Letter of Rec

My teacher sent me the recommendation he wrote for me.

It was so humbling.

First, I didn't know he could say so many glowing things about me.  I know it's in his interest to have graduate students go on and do well, but I also know he does not want to be embarrassed by having a graduate student of his go on who doesn't have what it takes.  Still, I read the letter and didn't know what to do with myself for the next few hours.

Second, when I did start to process the recommendation and what he said, I became determined to "prove him right" the rest of the year.  I am sure I won't be a disappointment, but I do want to surpass expectations.  How do I do that?  By staying focused.  And that does not mean getting stressed out and bringing that stress with me to lessons.

He also sent an e-mail to the DCA at some of the schools I applied to.  I know this because he forwarded me the e-mail.

My "dream" school (my top choice, the "pie in the sky" school) is still waiting on his recommendation, although I am sure that will be finished today.  The two schools I want to probably attend the most are still waiting on his recommendation.  Don't get me wrong- I like all the schools I applied to.  Each have their strengths and each of them I would be thrilled to attend.  I think I could learn from each of the programs and also think I could contribute to each of the programs.  My top two choices are really that because of location.

I woke up this morning and did an hour of conducting on King David.  Today my focus was the second half of the piece (After the Dance Before the Ark).  I have a lesson tomorrow and should focus on the two movements right before "Dance Before the Ark."  Things are far from awesome, but at least the music is starting to come together.

Alright, off to think through my conducting presentation for tomorrow.