Let’s get to know the violin bow a bit better. No doubt, we need to apply some force to the bow when playing the opening of Ravel’s Tzigane. And we definitely want to be able to play barely audible in some orchestral passages. But do you know exactly when to add force to the stick? […]
Many violinists find it challenging to play an up bow in the lower part of the bow. Especially when dynamics are soft or very soft. This can be particularly tricky during slow bow strokes on long-held notes. Let’s dive into the reasons behind this discomfort and explore solutions to improve sound quality and ease of
An important aspect of playing the violin is maintaining a relaxed posture. This extends to every part of your body, but today we’re going to focus on the trapezius muscles. These muscles run along the sides of your neck and shoulders and are responsible for various upper body movements and stabilizing your neck. Keeping them
In this lesson, we’re continuing with the theme of alternative fingerings high up the E-string, as we discussed in the previous lesson. This time, we’ll focus on the A minor scale, and once again, we’re avoiding the use of the 4th finger in the upper registers. The same fingering can be applied to other minor
Practicing scales is an essential component of violin technique, but there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to fingering. In this article, we’re going to look at an unconventional fingering pattern for playing a scale on the E-string. Remember, it’s important for every violinist to experiment with different fingerings to discover what feels most natural. However, it’s also
Playing the violin is a beautiful interplay between you and your instrument. To create beautiful music, you must also create harmony within your own body. In this article, we explore techniques that not only foster body awareness but also empower you to direct your attention purposefully during high-stakes moments like performances. The Bodyscan One powerful
In a few of our earlier lessons, we stressed how important it is to create a reliable hand frame (you can find these lessons by searching for ‘hand frame’). This basic idea serves as a cornerstone for precise finger placement and smooth execution. Now, let’s delve deeper into the concept of finger patterns within the
Today, we’re diving into a practice essential that I wished I had used way earlier in my journey learning the violin: the practice notebook. Think of it as your violinist’s diary, your personal tool for growth, and a bridge to becoming your own best teacher. Let’s explore why keeping a practice notebook is a game-changer
Let’s explore a curious way of playing tenths and that might be considered more of a musical frivolity than a practical technique. While not the primary approach to tenths, this unique method is worth exploring, particularly for its historical charm and occasional practicality. In our earlier lessons, we delved into the significance of a well-established
We’ve previously discussed the concept of reaching back with the 1st finger, which greatly contributes to establishing a comfortable and dependable hand frame – a natural arm and hand position that aligns our fingers accurately on the fingerboard. Drawing from the earlier lesson titled “Expanding the Hand Frame: Reaching Back with the 1st Finger,” you
