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Thanks! Mary❤

Hello, it's a full size violin. Mary❤️

@@violinstudiowithmaryv my hands is a little small. Would 7/8 be okay?

@@user-wv4rl8su9b It's very important to consider what is right for you! A 7/8 violin would certainly be a good idea for your small hands and there are gorgeous 7/8 violins out there. So if you try violins, just ask yourself, does this violin make a lovely sound and is it easy to play? Every violinist is helped enormously by having a nice instrument to play comfortably and I hope you find yourself a nice violin - soon! Good luck! Mary❤

@@violinstudiowithmaryv thank you very much:) subscribed.

@@user-wv4rl8su9b very kind of you, thank you and good luck! Mary❤

Hi Jo! Thank you so much for your loving words. A big hug! Mary❤

Hello! Thank you very much, I'm glad it was helpful. Mary❤️

Hello Brian! Thank you very much, I'm very glad you're enjoying my videos and finding them helpful. One thing to bear in mind about all the violin advice on RUclips, (including mine) is that some of your ideas may seem to clash with those of your teacher. I've found this with my own students when discovering they have preconceived notions (some great, some not so helpful!) about violin playing that need to be uncovered. But good teachers have their own methods to help their student to progress and I hope you have a very successful and enjoyable experience. Mary❤

Your counsel is highly respected. Thanks again!

Dear Bonnie, thank you very much for those inspired and wise words; 'If it sounds good, it is good!' I so agree with you that the more we free ourselves from the 'shoulds' of rules and apply the 'possibles' of experiments, we can discover incredible resources inside us. With the right mindset, self observation yields knowledge about how to progress. Let's be happy violinists... Keep up your wonderful enthusiasm and thanks again! Mary❤

Thanks very much- that's the ticket! Mary❤

Hello! Thanks, I'm glad you like the video. It seems you already have a great practice routine! What routine you adopt or whether you have a routine at all is a matter of your desires and your philosophy. It's rather difficult to recommend any routine or repertoire specifically because everyone is at different stages and has different needs. For example, you may well have something in your bow arm or your left hand that should be corrected before going forward. So we must spend time directly looking at, correcting and improving our technique every time we practice...and improvements are much faster and more permanent using simple scales, studies and open strings as our means, so our 'routine' must give way to that. Warmups can be playing a few scales then a piece like the Paradis "Sicillienne' to encourage the left hand to loosen up with loads of vibrato and the right hand to use a beautiful touch, or in the colder months a thorough warmup for colder fingers with scales and the Kreutzer 2nd Etude. With some of my students we examine a single issue and use simpler exercises to enable the student to explore all the aspects we've discussed on their own during the week. At other times we explore pieces and studies that really challenge the student to produce a consistent vibrato or a particular bowing, whatever is needed to push that student, so it's all very tailored...and very flexible according to the need. Mary❤

@@violinstudiowithmaryv Thanks kindly for your suggestions.

Hello! I hope it's helpful! Mary❤

@@violinstudiowithmaryv as always. I am much more pain free and less tension as a result of your videos. If I only had a repertoire!

@@chickensandsuch.1754 How to you mean, 'If only had a repertoire!' ? Do you not have pieces to play? Mary❤

@@violinstudiowithmaryv I am a multi-instrumentalist on guitar and violin. I play non-classical styles (jazz, bluegrass, country, rock, pop etc,) which is mostly improvised or with chord charts. I want to learn some basic classical stuff, but don't know where to start. In my youth, I learned a few etudes and some Kreutzer, and had some lessons from a series of good teachers, but my violin sight reading is zilch. I learned music from age 5 from piano and singing lessons, but also had a bit of Solfege and choir in school. I have a good ear and know some theory. At this point, I get paid to play, so I guess I'm a professional. BTW, I play without a shoulder rest most of the time. Where do I start? Bach? Mozart? Carl Flesch? ??

Hello, thanks for your question... Can you do vibrato, shifting and playing off the string? What pieces did you play with your teachers? Only by knowing your level of technique can I recommend pieces and studies.. Looking forward to your reply. Take care. Mary❤

Hello! Thank you very much! I'm so sorry you have chronic neck pain and I'm sure that not twisting your neck to the left and having your head facing more to the front is essential to cut down on strains and pains. The same applies to every violinists; as natural as possible is best for us all. I don't understand which angle you mean that should be the opposite of what I showed...I'm really intrigued! Mary❤

@@violinstudiowithmaryvAt 1:20 into the video, you’re talking about the shoulder rest. You said by putting the shoulder rest at the angle you showed, right side of shoulder rest higher than the left, it swings the violin more toward the front. I’m pretty certain that if the LEFT side is higher, it swings the violin more to the front. It’s a brain bender but if you set the shoulder rest on a table and then hold the violin, string side up, over it straight initially. Then, twist the violin toward the desired direction (clockwise), you’ll see where the shoulder rest should be relative to the violin. Thanks for your open mind and concern for me!

Hello! Thanks very much for explaining the results of your experiments, I'm very grateful. I love that you've been experimenting. Whatever you decide to do in the end, I hope you find a truly comfortable position that enables your neck to be free of pain. We all experience pain from time to time; (my pains and strains are usually connected to gardening!) But it's very different when you have a serious condition that needs to be managed properly, especially if you play the violin!! I do hope that you find a way to be pain free because playing the violin is so wonderful and so rewarding. I wish you all the best! Take care, Mary❤

Thanks, Mary. I’m 73 and just started violin 1 year ago. That’s what I wanted to play in elementary school orchestra but the music teacher said, “Long arms, Trombone!” My wife encouraged me to take violin up. I’m so glad I did. She unfortunately passed away a few weeks ago but the gift of her encouragement keeps on giving. ❤

Hello! My deepest condolences for the loss of your wife. Her encouragement of you to take up violin at any age is a great testament to her wisdom. I hope that learning the violin will be a continuing inspiration and encouragement to you. Please contact me any time with any queries about your progress. Take care. Mary❤

Hello Lola! It's wonderful to speak about your teachers that way and to know what's right for you! I used to listen constantly to records of Leonid Kogan playing the Mendelssohn , Beethoven and Tchaikovsky Concertos and I nearly hung up my violin for good...but later when I saw Kogan on RUclips with his rather rigid, stern demeanour and huge hands I was shocked - he wasn't what I'd imagined at all! It gives me a thrill when I come across a violinist like Krill Troussev using wrist vibrato as I do, or Bomsori who has small hands like me...how they play is so fascinating and they look so different, but they both have superb techniques perfectly adapted to their different physiques. I hope it doesn't get too hot to play your violin in Madrid at the moment. There's no danger of that here in Scotland this summer; we've had nice days but with lots of rain... So my garden is beautifully lush!🌻🪷🌸 A great big hug Lola!! Mary❤

​​@@violinstudiowithmaryvHola Mary! Recuerdo tus anteriores comentarios sobre Kogan...su maravilloso sonido parecía no concordar con su manera "rígida y severa" al interpretar... Sin duda un intérprete único! Hace poco encontré un CD Leonid KOGAN - MILESTONES OF A LEGEND...y es difícil encontrar palabras para describir ese sonido tan especial... Aún no lo he escuchado todo... Espero que sigas disfrutando de tu maravilloso jardín y de la lluvia...ojalá llueva pronto en Madrid, lo necesitamos! Hoy 39°C🙄 Muy difícil practicar con el violín...Esperaré a mañana😉 Un gran abrazo, Mary, y mil gracias por tus comentarios! 👏👏👏👏👏🤗💚🎶💚🎻💚🌧😉 Por cierto, en el pasado mes de febrero pude ver y escuchar Bomsori Kim interpretar a Chaikovski...aún recuerdo que me impresionó mucho! Fue una experiencia muy intensa!

@@lolamas3042 Hi Lola! I don't know how on earth you can even think of playing (or doing anything) at 39C!! I hope you get some rain to freshen everything up- I love the smell of hot summer pavements after rain, don't you? I couldn't agree more with you that the wonderful Leonid Kogan's sound is incredible and he plays so elegantly! I especially love his legendary playing of the Beethoven Concerto with the glorious cadenza with triple chords played like one note. It's an achievement of the ages... And how wonderful to see Bomsori!! It always seems impossible when great players play a wonderful Concerto. The dedication and talent devoted to achieving such heights is incredible. What an inspiration!! I hope you are having a great summer in beautiful Madrid. Take care. Mary❤

Hello! I'm glad you got most of it! I'm Scottish. Mary❤

Hello Simon! I'm delighted that your vibrato is on its way - well done! Mary❤

Hello! Thank you very much! I remember 50 years ago my beloved teacher Tom Rowlette showed me the game changing dynamism of the approach to the string. Tom had had a stroke and always demonstrated with his bowing arm. I'll never forget his brilliant expertise and wonderful encouragement...Mary❤

Hello! Thank you very much, you're very kind! Kreisler often has a touch of sadness and it's a beautiful thing to express these bittersweet notes... Mary❤

Hello! I'm so sorry you're experiencing pain. It's incredibly important to get rid of that pain otherwise it will always accompany you, or worse, stop you playing altogether. What kind of shoulder rest do you have? It's probably not staying in place because it's not fitting to your contours properly and so it's being forced to move around. Please have a look at these videos about fitting your shoulder rest properly and getting comfortable; ruclips.net/video/WgVPEJEK0fY/видео.html ruclips.net/video/RVZLhSl_YEQ/видео.html ruclips.net/video/bmnGdGx8090/видео.html I know you're tempted to give up on your shoulder rest, but I've never met any violist who played without one; the viola is too big to do without, so do your best to rethink what you're doing. Perhaps consider purchasing a 'Willy Wolf' rest because every single part is adjustable and the key to success is adjusting it over and over again until it fits your contours like a glove, with your head in a natural position. I hope this helps and please let me know how you are getting on. It can take a while and a lot of experimentation, but it's so liberating to be pain free! Take care. Mary❤

Hello Alice! I remember a while back you mentioned this problem and sent me a short film of your playing...but I didn't answer for ages because I only found it in 'spam' much later. So here is what I see: the biggest problem is every single time you play an up bow the stick scrapes the string, making a harsh sound. It's because there is too much movement in your fingers, causing your bow angle to become uncontrolled. You then use your wrist and even more fingers to try to soften the harsh sound. Your bowing becomes more and more restricted as you keep on doing the same things over and over in an endless loop... So what to do? The first thing is to get into the spirit of experimentation so you can examine things without getting upset! *Become really aware that the harsh sound is caused by the bow stick scraping the string. *Become aware that the scraping is caused by your fingers moving the angle of the bow. *Slow down and give yourself a chance to be observant! Play with long slow bows on open strings, examining your bow hold for relaxation and your bow strokes for clarity. *Experiment with flatter bow hair. *There is no need to 'push' the bow in the middle. *Don't keep trying to control the bow; see what happens when you allow the bow to float lightly from heel to tip while not putting in any muscular effort at all. *That in fact should be your starting point. (Figure 8 bowing is more advanced for people who's bowing is sorted out; forget about it for now!) *The best way to alter your habit and start making a good sound is to break things down and slowly, very slowly build things up again by being aware, experimental, patient and neutral. I hope my observations and recommendations help you. Take care Alice! Mary❤

@@violinstudiowithmaryv Dear Mary, thank you so much for pointing & identifying my problem, I start practicing slow and aware of my problem, bad habits take time to correct, and your advice stops me spiral out of control . My frustration is even my teachers over the years didnt say anything, that is why I form such as a bad habit, I thought I am doing it right, I know there is sonething wrong because my bow is scrapping mark the wood keep hitting the strings when I play fast passage . I cant say thank you enough for you are so kind to reply me, you are truly a loving and caring teacher & make a such as a diiferent to the world , I look forward to seeing your video

Dear Alice, Very well done! To become aware of a problem is the first step to healing it and you have made that step! You must take care not only of your sound, but of yourself as well because a repeated problem like this can undermine our confidence... By experimenting with light slow bows and altering you fingers and wrist slightly so the bow stays at the correct angle throughout the stroke, you can give yourself the wonderful gift of a lovely sound that fills you with joy. That's what every violinist needs and it's what I really want for you. I agree with you that your teachers have been very neglectful and have let you down badly. But despite that I can see that you are a lovely talented player with a great left hand and bow arm. Develop your confidence slowly and surely with plenty of very slow practice. Get the basics right before playing anything fast. Alice, please let me know how you get on. Take care. Mary❤

Hello! Thank you very much! Mary❤

Hello! This is marvellous and very well described! You're developing your listening skills greatly by comparing notes and intervals and you're right, it does get easier. Comparing all our notes to the open strings and stopped notes is a very superior and effective way to train our ears rather than using a tuner to just check single notes. With a tuner we just don't develop the essential skill of listening to and understanding intervals and relationships in notes and keys. We're much better of as violinists in the long run to do proper ear training by comparing everything to our open strings to give us wonderful violinistic intonation and sensibility. Thanks again! Mary❤

Well thank you very much, what a lovely thing to say! May you have many more years of wonderful violin playing! Mary❤

Hello, Thanks, I hope they're useful! Mary❤

Hello! There can sometimes be an extra factor involved in touching an extra string when playing; sometimes our bridge is cut too flat, not leaving enough room to bow cleanly on one string, or sometimes the string notches on the bridge are too close together... I experienced this problem myself and when a luthier fitted a new bridge, my constant string- hitting problem was gone. Alternatively, the 'pulse' exercise shown in this video helps to develop control and awareness very quickly; ruclips.net/video/kYJzwoqE-cg/видео.html Try these experiments on open strings with slow bows; * be aware of the position of your arm on each string * look very intently at the contact point as you go from string to string * close your eyes and see if you can accurately stay on one string * create and repeat simple slow patterns between strings Patiently repeat these simple exercises at the start of your session every day and you will soon establish the muscle memory needed in your arm to bow cleanly on each string. I hope this helps! Mary❤

​Thank you for taking the time to answer my question. As always, you gave sound advice.

Hello Marta! Thank you very much! Mary❤

Hello Rosemary! Thank you very much for your kind words! Mary❤

Hello! Thank you very much! What a lovely idea you've expressed so well, and Debussy has distilled the very essence of himself in this exquisite little piece...Mary❤

Thank you! Mary❤️

Hello iggy! I'm glad you found the imagery helpful..but the sound escaping from your f-holes, are you sure it's not hot air?😅 Mary❤

Hello Mary! Thank you very much...I hope you enjoy your sound experiments...the circle exercise can be very liberating! Take care. Mary❤

Thank you, I'm glad you found the video helpful. I'm sure the 'circles' exercise will help you to play after a quarter rest etc because the hand and arm quickly become very comfortable with the ever shifting weight of the bow in circles. Try removing 'pressure' completely from the experiment of 'Catch & Release'... Instead try 'APPROACH, PLACE & RELEASE' You might be pleasantly surprised at just how much better Accuracy is than Pressure in terms of sound and energy...and please let me know how you get on. Mary❤

Hello Lola! Thank you so much! Gosh yes, there are a thousand details to take into account...thank goodness we have the ability to absorb details and keep on turning them into 'natural' movements; it's an amazing ability, isn't it? I like the idea of moving the bow and the violin together in a balanced, harmonious, natural movement. It really helps to keep the body relaxed because even though the bow arm is moving, the other side is balancing it; so natural! However, I must admit that at one point years ago my violin movement got out of hand and there was just too much movement of the violin and it was pointed out to me that I was making it difficult for my bow to have a really accurate landing. (I was also distracting my colleagues!) 😏So when I reduced the violin waving about I found it much easier to 'land ' the bow on the string with the exactness and precision that was needed. I learned a very valuable lesson and of course my colleagues were more comfortable!! An exercises like circles seems so simple, doesn't it, but what a difference it makes to our command of the quickly shifting weights of the bow! Sounds like you are enjoying your violin Lola... Take great care of yourself and a huge hug to you!! Mary❤

Hello, thank you very much, I'm glad you liked the video! Mary❤

Thank you! Mary❤️

Thank you very much! Mary❤️

Hello! Thank you very much, I'm glad you liked it! Mary❤

Thank you very much! Mary❤

Thank you very much, I appreciate you saying that! Mary❤

Hello! Thank you very much, I'm delighted you liked the video! I wonder if you're going to make some changes to your left hand? You know, just knowing about a technical issue is often enough to nudge in an improvement without having to overturn years of playing habits. Once something is in the mind it seems to develop and progress organically. What do you think? Thanks again and take care. Mary❤

@@violinstudiowithmaryv Hi Mary, Do you give private violin lessons? If you do, where are you based at? Thank you!

@@bahman1186 Thanks for your enquiry. I give violin lessons online if that interests you. For details contact me at; maryveronicaviolin@gmail.com Mary❤

Thank you! Mary❤

Hello! Thank you very much, I' delighted you liked the video! Mary❤

Hello! Thank you, I'm delighted you found the video helpful! Mary❤

Thank you! Mary❤

Thank you! Mary❤

What a lovely thing to say; thank you! Mary❤

Hello! Thank you very much! Mary❤

Hello! I hope so too; Debussy is like no other and so lovely to play. Mary❤

Thank you very much Marta! Mary❤

Hello Mary! Thank you very much! Mary❤

Thank you! Mary❤

Hello Lola! Debussy as always, such a pleasure to play! Take care Lola! Mary❤

Thank you very much, I'm delighted you found the video useful! Mary❤️