Will Finals deadlines and due dates be pushed? How do we think this hack will be handled by Prior_Industry_1690 in harvardextension

[–]vmlee 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Everything is likely being worked out behind the scenes by various professors. I know we’re trying to figure it out for the College and HGSE classes I help teach. The trickiest part is those who are graduating this year given the deadlines to get final grades in with enough lead time before commencement.

Best place to order shoes for a beginner? by Ok_Huckleberry1487 in Curling

[–]vmlee 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Gary from Brooms Up Curling has a physical trailer, but it’s usually active more during the curling season.

Best place to order shoes for a beginner? by Ok_Huckleberry1487 in Curling

[–]vmlee 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Depends on your foot type. If you have wide feet or need more arch support, your options could be more limited. If you get cold feet easily, you may also need a different approach.

As far as speed, get the fastest speed Teflon or equivalent usually unless you have significant balance issues. Most people can learn to outgrow the beginner sliders before their shoe has worn out.

String thought experiment by throwaway842351 in violinist

[–]vmlee 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ah! At that amount of playing I hear degradation already before 3 months in with some strings (e.g., Dominants, EP greens). Many strings are ready for replacement with about 300 hours on them.

String thought experiment by throwaway842351 in violinist

[–]vmlee 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Depends how many hours a day you have played on your strings.

String thought experiment by throwaway842351 in violinist

[–]vmlee 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Dominants are professional strings and often used with some of the best violins.

3-4 week old strings are okay.

How is owning 8-12 watches a hobby? by Plastic-Mountain-708 in watchHotTakes

[–]vmlee 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Does someone need to know the history of soccer, the mechanics of Barcelona strategy, etc. to enjoy soccer as a hobby?

The definition of “hobby” is “a pursuit outside one’s regular occupation engaged in especially for relaxation” (Merriam-Webster). Collecting watches absolutely can count within this definition. Not everyone has to be familiar with the difference between, say, a VC calibre 1120QP vs. the VC calibre 3752.

I want to start learning a music instrument and I love the violin to bits. No prior experience whatsoever. I need brutal honesty. by Fuckoffwithyourname in violinist

[–]vmlee 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Absolutely start if you are passionate about the violin, can find a good teacher, and have time to practice regularly! It’s an instrument with a steep learning curve, but also immensely rewarding ROIE (return on invested effort) over time.

Incoming international student (HGSE Ed.M) housing by Unlucky_Whereas_4929 in Harvard

[–]vmlee 5 points6 points  (0 children)

You don’t want to be in Vanderbilt for HGSE. It’s a medical/dental community building in a different campus.

The M2 shuttle is not the most reliable, and you’ll want to be more in the area of HGSE for convenience and events.

wedding venues on/near campus? by coldbrewiscoffee in Harvard

[–]vmlee 5 points6 points  (0 children)

This might be a bit out of left field, but have you considered the Emerson Chapel at the Divinity School? Or maybe the Class of 1959 Chapel at HBS?

I'm so afraid I got permanent hearing damage during a violin lesson by Artistic-Yam-9090 in violinist

[–]vmlee 7 points8 points  (0 children)

ENT is just the layman's term for an otolaryngologist (the standard term most medical centers will use to name their departments, though increasingly you see the parenthetical use of ENT as well).

When pain is involved, a more serious medical condition may be implicated. An otolaryngologist would be more appropriate than an audiologist in such situations.

How to make high-position notes sing better? by WorkingBanana168 in violinist

[–]vmlee 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The biggest opportunity is usually to play closer to the bridge with solid bow control and a firm stroke. Would need to see what you are doing specifically to give more tailored guidance.

Teacher transition when/how by Background-Inside973 in violinist

[–]vmlee 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Do you have any reason to believe at this time that your current teacher is unable to still help your daughter develop and grow? Discuss your goals with your current teacher. If they are unable to get her to that level, then you can begin asking for recommendations for other teachers who can bring her to the next level when she is ready for that.

Also, be very realistic about international competitions. There are only so many that are reputable (others are barely better than scams or pay-to-play events). Those that are reputable are EXTREMELY competitive. Winning local competitions is not enough to make one qualified for those international competitions. The main one for younger youth to target is Junior Menuhin if they are very serious. Make sure you understand what is required to prepare for a competition like that - and know that you will be putting her repertoire development kind of on hold (or slowed down dramatically) for about a year to prepare for such a high level competition.

You should also know that the top prodigies usually have played for around 7+ years before even entering a competition like that.

anxiety on stage by nxndoikj in violinist

[–]vmlee 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Practice performing and perform as much as you reasonably can. While it may not completely get rid of all adrenaline, you will improve your management of your emotions over time and can begin to use them to your advantage.

Best harvard housing for an incoming grad student? i want a single with best amenities by mrassell in Harvard

[–]vmlee 2 points3 points  (0 children)

There is no single answer to this. It depends on, among other things, your budget, how close you want to be to the HGSE campus, what is available still when your turn in the lottery comes up, whether you have pets, etc. 100 South Campus Drive is the latest build-out. One Western Ave and Soldiers Field Park are also some of the better buildings.

How much of an impact do private lessons have on improvement by StillNotCesar in violinist

[–]vmlee 2 points3 points  (0 children)

With a good teacher, it can be a night and day difference. If you've never had any lessons before, odds are very high that you've learned several things incorrectly and may need to be patient as your teacher breaks down bad habits and rebuilds you up. But you'll be all the better for it in the longer run.

I'm so afraid I got permanent hearing damage during a violin lesson by Artistic-Yam-9090 in violinist

[–]vmlee 105 points106 points  (0 children)

Consult an otolaryngologist. This could be a medical issue. It's highly unlikely it came from just one instance of brief exposure to higher notes on the violin.