Lessons and Practice and Money

I was practicing my cello the other day and I thought I was really coming along, even in thumb postions. Then, the next day at my kid's summer string program, I heard a cello quartet comprised of some really great players. Drat! I still stink. I need a teacher. Teachers cost money. I probably should find someone more advanced than myself...

This is not looking pretty. I checked the tuiton at the closest music school and it costs about $40 an hour which seems about right to me. And too expensive. Expensive as in my kids won't be able to eat, let alone have their own music lessons.

I guess I blew it. I had all the opportunities in the world to learn and practice, etc. when I was younger and for a host of reasons, my playing still needs work. It is so frustrating because I close to being a pretty good cellist, really...maybe...with a lot of work...and a little guidance...

I don't even know where to start when I practice. I need an Rx for a better tone and speed and a reason to practice like a recital or something. I've got a quartet "gig" coming up in the fall, but I want to be more than that. I want to play like a collegiate level cellist for real. I mean, technically I was a collegiate level cellist...I even had a juries and a recital...

I don't need to get paid to play, but I wish I could have money so I could get a teacher/coach so I could play like I get paid to play...does that make sense???

And, a little money so my kids can have the same musical opportunities I've had...if they wish.