You are the best Teacher I have found so far. Too many Teachers may not understand the geometry of bowing, and teach properly, and the Learner does not progress. Thanks for this video.
Amazing video and explanation this is so useful, unfortunately at about 3:12 your doggy stole all of my attention, because it's so cute hahaha, thanks a lot.
What an honor! Thank you for the compliment. Your students are lucky to have such an informed, resourceful teacher who is not afraid to bring in outside instruction. You are awesome!
Thank you so much for clarifying my confusion about elbow movement and what parts of the arm should be moving for the different parts of the bow!! It's something my music teacher never went through so succintly in terms of the motor movements!! Please don't take these videos down they are so helpful :D
Thanks for the kind words! As violinists, we MUST be fastidious and pay great attention to detail, and be able to focus AS we multi-task. A tall order! Keep up the good work! Lora
This is also exactly what my teacher told me. Ive been self studying but Ive developed bad habits but Im not discouraged, thanks for this video, it helped me remember the lessons of my teacher.
Thank you!!! I am thrilled to find a source that confirms what I say to students. My teacher coached me on bowing and 30 years later, I'm repeating her methods. I have my students ping pong off a wall. But when you don't have a wall, I loved how you presented it.
You are a great teacher, I have just began playing the violin, and found your videos helpful and I have begun to see my improvement already. The video of the 3 common lefty problems explained everything I was in question about! thank you!!
@tonicanellas You are welcome! I hope you'll find my other videos about the beginner's bow hold and the advanced bow hold.....just be careful about tackling advanced topics too soon (like colle')....your 3 main jobs as a beginner is 1) Posture and Form (including a good bow hold) 2) Developing good tone by learning to play with straight bow and mastering your bow weight, speed, and sounding point 3) Learning to play with good intonation. Just focus on those and you'll do great! --Lora
After having seen a few of your Videos, I have progressed a lot in just one evening. I have an advantage of being techie and could understand your teaching fast, and apply the techniques. I see that playing the violin is like navigating on a geometrical plane. Now, I can command my elbow, wrist and shoulder. It's great ! Thank you so much. You're an Angel !
@RedDesertViolin A small clarification: So at the frog, your PINKY bears the weight of the bow and balances it. At the TIP, your INDEX finger must ADD weight.
Keeping in mind, luvhambo, that your geometry is different from mine. Some day, I will borrow my super tall violin friend, and have him demonstrate HIS geometry. In fact.....I'm gonna do it NEXT TIME I SEE HIM.
Thanks for the kind words! More to come, I promise...I'm just REALLY busy right now creating my new Suzuki Book 2 class! AUGH...so much to do, so little time!
I think the best tip I have for you is that you are allowed to let go of your pinky as you approach the tip. The pinky doesn't really help all that much at the tip...it's all about the index finger and thumb at the tip. So, let go of the pinky, but then put pinky back on as soon as you can on the upbow. Also, you'll learn little tricks like extending your shoulder, and you'll learn to minimize the WORK and EFFORT at the tip, and you'll learn when it's necessary for power, and when not! Goodluck!
Hi, Thank you. Being without a Teacher, I was busy teaching myself. I devised a Graphic with 2 Axis : 0x 1,2,3, up to 10 to mean Bow Speed. Axis 0y 1,2,3, up to 10 to mean Bow Pressure. I was expecting that Bowing would be linear on my Graphic, but it is not ! The Coordinates of my Graphic is better in the Middle between the Bridge and the Fingerboard. For example Bow Speed 4 coinsides closely ebough with Bow Pressure 4. It goes well up to Bow Speed 6 and Bow Pressure 6. Post continue
It's hard to give absolutes on violin. With that having been said, the answer is "No, there is no pressure from the index finger at the frog." When you are at the frog, your main concern is managing the extra weight that is present with your whole bow arm RIGHT THERE. When at the TIP, we have to compensate for the LACK of weight, so our index finger adds pressure. The challenge is to obtain "consistent pressure" frog to tip. Thanks for the question! --Lora
@3:23 Sorry, the rest of the tutorial went right out the window, because of this adorable fury face. I'll have to watch all over again. Love your videos! For lots of reasons!
@Danofnj That is an EXCELLENT EXCELLENT question! I have noticed this as well, and from what I have observed, TALL people have success with their violin off to the left, SHORT people like myself play with their violin more to the front. I have found that my violin CANNOT be fixed in ONE SPOT. I have to move it according to passage, and technique needed. I don't like BonMusica for the fact it FIXES the violin in one spot. EXCELLENT subject. Thanks for posting! --L
Hello, Laura. I'm a one-month old beginner. Thank you for everything, and especially for the bow hair part explanation. So the right forearm and hand rotates clockwise more or less during upward bowing while using less and less bow hair. I've found that motion very relaxing and natural, but I haven't been sure whether I'm doing the right thing. Confusingly, my violin teacher told me to keep my bow hair angle to the strings at about 15 degrees all through the whole bowing, but to do that my right arm and shoulder get extremely stiff and unnatural. So here comes again the wise and old saying that right practice, not simply much practice, makes nice result. I say again I'm very grateful to you, and hope to see you around soon. Bye, Laura.
Hi! I like your explanation of the "clockwise" rotation on the up bow, and counterclockwise on the downbow. I never thought of that before. I have to say....if doing as your teacher has asked you to do causes tension and pain, ASK your teacher if you are doing it incorrectly. I know some people teach to tilt the bow for the whole bow stroke....I just don't get it. I think it's best to tilt the bow at or near the frog, but to go to a flat hair as soon as you can do so naturally. But give your teacher a chance to explain and guide you....see what comes of it!
I am not sure what finger is moving, or if it is your whole hand. I would really like more information to better answer your question. But, to help you stabilize your fingers on the bow, you can buy a tool called a "Bow Buddy", which provides "grooves" for each finger. Like training wheels. OR, I have my students place rubber bands on their bow where their index finger and pinky go. You have to unscrew the frog to get the index one in place. It gives a "grip" for your fingers to train on. --L
From previous post : Nearer to the Bridge needs more bow pressure and slower bow speed. This is very subjective. Nearer Fingerboard less bow pressure and more speed. Again very subjective. I keep my pinky straight to sometimes counterbalance the bow weight. Though I analyzed a lot, there is still more to know. Lots of practice. Violin is hard, isn't it ? Hugs.
See there, I've seen bows tilting and asked myself, "Is this sloppy bow technique?" And I really stewed over the question whether the hair has to be flat or only touch strings with its edge. So both is right. Thanks, good to know!
@Judexy22 YES, violin is hard....but WORTH IT! And you are correct, everything I say is subject to at least a dozen exceptions! There are no absolutes on violin! There are "general guidelines"...but no hard fast rules!
I love the idea of playing hymns to master tone production and big slow bow strokes! I also like the idea of playing Bach Chorales....I guess those are like Hymns. Nice to hear from you in Finland!
Hey Judexy22--GREAT! I'm glad to know that the "geometry" approach works for you! (I think I barely passed geometry.....but I think I got what I needed out of it!) --L
The video was great. I have been playing since february and having a whole bunch of trouble with slurs that are two or more. The way you move the bow in the slur with changing strings in the slur seems to make a difference. Can you show me the arm movement in changing string in a slur from the A to E string I get scratching and bouncing grrr... Thanks
Love your instructional videos. I find my pinkie comes off the bow when I'm playing near the tip. Is this ok or should I practice more keeping my dingle on the bow at all times?
Terry Taylor it’s really a matter of comfort for your pinkie. I personally find it’s better to keep my pinkie on as I have more control when lifting my bow off the string and vice versa, but if you can do that comfortably and controlled WITHOUT your pinkie on there, by all means go for it! Classical playing also has a “rule” that your pinkie needs to be on the bow stick at all times, but I have a friend that uses only his thumb and first two fingers (he plays fiddle music, not classical) and he’s an amazing player! I’m also a fiddle player, but I started with classical, and sometimes you just have to experiment with what feels comfortable for you personally. Hope that helped!
I am wondering if the violin position, relative to the torso can vary for students. For example, some violinists angle the violin more perpendicular to the shoulder, others extend (ever so slightly) away from the torso. I have found this makes a tremendous subtle difference in the bow stroke. What do you recommend?
@Danofnj Oh yeah, ABSOLUTELY this angle varies from body to body. I found that shorter people hold their violin more toward the FRONT of their body, thus helping their short arms to draw a straight bow. Taller people can get away with holding their violin out to the left more, and still have a straight bow. Is this the angle you are referring to, or are you referring to the TILT? (which also varies ALOT)
I am 5 foot tall(small) and knee high to a grass hopper so I have to hold the violin towards the front, and keep my left elbow facing the front, this seems to help with string changes.
Thank you so much. My teacher told me that my hand should flatten as I play near the frog. While trying at home I found I could only do that if I rotate the bow . I was wondering if rotating the bow was correct and you answered my question with your video. Muchísimas gracias!! Greetings from Spain!!
Your videos are really helpful :) But since the beginning I wonder: when I play with the tip of the bow, do I have to play flat or can I use another edge? I asked several violinists and they told me I should play the way I prefer, they aren't teachers and they finished music school some time ago, so they play instinctively, they don't think about the technique all the time - everything comes natural to them.
1cleandude OMG...good eye! That's an ear plug....I keep it there during symphony weeks so I have it when I need it for my left ear, which seems to catch the brunt of percussion.
Excellent video. Thank you for that. I write music, mainly with electronic instrumentation, but I do blend conventional instruments into the mix, often (mainly guitar, bass, and sometimes even trumpet). I play all of the instruments in my music. I am currently writing a piece that will include violin parts. Having never played the violin, I am finding your videos quite helpful. In a surprisingly short period of time, I have the confidence to record my violin parts, entirely from what I have learned through your videos. A virtual tip of my hat to a an outstanding teacher!
Hi Laura! I've found your videos SUPER helpful, your bow hold video corrected my bow hold, nonetheless I'm really struggling when it comes to the lower part part of the bow, I know I'm supposed to tilt my bow outwards as it approaches the nut and sort of impulse the bow up with my fingers when I'm playing at the very frog of the bow, my sound breaks when I cross a string in the frog and I lose control over my bow. I was wondering which fingers should be exerting more pressure at the frog (like the index in the tip), I played violin when I was 11 years old for 1 year, then started playing flute, sold and quit the violin; and after all these years I picked it up last November and started private classes this January and I already played Kreutzer etude #1 so I think I'm doing great; I hope you can help me. Regards from Mexico!
Charly The Unicorn Hi Charly! Hopefully your teacher will be able to coach you on these bow questions. It's great to have in person assistance and demonstration. Basically, it sounds like your pinky has not learned how to balance and grip at the frog. It is ALL PINKY at the frog, because pinky provides the counter-balance for the whole entire bow. So, pinky has to have a good foothold, and be strong enough to stay curved while balancing the weight of the whole bow. Ask your teacher for exercises to do that. I'm sure he/she will have some great advice for you! Good luck!
IT IS ALL ABOUT THE PINKY!!!!!!!!!! I just realized, that's what I was doing wrong my teacher never got into detail about that specific finger, my teacher is from Armenia, she's been here for 25 years and she does speak spanish but sometimes it's kinda hard for me to fully understand what she's trying to tell me but she's a wonderful teacher tho, as soon as I read what you told me I grabbed my violin and started practicing and VOILA, I've noticed a significant change I guess it's just a matter of awareness. You are awesome laura, you are my favorite online teacher I must say I've seen all your videos :) Have a great weekend!
Also, the lower arm open'close are a result of the interaction of the bicep/tricep muscles. The elbow does not move anything. Again, you can say that the lower arm "moves from the elbow joint".
The general answer to your question is to play at the tip with the hair FLAT. There are rare occasions when a player might tilt the hair at the tip to hide a bow change, or to make the sound very transparent, but it is mainly for special effect. It is much more common and acceptible to tilt the hair at the FROG, so the STICK is tilted toward the scroll. This is normal, but then you should flatten the hair as you draw a down bow. Hopefully, that answers your question! --L
@guiltyrose90 Not sure I understand your question....your bow doesn't make any sounds? Does it have enough rosin on it? Can you give me the minutes:seconds in the video where you are trying to do what I do?
You're welcome. THanks for watching, and thanks for ignoring my screwed up "aspect ratio" on my video editing. Looks horrid! But you got the message I was trying to convey!
LOL...good eye, Emily Rose! That's my little "Teddy Bear"....he loves to hang out in the violin room....and I love it when he joins me! You must love dogs too, judging by your picture!
DANG IT. I keep confusing the function of the "enter" key between facebook and youtube!!! Are you SURE you want a skype lesson?! Anyway, yes, I do Skype lessons. If you are still interested, send me a private message, and we'll discuss it! Sorry about the delay.....I could NOT find your comment to reply to it, and I just happened to stumble onto it today. --Lora
Hi there! I love your teaching videos and I have question for you, how do we manage to play long notes and short ones in the same peace of music. E.g. in Bach minuet 3. Thanks lots 🌹
Hi M Rashed. Thanks for your question. Playing a combination of long/short notes in one piece: 1)A short note can use a long bow, and a long note can use a short bow.....it all comes down to BOW SPEED. So I would say that is the most important thing to be aware of in a song where you have short notes and long notes, is to be aware of your bow speed, so that you can keep the bow in control, and not "get stuck" at the tip, or at the frog. The word you want is "BOW DISTRIBUTION", and that is the art of knowing how much bow to use on each note for greatest success. (I have a course on Bow Distribution. It uses the songs from Suzuki Book 2) Good luck!
I think some teachers are able to do things so naturally,that they themselves don't really know how or why it works! Some of the greatest players aren't able to explain how they do what they do.....it's a double edged sword! If I could choose.....I'd choose to be a great player who has NO IDEA how to explain it all! :-) Thanks for your comment!
i was wondering wether my upper arm is in the right position (height) for each string, because i keep getting exhaustion in the upper arm (around the biceps and triceps) , is it possible that i'm holding my upper arm to high for each string ?
Hi Elizabeth, yes, that is a good guess that your arm is too high. The only way to know for sure is to try an entire practice session and focus on lowering your upper arm. If it helps, then you know that was the cause. The other likely cause is that you might be moving your bow from the shoulder joint, keeping a stiff elbow.....and you need to utilize your elbow joint more. (food for thought)
My general advice for pinky on the bow is to keep your pinky on the bow until the length of your arm dictates that it comes off. I am 5'2", and I can get t about 4 inches from the tip (on the G string) before I experience pain or a real "need" to lift my pinky. So, I lift my pinky, and then, on the up bow, I put it back on as soon as I can. On the E string, I find that I can go all the way to the tip. One thought: Some bowings like staccato', certain fingers will lift off and that's ok.
Hi, I attach a sliding weight of a few grams on my Bow, and play by sometimes counter balancing the weight by using my Pinky. It's funny. Do you have a technique to play by ear ? I am too lazy to learn to read sheet music though it is a must. As a Learner without a Teacher, I want playing by ear first and then learn to read sheet music later. Already, I am playing a little by ear, but I am more busy studying what technically is involved. Im literally watering my tree of patience. Hugs.
I had played 8yrs and after that have hiatus for 20 yrs. Now I start to play again and decide to have a teacher. This new teacher is so insistence to revise my bowing technique, he even asked me to start from Suzuki 1 again. It is a blow for me who has played for 8yrs, but as I watch your video I understand why he asked me to change my bowing habit. One question, for a beginner, it is better to push yourself to play to the tip, or just draw the bow to the point that your arm allows? My new teacher asked me to just draw to the point where my stretched arm allows to, he doesnt allow me to draw to the tip yet, while my previous teacher 20 yrs ago so insistence that I pushed myself to draw to the tip from the very beginning.
I agree totally with your current teacher. Do not force yourself to go to the tip....first master the part that is comfortable. Later, you can learn how to adapt to allow yourself to stretch to the tip. Trust your teacher. Sounds like a good one! Good luck!
Violinman KBY Hi! That is a common problem. A great way to fix it is to use temporary "training wheels". You can put rubber bands, or buy some little rubber "o-rings" that will fit your bow just right. Put them up near your thumb leather, which means you have to take the screw out and remove the frog. Be careful not to get it twisted! (experiment with the spot that helps you most....it will provide index finger something to wedge against) You can also put rubber bands or o rings near where your pinky goes.....but I like it for the index finger best. Good luck! My Suzuki Violin classes talk about all kinds of stuff like that! You can check them out here: www.reddesertviolin.com/onlinelessons
Do I need to enroll to the Suzuki course? I just want to get into the Fiddle Fundamentals. I already play by ear and self-taught on guitar, banjo, bass, drums and keyboard for years. I was enrolled once in a very basic violin course but I dropped after a month because I got bored. I'd rather learn a fiddle tune and then I'll just practice the tune to get it right. If the Suzuki course is mandatory I'll just look for another teacher..
Hi Rafaelg45 Everyone has their own style of learning. You obviously prefer to learn using a TUNE as the motivator, and then figure out all the nuts and bolts required for that tune. That is certainly one way to learn. My fiddle class will give you all the nuts and bolts, but it does not discuss fundamental skills such as the bow hold, ear training, left hand technique......it only teaches FIDDLE stuff like fiddle bowings, fiddle ornaments, Irish tricks, American style tricks, how to play back-up, how to change up the tune, scales, and a little theory. It does talk about string crossings during Devil's Dream, because that is such a big part of that tune. So, if you don't need the basics, then the fiddle class would be a good fit for you. If you need a crash course on the basics, then I highly recommend that you take the Suzuki course, and work thorugh it as fast as you can. (we can discuss that.....I do not want anyone to be bored). The Suzuki course give THE BEST foundation you can get anywhere, and sets you up nicely for the fiddle class. Good luck, and let me know if you have any other questions. (lora@reddesertviolin.com)
Red Desert Violin helped a lot! I appreciate all your violin videos. I am studying Seitz piece, from Suzuki 4, first song, which you play with a pianist 🥰 that fast part is very tricky😅 my bow arm gets crazy
You are the best Teacher I have found so far. Too many Teachers may not understand the geometry of bowing, and teach properly, and the Learner does not progress.
Thanks for this video.
Amazing video and explanation this is so useful, unfortunately at about 3:12 your doggy stole all of my attention, because it's so cute hahaha, thanks a lot.
Ahh, that's nice of you! I'll pass that along to Teddy Bear....
I'm glad the explanation of mechanics helped you!
What an honor! Thank you for the compliment. Your students are lucky to have such an informed, resourceful teacher who is not afraid to bring in outside instruction. You are awesome!
Thank you so much for clarifying my confusion about elbow movement and what parts of the arm should be moving for the different parts of the bow!! It's something my music teacher never went through so succintly in terms of the motor movements!! Please don't take these videos down they are so helpful :D
Thanks for the kind words! As violinists, we MUST be fastidious and pay great attention to detail, and be able to focus AS we multi-task. A tall order! Keep up the good work! Lora
I love the way your dog snuggles up at 3:10. Cute moment! Great explanation...your videos are so helpful to watch. Thank you!
This is also exactly what my teacher told me. Ive been self studying but Ive developed bad habits but Im not discouraged, thanks for this video, it helped me remember the lessons of my teacher.
Thank you!!! I am thrilled to find a source that confirms what I say to students. My teacher coached me on bowing and 30 years later, I'm repeating her methods. I have my students ping pong off a wall. But when you don't have a wall, I loved how you presented it.
You are a great teacher, I have just began playing the violin, and found your videos helpful and I have begun to see my improvement already. The video of the 3 common lefty problems explained everything I was in question about! thank you!!
@tonicanellas You are welcome! I hope you'll find my other videos about the beginner's bow hold and the advanced bow hold.....just be careful about tackling advanced topics too soon (like colle')....your 3 main jobs as a beginner is 1) Posture and Form (including a good bow hold) 2) Developing good tone by learning to play with straight bow and mastering your bow weight, speed, and sounding point 3) Learning to play with good intonation. Just focus on those and you'll do great! --Lora
Thank you! You answered a question I have had, regarding flat vs angled horsehair.
Thanks for your comment, ruby. I'm glad you found it helpful! --L
@RedDesertViolin Thanks Lora!Making a good sound is really hard for me but I am trying.Love your videos!
Finally, an in depth explanation on the mechanics of bowing, exactly what I needed, thank you.
You are welcome, Patricia. Glad it helped!
After having seen a few of your Videos, I have progressed a lot in just one evening.
I have an advantage of being techie and could understand your teaching fast, and apply the techniques. I see that playing the violin is like navigating on a geometrical plane. Now, I can command my elbow, wrist and shoulder. It's great !
Thank you so much. You're an Angel !
Lori is a fantastic teacher, truly gifted in the art of teaching.
Thank you!
I wish someone had explained it to me this way before. You made it so clear! Thank you!
Yep. Once you sort of get the different functions sorted, it gets alot easier!
@RedDesertViolin A small clarification: So at the frog, your PINKY bears the weight of the bow and balances it. At the TIP, your INDEX finger must ADD weight.
I've been struggling with this (yet again), and the video gave me some confidence about the upper bow, lower bow differences. Thanks so much.
Keeping in mind, luvhambo, that your geometry is different from mine. Some day, I will borrow my super tall violin friend, and have him demonstrate HIS geometry. In fact.....I'm gonna do it NEXT TIME I SEE HIM.
Thanks for the kind words! More to come, I promise...I'm just REALLY busy right now creating my new Suzuki Book 2 class! AUGH...so much to do, so little time!
I think the best tip I have for you is that you are allowed to let go of your pinky as you approach the tip. The pinky doesn't really help all that much at the tip...it's all about the index finger and thumb at the tip. So, let go of the pinky, but then put pinky back on as soon as you can on the upbow. Also, you'll learn little tricks like extending your shoulder, and you'll learn to minimize the WORK and EFFORT at the tip, and you'll learn when it's necessary for power, and when not! Goodluck!
Hi,
Thank you.
Being without a Teacher, I was busy teaching myself. I devised a Graphic with 2 Axis : 0x 1,2,3, up to 10 to mean Bow Speed. Axis 0y 1,2,3, up to 10 to mean Bow Pressure. I was expecting that Bowing would be linear on my Graphic, but it is not ! The Coordinates of my Graphic is better in the Middle between the Bridge and the Fingerboard. For example Bow Speed 4 coinsides closely ebough with Bow Pressure 4. It goes well up to Bow Speed 6 and Bow Pressure 6. Post continue
It's hard to give absolutes on violin. With that having been said, the answer is "No, there is no pressure from the index finger at the frog." When you are at the frog, your main concern is managing the extra weight that is present with your whole bow arm RIGHT THERE. When at the TIP, we have to compensate for the LACK of weight, so our index finger adds pressure. The challenge is to obtain "consistent pressure" frog to tip. Thanks for the question! --Lora
@3:23 Sorry, the rest of the tutorial went right out the window, because of this adorable fury face. I'll have to watch all over again.
Love your videos! For lots of reasons!
Ahhhhh......now you are my favorite person!
Thank you! I am a beginner violinist and this is the clearest explanation ever!
Great! Best of luck to you, and much respect!
Great tips - very helpful, thanks. To be honest, your little dog stole the show.
I love you! (I think my little dog steals the show too)
@Danofnj That is an EXCELLENT EXCELLENT question! I have noticed this as well, and from what I have observed, TALL people have success with their violin off to the left, SHORT people like myself play with their violin more to the front. I have found that my violin CANNOT be fixed in ONE SPOT. I have to move it according to passage, and technique needed. I don't like BonMusica for the fact it FIXES the violin in one spot. EXCELLENT subject. Thanks for posting! --L
Hello, Laura. I'm a one-month old beginner. Thank you for everything, and especially for the bow hair part explanation. So the right forearm and hand rotates clockwise more or less during upward bowing while using less and less bow hair. I've found that motion very relaxing and natural, but I haven't been sure whether I'm doing the right thing. Confusingly, my violin teacher told me to keep my bow hair angle to the strings at about 15 degrees all through the whole bowing, but to do that my right arm and shoulder get extremely stiff and unnatural. So here comes again the wise and old saying that right practice, not simply much practice, makes nice result. I say again I'm very grateful to you, and hope to see you around soon. Bye, Laura.
Hi! I like your explanation of the "clockwise" rotation on the up bow, and counterclockwise on the downbow. I never thought of that before.
I have to say....if doing as your teacher has asked you to do causes tension and pain, ASK your teacher if you are doing it incorrectly. I know some people teach to tilt the bow for the whole bow stroke....I just don't get it. I think it's best to tilt the bow at or near the frog, but to go to a flat hair as soon as you can do so naturally. But give your teacher a chance to explain and guide you....see what comes of it!
thanks for the video! just started to learn; the exercise of rubbing your arm seems really interesting; thanks!
An absolutely great instructional video. Thank you.
+Jon O'Neil Great! THanks for watching. I hope it was useful to you. Keep up the good work!
I am not sure what finger is moving, or if it is your whole hand. I would really like more information to better answer your question. But, to help you stabilize your fingers on the bow, you can buy a tool called a "Bow Buddy", which provides "grooves" for each finger. Like training wheels. OR, I have my students place rubber bands on their bow where their index finger and pinky go. You have to unscrew the frog to get the index one in place. It gives a "grip" for your fingers to train on. --L
Very useful and also some handy visual metaphors (middle lane on the highway) - I'm stealing thant one! Thanks!
From previous post : Nearer to the Bridge needs more bow pressure and slower bow speed. This is very subjective. Nearer Fingerboard less bow pressure and more speed. Again very subjective. I keep my pinky straight to sometimes counterbalance the bow weight. Though I analyzed a lot, there is still more to know. Lots of practice. Violin is hard, isn't it ?
Hugs.
thanks Lora for the great suggestions :)
Havent played violin since I was 9 and recently started again and these videos are beyond helpful since I cant afford any lessons
WONDERFUL! Glad to have you back in the violin world! RUclips is a wonderful resource. If you haven't found Professor V's channel, look him up too!
See there, I've seen bows tilting and asked myself, "Is this sloppy bow technique?" And I really stewed over the question whether the hair has to be flat or only touch strings with its edge. So both is right. Thanks, good to know!
+Galante Welt One mystery checked off the list! Keep up the pursuit!
@Judexy22 YES, violin is hard....but WORTH IT! And you are correct, everything I say is subject to at least a dozen exceptions! There are no absolutes on violin! There are "general guidelines"...but no hard fast rules!
@7Bad7Horsie7 You're very welcome!
Thank you for your very helpful videos. I'll be back!
Janneke (aspiring violinist from Holland)
Thank you for your helpful videos! Slow songs like: Nearer My God to Thee are good for practicing whole bow strokes. Greetings from Finland!
I love the idea of playing hymns to master tone production and big slow bow strokes! I also like the idea of playing Bach Chorales....I guess those are like Hymns. Nice to hear from you in Finland!
This video was very informational and helpful! :) Helped me to understand and improve my bow movements..
Brilliant video Each question answered so clearly Thank you so much
+Noreen McNamara I'm glad it helped! Thanks for watching and for your post. Keep up the good work! Happy practicing!
you are a GREAT teacher ! thank u so much !
Hey Judexy22--GREAT! I'm glad to know that the "geometry" approach works for you! (I think I barely passed geometry.....but I think I got what I needed out of it!) --L
The video was great. I have been playing since february and having a whole bunch of trouble with slurs that are two or more. The way you move the bow in the slur with changing strings in the slur seems to make a difference. Can you show me the arm movement in changing string in a slur from the A to E string I get scratching and bouncing grrr... Thanks
Great TEacher !!! former violin player here....Slowly
coming back...Thanks.
Love your instructional videos. I find my pinkie comes off the bow when I'm playing near the tip. Is this ok or should I practice more keeping my dingle on the bow at all times?
Terry Taylor it’s really a matter of comfort for your pinkie. I personally find it’s better to keep my pinkie on as I have more control when lifting my bow off the string and vice versa, but if you can do that comfortably and controlled WITHOUT your pinkie on there, by all means go for it! Classical playing also has a “rule” that your pinkie needs to be on the bow stick at all times, but I have a friend that uses only his thumb and first two fingers (he plays fiddle music, not classical) and he’s an amazing player! I’m also a fiddle player, but I started with classical, and sometimes you just have to experiment with what feels comfortable for you personally.
Hope that helped!
I am wondering if the violin position, relative to the torso can vary for students. For example, some violinists angle the violin more perpendicular to the shoulder, others extend (ever so slightly) away from the torso. I have found this makes a tremendous subtle difference in the bow stroke. What do you recommend?
3:14 cute little dog arrives & settles down without interrupting 🥰
Ooohhhh, that's my little Teddy. Thank you for pointing that out. Teddy went over the Rainbow Bridge several years ago....I miss his cute little face!
Oh Y’ell a good one from a better than good teacher. Thanks!
@Danofnj Oh yeah, ABSOLUTELY this angle varies from body to body. I found that shorter people hold their violin more toward the FRONT of their body, thus helping their short arms to draw a straight bow. Taller people can get away with holding their violin out to the left more, and still have a straight bow.
Is this the angle you are referring to, or are you referring to the TILT? (which also varies ALOT)
I am 5 foot tall(small) and knee high to a grass hopper so I have to hold the violin towards the front, and keep my left elbow facing the front, this seems to help with string changes.
Is there any pressure from right Index finger when the bow comes to the frog?thx.
As always, an amazing video! I see that your video director enters the picture at about 3:13 :)
Thank you so much for your detailed explanation. It has helped me open my mind.
You are so welcome!
You are a good teacher !
THANKS :)
Thank you so much. My teacher told me that my hand should flatten as I play near the frog. While trying at home I found I could only do that if I rotate the bow . I was wondering if rotating the bow was correct and you answered my question with your video. Muchísimas gracias!!
Greetings from Spain!!
Wonderful! So glad it helped. Bravo to you for searching for answers on your own. People like you are the BEST students!
Your videos are really helpful :)
But since the beginning I wonder: when I play with the tip of the bow, do I have to play flat or can I use another edge? I asked several violinists and they told me I should play the way I prefer, they aren't teachers and they finished music school some time ago, so they play instinctively, they don't think about the technique all the time - everything comes natural to them.
So helpful, so generous
Hi Laura great lesson as always! Just curious, what is the beige thing wedged in the peg box of your violin? Thanks again!
1cleandude OMG...good eye! That's an ear plug....I keep it there during symphony weeks so I have it when I need it for my left ear, which seems to catch the brunt of percussion.
awesome. Glad it helped!
If I ever get a violin, I would probably only be able to self teach and this is awesome. Thanks for sharing.
Excellent video. Thank you for that. I write music, mainly with electronic instrumentation, but I do blend conventional instruments into the mix, often (mainly guitar, bass, and sometimes even trumpet). I play all of the instruments in my music. I am currently writing a piece that will include violin parts. Having never played the violin, I am finding your videos quite helpful. In a surprisingly short period of time, I have the confidence to record my violin parts, entirely from what I have learned through your videos. A virtual tip of my hat to a an outstanding teacher!
Dan Harvell Thank you, Dan! Good luck to you and your composing!
This is incredibly helpful; thank you very much.
Hooray! Glad it helped!
Very helpful video; thank you!
Hi Laura! I've found your videos SUPER helpful, your bow hold video corrected my bow hold, nonetheless I'm really struggling when it comes to the lower part part of the bow, I know I'm supposed to tilt my bow outwards as it approaches the nut and sort of impulse the bow up with my fingers when I'm playing at the very frog of the bow, my sound breaks when I cross a string in the frog and I lose control over my bow. I was wondering which fingers should be exerting more pressure at the frog (like the index in the tip), I played violin when I was 11 years old for 1 year, then started playing flute, sold and quit the violin; and after all these years I picked it up last November and started private classes this January and I already played Kreutzer etude #1 so I think I'm doing great; I hope you can help me. Regards from Mexico!
Charly The Unicorn Hi Charly! Hopefully your teacher will be able to coach you on these bow questions. It's great to have in person assistance and demonstration. Basically, it sounds like your pinky has not learned how to balance and grip at the frog. It is ALL PINKY at the frog, because pinky provides the counter-balance for the whole entire bow. So, pinky has to have a good foothold, and be strong enough to stay curved while balancing the weight of the whole bow. Ask your teacher for exercises to do that. I'm sure he/she will have some great advice for you! Good luck!
IT IS ALL ABOUT THE PINKY!!!!!!!!!! I just realized, that's what I was doing wrong my teacher never got into detail about that specific finger, my teacher is from Armenia, she's been here for 25 years and she does speak spanish but sometimes it's kinda hard for me to fully understand what she's trying to tell me but she's a wonderful teacher tho, as soon as I read what you told me I grabbed my violin and started practicing and VOILA, I've noticed a significant change I guess it's just a matter of awareness. You are awesome laura, you are my favorite online teacher I must say I've seen all your videos :) Have a great weekend!
Also, the lower arm open'close are a result of the interaction of the bicep/tricep muscles. The elbow does not move anything. Again, you can say that the lower arm "moves from the elbow joint".
This is so detailed and helpful, thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
The general answer to your question is to play at the tip with the hair FLAT. There are rare occasions when a player might tilt the hair at the tip to hide a bow change, or to make the sound very transparent, but it is mainly for special effect. It is much more common and acceptible to tilt the hair at the FROG, so the STICK is tilted toward the scroll. This is normal, but then you should flatten the hair as you draw a down bow. Hopefully, that answers your question! --L
Fabulous instruction!
Thank you, Brady
I finally get it! YAY!!!! Thanks for this :)
@guiltyrose90 Not sure I understand your question....your bow doesn't make any sounds? Does it have enough rosin on it? Can you give me the minutes:seconds in the video where you are trying to do what I do?
Amazing videoooo thank youuu
Just what I was looking for, great video, thank you.
Great to hear! Thanks for watching!
Thanks for the explanation! Very helpful :)
You're welcome. THanks for watching, and thanks for ignoring my screwed up "aspect ratio" on my video editing. Looks horrid! But you got the message I was trying to convey!
LOL...good eye, Emily Rose! That's my little "Teddy Bear"....he loves to hang out in the violin room....and I love it when he joins me! You must love dogs too, judging by your picture!
DANG IT. I keep confusing the function of the "enter" key between facebook and youtube!!! Are you SURE you want a skype lesson?! Anyway, yes, I do Skype lessons. If you are still interested, send me a private message, and we'll discuss it! Sorry about the delay.....I could NOT find your comment to reply to it, and I just happened to stumble onto it today. --Lora
Hi there!
I love your teaching videos and I have question for you, how do we manage to play long notes and short ones in the same peace of music. E.g. in Bach minuet 3. Thanks lots 🌹
Hi M Rashed. Thanks for your question. Playing a combination of long/short notes in one piece:
1)A short note can use a long bow, and a long note can use a short bow.....it all comes down to BOW SPEED. So I would say that is the most important thing to be aware of in a song where you have short notes and long notes, is to be aware of your bow speed, so that you can keep the bow in control, and not "get stuck" at the tip, or at the frog. The word you want is "BOW DISTRIBUTION", and that is the art of knowing how much bow to use on each note for greatest success. (I have a course on Bow Distribution. It uses the songs from Suzuki Book 2) Good luck!
I think some teachers are able to do things so naturally,that they themselves don't really know how or why it works! Some of the greatest players aren't able to explain how they do what they do.....it's a double edged sword! If I could choose.....I'd choose to be a great player who has NO IDEA how to explain it all! :-) Thanks for your comment!
Brilliant, thank you. That was very helpful.
So glad it helped!
Thanks, Sara. (how the heck are you?!)
I LOVE my dogs! I'm glad y'all can tolerate their interference! (snoring, wandering in and out, whining....)
i was wondering wether my upper arm is in the right position (height) for each string, because i keep getting exhaustion in the upper arm (around the biceps and triceps) , is it possible that i'm holding my upper arm to high for each string ?
Hi Elizabeth, yes, that is a good guess that your arm is too high. The only way to know for sure is to try an entire practice session and focus on lowering your upper arm. If it helps, then you know that was the cause. The other likely cause is that you might be moving your bow from the shoulder joint, keeping a stiff elbow.....and you need to utilize your elbow joint more. (food for thought)
Red Desert Violin i see, thank you so much for the information 😊😊
My general advice for pinky on the bow is to keep your pinky on the bow until the length of your arm dictates that it comes off. I am 5'2", and I can get t about 4 inches from the tip (on the G string) before I experience pain or a real "need" to lift my pinky. So, I lift my pinky, and then, on the up bow, I put it back on as soon as I can. On the E string, I find that I can go all the way to the tip. One thought: Some bowings like staccato', certain fingers will lift off and that's ok.
I just watched it. That's my little "Teddy". He definitely adds the "cute factor"!
I was just looking for this! Thanks :D
Hi,
I attach a sliding weight of a few grams on my Bow, and play by sometimes counter balancing the weight by using my Pinky. It's funny.
Do you have a technique to play by ear ? I am too lazy to learn to read sheet music though it is a must. As a Learner without a Teacher, I want playing by ear first and then learn to read sheet music later. Already, I am playing a little by ear, but I am more busy studying what technically is involved. Im literally watering my tree of patience.
Hugs.
You are welcome! :-)
I had played 8yrs and after that have hiatus for 20 yrs. Now I start to play again and decide to have a teacher. This new teacher is so insistence to revise my bowing technique, he even asked me to start from Suzuki 1 again. It is a blow for me who has played for 8yrs, but as I watch your video I understand why he asked me to change my bowing habit.
One question, for a beginner, it is better to push yourself to play to the tip, or just draw the bow to the point that your arm allows?
My new teacher asked me to just draw to the point where my stretched arm allows to, he doesnt allow me to draw to the tip yet, while my previous teacher 20 yrs ago so insistence that I pushed myself to draw to the tip from the very beginning.
I agree totally with your current teacher. Do not force yourself to go to the tip....first master the part that is comfortable. Later, you can learn how to adapt to allow yourself to stretch to the tip. Trust your teacher. Sounds like a good one! Good luck!
do you offer lessons over skype? i live in colorado. are you in new mexico or arizona?
A great video to a great question thank you 🌻🎻
Thank you, Ruba!
this is very helpful...I saw your dog tho in couch lol😂😂🐶😄
Hello. I some kind of have a problem. When I am playing it, my finger on the bow will slide out of position. Help?
Violinman KBY Hi! That is a common problem. A great way to fix it is to use temporary "training wheels". You can put rubber bands, or buy some little rubber "o-rings" that will fit your bow just right. Put them up near your thumb leather, which means you have to take the screw out and remove the frog. Be careful not to get it twisted! (experiment with the spot that helps you most....it will provide index finger something to wedge against) You can also put rubber bands or o rings near where your pinky goes.....but I like it for the index finger best. Good luck! My Suzuki Violin classes talk about all kinds of stuff like that! You can check them out here: www.reddesertviolin.com/onlinelessons
Thanks!
Excelente professora! ❤
Thanks YuriBad10
Do I need to enroll to the Suzuki course? I just want to get into the Fiddle Fundamentals. I already play by ear and self-taught on guitar, banjo, bass, drums and keyboard for years. I was enrolled once in a very basic violin course but I dropped after a month because I got bored. I'd rather learn a fiddle tune and then I'll just practice the tune to get it right. If the Suzuki course is mandatory I'll just look for another teacher..
Hi Rafaelg45
Everyone has their own style of learning. You obviously prefer to learn using a TUNE as the motivator, and then figure out all the nuts and bolts required for that tune. That is certainly one way to learn. My fiddle class will give you all the nuts and bolts, but it does not discuss fundamental skills such as the bow hold, ear training, left hand technique......it only teaches FIDDLE stuff like fiddle bowings, fiddle ornaments, Irish tricks, American style tricks, how to play back-up, how to change up the tune, scales, and a little theory. It does talk about string crossings during Devil's Dream, because that is such a big part of that tune.
So, if you don't need the basics, then the fiddle class would be a good fit for you.
If you need a crash course on the basics, then I highly recommend that you take the Suzuki course, and work thorugh it as fast as you can. (we can discuss that.....I do not want anyone to be bored). The Suzuki course give THE BEST foundation you can get anywhere, and sets you up nicely for the fiddle class.
Good luck, and let me know if you have any other questions. (lora@reddesertviolin.com)
Red Desert Violin
Very helpful
Hooray! Glad it helped. (more to come soon)
Superb
Thank you:)
Anastasiya Gavrilovich Hope it helps! Good luck!
Thank you. 👍🙏
You are very welcome! Thanks for watching.
Gratitude! Perfect video :)
Hope it helped!
Red Desert Violin helped a lot! I appreciate all your violin videos. I am studying Seitz piece, from Suzuki 4, first song, which you play with a pianist 🥰 that fast part is very tricky😅 my bow arm gets crazy
spot on. thank u
Thank you. I hope it helps!
Look at that sweet face at 3:23. Sweet Teddy Bear. Hugs to Teddy :)
i have not been bowing parallel to bridge ... what to do ?
+Deepshikha Rathore Practice in a mirror! You will quickly figure it out! It is a hassle to look in the mirror, but it is WELL WORTH IT!
+Red Desert Violin Thank you mam .
this applies to viola?
+sdup Absolutely!
ah thanks!