in the race for success.
Exercises 5, 6, 7, and 8 this week.