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Learning To Play The Violin
The violin can prove to be a difficult instrument to tackle, and if you choose to learn to play it be ready for an initially bumpy ride until you become accustomed to the instrument. When you learn to play the violin there are a number of tips and tricks that you should keep in mind, these will help you in your playing and ensure you are using good technique. Of course there is no substitute for a proper music tutor, when you learn to play the violin we always recommend that it is under the keen eyes of an experienced music tutor who can help you take your first steps on a road of musical discovery.
1. Use your rosin wisely. So you're new to the violin. You may have discovered the rosin that was delivered with your new violin. This is used on the hairs of the bow and may need re-applying every few days depending on how much you play. Simply rub the rosin up and down the hairs a few times, but be careful not to use too much. If your violin sounds scratchy after use then you have over-applied, if it is hard to make a sound then not enough has been applied.
2. Tighten your bow correctly. Turn the end screw clockwise to tighten the bow, but beware, you do not want it completely taut. The hair should never run completely parallel to the wood, but you still should be able to put pressure on the hair when playing. A good test is to put your little finger in the middle of the bow between the wood and the hair, this should be roughly the correct tightness. Loosen the bow after playing to prevent damage.
3. Hold your bow properly. Improper bowing is the downfall of many an aspiring violinist. Remember, your index finger should sit neatly on the grip with your other fingers sit at equal distances on the edge, with your ring finger covering the pearl circle on the side of the bow. Gripping a bow should be a gentle thing, you should never how the bow too tightly even when playing aggressively.
4. Tuck the violin in neatly. The correct way to hold a violin is to grip it with your jaw and shoulder, and not your chin. It is your jaw that occupies the chin-rest, and if you stand up straight the end of the violin should be pointing outwards at 90 degrees, not towards the ceiling. Your left hand should grip the base of the violins neck and your wrist should not be in contact with the neck. Allow your left elbow to point out but not too far, if it protrudes too far to the left then you are holding the violin incorrectly.
5. Practice on open strings. By not pressing down on any strings you can concentrate on your bowing and ensure that you get a feel for the instrument first. Full strokes are easiest to attempt at first, and then half strokes. Practise the transition point where the bow changes direction, this should be as smooth as possible. Try changing from one string to another. Master these basic exercises before you even contemplate pressing down on the strings.
6. Learn your scales. Due to the nature of the violin scales are an excellent exercise and are also essential knowledge if you wish to master the instrument. There are many scales and all of them will help you improve your playing. Simply working through your scales is a great way to loosen up before a performance, and it can prove an excellent way to warm up before practise as well. Learn to play your scales with perfection and you will be one step closer to mastering the violin.
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