If you’ve ever marveled at a jaw-dropping performance by a string player on YouTube (you know the ones, where their left hand is climbing up and down the fingerboard at lightening speed while the bow works to light a fire …
The Humble Etude: The Mainstay of String Technique Read more »
Ever found yourself holding your breath when playing passages with long bows? It’s not as silly as you might think.
With so many different types of bowing out there, one can be easily confused by the variety- and the disagreement upon terms and definitions. In an attempt to provide accurate information for my students, I have compiled an expository list …
We have added a new feature to the website: online practice forms! I know, you may be groaning, but just think: -Have you ever wondered how much you REALLY practice in a week? -Is there a particular skill you’d …
Have you noticed how there seem to be an infinite number of ways your bow can interact with the string? Your bow and how it’s used comprises the majority of your tone and technique, and properly exercising each method in …
We had our first session of the Kaw Valley Orchestra Project last night, and we had a great time! The students from last year were ready for something new, and we started talking about improvisation (one of my favorite subjects!). …
This summer, I had my students set goals. Each student has given me verbal confirmation of a skill or piece of music he or she would like to master before the school year starts- and we work on this skill …
Practicing Positions Other Than I and III (yikes!) Read more »
As summer approaches, you’re probably thrilled with the prospect of long stretches of free time- you’re finally done with school! But if you’ll remember back to last summer, you will probably begrudgingly agree: summer usually means the school schedule is …