Paula Joy Welter: News

In between my necessary 9-5 day job, here's what I've been doing for escape and rejuvenation: In music, I am concentrating mostly on learning the cello. I'm about 4 years into lessons. It's a beautiful instrument, demanding much patience and dedication to learn -- like all musical instruments -- but worth all the effort as I see and hear progress made in small but steady increments.

Lately, I've dared to work on some cello duets with another cellist a little further down the road than I... and it's magical, to hear the two instruments join up! As a guitarist, I've always played solo, so my style is my own, and to some ears, a bit eccentric. On the cello, since I've been studying music ON THE PAGE, I'm learning a different approach, and it allows room for collaboration.

I'm awaiting the birth of my first grandchild. My son, Noah, and his wife, Kaysie, are expecting Baby Jack to arrive August 16. This will be a new and exciting chapter, of course, in all our lives! I'm working on a cello lullaby.

I've been really enjoying the wonderful journeys I've always found when exploring photography. Check out www.viewpointgallery.org for some incredible talent and inspiration. I docent at this gallery and go on field trips, take workshops.... photography has always been my second creative love, next to music! I have a line of greeting cards I've built from my photographic images gathered. Someday, I may get it posted to this website, for access.


In 2009, I look forward to launching a freelance service utilizing my transcription skills and my Certified Shorthand Reporter license. Eventually, I hope to leave the 9-5 routine, and embrace more flexibility in my life, which always allows for more creativity, too!

Well, that's what's new of late!

Sweet harmonies, Paula Joy

Finally, I've traded up from my 'beginner' cello to one that sounds a lot better and plays more easily! (Though in cello circles, this is still a humble cello...)

Three years into cello, it's still a most daunting but glorious ride! Daily, patience and persistence bring me a little closer to playing it more musically. What a voice it has!

I look forward to attending the next New Directions Cello Festival. Last year's festival, held at California State University in Sacramento, was very energizing and inspirational. I really enjoyed sitting in on a Natalie Haas workshop with many other attending students of cello, watching her interesting bow style demonstrated!

Picture this: three days of music -- 350 folk artists, agents, DJ's, presenters... all in one hotel! Just back from the Far West Regional Folk Alliance Conference held in Sacramento, CA. Picture an entire floor of the Marriott in Rancho Cordova, CA -- all the guests' rooms turned into music rooms for performing artists to get heard up close! Mandolins, banjos, guitars, harps, dobros, stand-up basses, even a few guys in kilts with bagpipes ready! The music flowed everywhere, even in some elevators! It's back to the day job, now!