Barbara S., Tulln

In 1998, at the age of 33, I fulfilled my childhood dream of learning to play a string instrument: in my case, the cello. From the time I first held the instrument in my hands and produced a sound with the bow on a string at a friend's party, it was clear to me: this is my instrument.
So I rented one, plucked up all my courage and began my first lesson with Alena full of doubt and questions. After approx. 5 sentences I realized: this is my teacher!
And that is saying something, since self-expression, imperfection etc. had been difficult topics for me until then. More than once had I heard her friendly request: the dynamics are also part of the music, not just correct intonation - risk it! And that was exactly what it needed. Once, Alena asked me: Is it possible that you are approaching this piece 'from above'?: She had actually heard that I was playing with the inner picture of the view from a churchtower onto a city. This demonstrates both her musicality and her sensitivity to her students which, in combination with her wonderful musical guidance, advice, suggestions for practicing and practical tips have lead me to playing Bach's cello suites and Vivaldi's sonatas.
After years of practising and playing, I had to pause due to a severe illness. This interruption lasted five years and had several lengthy difficult phases. But the day came when I once again heard my cello calling me and I am very happy to report that we now once again meet regularly: Alena, the cello and myself.
One essential reason is Alena's support! Otherwise, my approach to playing the cello would have been different in the first place and I don't think I would have been able to find a new approach after the long interruption. But I did, thanks to Alena's ability to create an open and at the same time empathic field. Furthermore, my perception is that this is now possible in a more authentic way than earlier (freed from burdensome expectations and aspirations).
Whenever I finish playing or practicing, I get up from my practice stool and am refreshed and happy!