Personal Narrative Essay: Hard Work Pays Off

From practice to solos; concerts, private lessons, and auditions; I believe hard work pays off. I have been playing the violin since 5th grade, and this year as a freshman I am in the Advanced Orchestra. I have been taking private lessons for three years and I believe they are the reason I am in the Advanced Orchestra. The violin takes much hard work and dedication. It involves repetition, memorization, and physical maneuverability. The violin is a very rewarding instrument, the more work you put into it, the more you get out of it.

I remember one day in lessons, everything just clicked. The notes seemed to fly right off my fingers. My scales were crisp and clean. My vibrato was powerful and rich. My performance piece sounded clear and strong. It is moments like those that make me remember how much I love the violin even through all the tough practicing moments. 

I have performed multiple solos for judges and audiences. Each time I am less and less nervous and I thank lessons and practice for giving me the confidence to do better each time. My first solo, I was shaking and missed a few notes. Every solo after has greatly improved and I am proud of how far I have come. After my first solo, I was unsatisfied with how I played, so when it was time for another performance I practiced even more so I could be confident and proud of my abilities. When I take the stage, under the bright lights with all of the eyes watching me, I am more confident than the first time. It has become easier to play my piece from memory without any mistakes and with emotion. I sound my best when I block out the staring eyes and just play. Walking off the stage is the best feeling after a strong performance, my confidence is higher and I am usually so happy with how I played.

Being in an Advanced Orchestra is very intimidating because I am the only freshman and surrounded by amazing, talented musicians. The intimidation makes me want to work harder and improve to be at their level. I hope to one day be first chair violin and as gifted as they are. Becoming as skilled as them will take much hard work and dedication, but I know that when I become that talented I will feel very accomplished and proud.

Playing the violin has shown that the harder one works the more rewarded they are. With the violin, you must put in the work to see the results you would like.  I did not expect to be the only freshman in the Advanced Orchestra. This one small example in my life proved to me that everything takes work, and hard work at that. I can bring this experience with me throughout my life to achieve everything I want to when I put the work in. I believe that anything I work hard for, I can accomplish.