Tag: technique

  • The Humble Etude: The Mainstay of String Technique

    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 above the fingerboard?), chances are the performer has spent significant quality time in a practice…

  • 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 of bowing styles and examples, aggregated from several sources and professionals. Some of these definitions…

  • Advanced Bowings Lessons- a Review

    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 practice should hold just as much value as making sure you’ve got the notes and…

  • Music is Music is (Pop!) Music

    So… you’re a violin or viola player. Or a cello or bass player. What genres of music do you see your instrument as playing? If you immediately concluded some type of classical or, maybe, fiddling… you’re correct. You’re also only seeing a few of the wide variety of choices you have as a musician. While…

  • YouTube Videos for Practice?

    It’s true! As a student these days, YouTube can be a fantastic resource of good modelling, practice techniques, and even extended instruction. I want to stress the importance, however, of choosing wisely which videos you take to heart. Some folks putting out videos provide great content, while others… Well, it’s not necessarily bad content, but it…