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…
Blog Archives
Some Thoughts and Videos on Vibrato
In my studio, I find myself explaining basic skills in many different ways, in order to best help my student understand and master a certain concept. The basic skill’s execution stays the same, of course, but each student’s understanding dictates…
Protected: Kaw Valley Online Class: March 31, 2014
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Violin Bowing- A List of Terms
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…
New: Online Practice Logs!
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…
Kaw Valley Orchestra Project first session
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!).…
Practicing Positions Other Than I and III (yikes!)
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…
Smarter Practice- Tips from a Jazz Violinist
I happened to come across this article recently- it’s a must- read! This guy is a very accomplished jazz violinist, and he sheds some insight into his opportunistic attitude toward practice. I agree with his message: take every music- based…
Taking Care of Your Body
When you play an instrument, you use your body- right? Though you may not be engaged in an Olympic athlete sort of activity, you still utilize muscle groups, joints, tendons, and several different systems in order to perform the task…
