Stamell Stringed Instruments
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  • Stamell Strings Masterclasses
    • Craig Eastman Fiddle Masterclass
    • Scott Slapin Masterclass: Discussion of the Opening of Bach's First Sonata
    • Natalie Haas Masterclass
    • Randal Bays teaches a traditional Irish tune
    • Gideon Freudmann teaches "Blue Stew" on cello
    • Michael Zaretsky - Bach Kodaly Chromatic Fantasy
    • Michael Doucet - Learn an easy Cajun tune on violin
    • Colleen Jennings Masterclass: A Daily Practice For String Players
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From a very early age I came to believe that unless an activity felt hard it was not worthwhile, it had less value. I have a memory frozen in mind of coming out to the playground in grade school and telling my peers that the math homework was “so hard.” I breathed a deep sigh and mimicked the sound of effort I had heard from my elders many times and which came to signify integrity and a job well done. I remember noticing that my peers barely took notice of my exasperation but instead turned to the fun of recess and play.

Now here I am decades later trying to undo this idea that effort does not have to be part of good work at least in the way that I have internalized. In fact, the real effort comes in redirecting my thinking and learning to undo old habits so that what can emerge are ways of doing things that are full of ease, not effort. It is a humbling discovery to learn that things don’t have to feel hard and that by getting out of my way I can be in the world in a way that feels more like being lifted on a breeze. It’s humbling but also deeply nurturing and supportive. Rather, the effort comes in the discipline; the discipline to keep believing, trusting and most importantly practicing every day for the rest of my days.

I love this idea of letting things come to me through this practice. It’s not a hard, narrow focus which solves problems, but a soft, wide open one that responds to the world. Less control, more awareness. The practice is one that rewards through feeling less physical pain, creating more resonant sound and releasing a spirit which is wide and curious; joyful like a kid on the playground.
​

It has to be hopeful, this kind of practice. It can’t be finite as in accomplishing tasks or looking for success by being busy or collecting a list of accomplishments. It comes with a belief that wisdom comes with time and persistence in the awareness. The courage to notice and to let be.

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Colleen Jennings is a violinist and teacher based in Amherst, MA. Formerly, she was the second violinist of the Apple Hill String Quartet and Co-Artistic Director of the Apple Hill Center for Chamber Music which won the 2016 CMAcclaim award from Chamber Music America. Currently, she is on the music faculty at both UMass, Amherst and Smith College. She teaches privately and coaches chamber music from her home. ​​
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Amherst, MA Shop

18 Kellogg Ave., Amherst MA 
(800) 766 0936 or (413) 256 0936 
​info@stamellstring.com

APPOINTMENT ONLY (curbside and in-store service) HOURS:
Tuesday -  Saturday: 10am - 4pm

Closed Sundays and Mondays

Poughkeepsie, NY Shop

7 Garden Street, Poughkeepsie NY 
(845) 337 3030
ny@stamellstring.com

**Our Poughkeepsie location will be MOVING to 5 Manchester Road, Poughkeepsie NY in March of 2021**


APPOINTMENT ONLY (curbside and in-store service) HOURS:
Tuesday -  Friday: 11am - 4pm

​Saturdays: 10am - 4pm
Closed Sundays and Mondays

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Stamell Stringed Instruments does not pay teachers commissions, sometimes called referral fees, finder's fees or "kickbacks".  To read more about this unethical practice, please click here: http://fineviolinsbydavid.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Ethics.pdf

© Stamell Stringed Instruments - 2021 | 18 Kellogg Avenue Amherst, MA 01002 | 7 Garden Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 | 800 766 0936 | info@stamellstring.com
  • Home
  • About
    • About Us
    • Hours and Locations
    • Monthly Sales and Specials
    • House Concerts
    • String Teacher Directory
  • Instruments
    • Advanced Student Instruments
    • Violins
    • Violas
    • Cellos
    • Bows
    • Pierre Marcel Instruments
    • Baroque
  • Rentals
    • Rent With Us!
    • Why Rent from Stamell Strings? >
      • Rental FAQs
      • Sizing
      • Enhanced Insurance Plan for Renters
    • Online Rental Contract
    • School Rental Services
    • Rental Exchanges and Returns
    • Equity Quote
    • Pay Your Bill >
      • Update your payment information
  • SHOP
    • Cases
    • Chinrest Comforters
    • Endpin Stops
    • Humidifiers
    • Gift Certificates
    • Masks
    • Metronomes and Tuners
    • Mutes
    • Rosin
    • Sheet Music
    • Suzuki Books
    • Shoulder Rests
    • Strings
    • Stands
    • Accessories
  • Services
    • Try Our Instruments
    • Restoration and Repair
    • Appraisals and Evaluations
    • Bow Rehairs
    • Shipping Information
    • Policies
  • Workshop
    • Schedule an appointment
  • Make an appointment
  • Stamell Strings Masterclasses
    • Craig Eastman Fiddle Masterclass
    • Scott Slapin Masterclass: Discussion of the Opening of Bach's First Sonata
    • Natalie Haas Masterclass
    • Randal Bays teaches a traditional Irish tune
    • Gideon Freudmann teaches "Blue Stew" on cello
    • Michael Zaretsky - Bach Kodaly Chromatic Fantasy
    • Michael Doucet - Learn an easy Cajun tune on violin
    • Colleen Jennings Masterclass: A Daily Practice For String Players