Grrr …

I spent two hours today stalking the internet for an app that will transfer the teacher’s spoken words to text on my phone, and translate everything from Dutch to English.

I read this:

The following are 10 of the best translation apps that stand out among all language translator systems available at present:

I read reviews. I looked for a program that wouldn’t stop the transcription when the teacher pauses. I looked for close to 100% accuracy as compared to the translated gobbledegook that showed up yesterday.

I went to my first group cello lesson at Poel and held Google Translate close to Lieven as he coached the other two students in Dutch. And what came up? Blank screens with the occasional word or phrase dangled in front of my eyes. Google Translate was sticking its digital tongue out at me.

Then I tried a major competitor of this popular app. (I’ll leave the name anonymous)

Also niet.

I went to an anonymous store in Ghent renowned for its sound solutions > “We can’t help you.” Don’t they realize that my whole musical future is up for grabs here, both in this lifetime and the next?

Tomorrow I’m going back to that same electronics store, and one other, and ask about lapel microphones compatible with Android phones.

And then there’s the age old question of where to find an app that will produce accurate Dutch and English from the tones that escape the teacher’s mouth.

***

I loved being in the cello lesson today, watching the other students growing into their instrument, hearing the beauty of the teacher’s demos … just being in the atmosphere of shared music. And as we were packing up, in walk four young girls ready for their lesson.

I want them to love the cello as I do

I want to keep seeing them at Poel