You are 100% correct about the thumb position. I've been doing a lot of research on this because it never seemed natural for me, turned my hand into a claw position and caused serious cramping down through my wrist. So what I found out was that that position originates from the days when bows didn't have frogs and the horsehair had to be manually tightened by the thumb against the wood of the bow stick. Traditionalists adhere to this teaching as though it preserves the art of the original form. But it is merely an archaic holdover. You would be surprised how many brilliant players actually default to the so called "Banana thumb" behind the scenes. It has no negative effect on bow sound or technique whatsoever, at least in my experience. But everyone is different, so it's important to find your own bow hold, or if the traditional works better for you great.
What an amazingly informative video. I am one of those “adults” revisiting the violin after playing it for 6-7 years in middle and high school. You eloquently captured and conveyed some important distinctions. Welcome back and I hope you stay on this platform for some time forward.
Omg, you are a genious and I can't thank enough. I've been always wondering and questioning my private tutor, why my bow bounces so much when I relax all my shoulder and arm muscles as I was told and just pull the bow and still shakes crazy and why my tutors bow never looked straight down to the strings but always tilted in an angle when she plays(only looked perpendicular when she demonstrates an example), and my tutor never had the answer for my itchness. And I stopped taking her tuition and started to practice on my own, doing a lots of trials looking in to the mirror and make small adjustments for like 4 months, and BOOM, found your video and fixed in a 30 mins. This is insanity. THANK YOU🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
GREAT video. That last one is THE most important. At least it was for me. I had developed a beginner's vibrato rather early in my adult violin learning, but, then I found I was unable to consistently transfer this from finger to finger, and, then FINALLY I found that this was due to my index knuckle being too firmly attached to the neck, and THAT was a result of my setup not being secure enough to hold my violin without any tension or support from my hand. Once I upgraded my setup, I was able to free my left hand, and EVERYTHING changed. Thank you. Violin Lab and Red Desert Violin subscriber and student here. You ladies are the best.
Very good points! The adaptive left hand, the reaching forward of the bow arm and the neutral thumb position in the bow are really important to understand as a teacher. Hands are so different and outstanding violinists continue to show us how little "rules" there are. I think it is a freeing thing to keep in mind!
For the "close the gate" elbow problem, I remember my teacher had me stand against a wall. This kept my shoulder relaxed, but didn't enable me to pull my elbow behind my shoulder (because a physical wall would stop me). It was such a brilliant teaching device and I still use it for my students.
@cornchips007 stand with your right shoulder against the wall. Try to pull the elbow back. Your elbow will hit the wall. Then focus on unlocking your elbow to allow your bow arm to fully extend. The movement comes from the wrist and elbow, rather than the shoulder.
You are god sent! Im not an adult beginner, i started in 6th grade in my school orchestra, and 6 years later I've moved into the professional status playing concertos and such, my biggest challenge was that I've been trying to change my bow hold from my straight thumb to a bent one becuase thats what t was taught, but the straight thumb felt more comfortable for me, and you breaking that myth, created such a realization moment for me, like fully mind blown!! You've earned a like and a new subscriber! Thank you. ❤
This is so awesome. I'm an accomplished pianist (65) who began playing violin about 2 years ago. Sadly, the first year I studied with my goddaughter (amazing player, horrible teacher) who did not focus on my bow technique AT ALL. Now, with my new teacher, I've had to basically start over. I have zero authority to teach anything about violin to anyone, but sometimes I want to post a vid that includes ALL of the mistakes I made so adult beginners don't follow suit. (That won't be happening any time soon.) I've watched this video twice. Going back for a third helping. Thank you so much!
The advice you gave me was amazing. It addressed all of my concerns regarding my thumb and left hand positioning. It makes so much more sense now that I understand why my thumb and left hand position felt so unnatural.
All the issues of tension and consequences of those traditional teachings I had in school. All of it. That's why I gave up after 2 years. Now at almost 40 I'm picking it up again and this time I'm researching the heck out of it. So glad to have found your channel!
Well done, Beth! Misconceptions about the movements in the bow arm/shoulder are very common, even in advanced and professional players. The work of Jennifer Johnson around the topic of body mapping came to me late in my violin career but has made a huge difference in how I teach and play the violin.
My main obstacle to being an adult-onset student of violin is that I came in with a solid music background, music minor in college with piano, flute, and French horn training. I think I wanted to progress too fast. My intellect moved far faster than my fingers! In a sense, training in music performance is a form of physical education. Rather than training nerves and muscles to throw a baseball or make a free-throw, we are conditioning the body to play a musical instrument.
Very true, and this is a particular issue for adults, who are have developed brilliant minds. An adult understands the concepts so easily and then wonders why they can't just "do them". Our muscles and the nerves that control them are not as quick as our intellect, unfortunately.
Desk Flip moments on this entire video! All lessons on this I had questioned myself with no professional guidance to remedy these details. Thank you SO MUCH!
Agree. To know that 30% of professional violinists have some degree of chronic pain relating to their profession is far too alarming. With the adult beginners and the relative lack of joint and ligament flexibility, it is often a struggle against own anatomy- a lost one indeed. Adaptability is key!
This is great! The point about precision of language is so good! I'm a new teacher and I don't have a degree, which often makes me feel unequipped. However, there is a need in our community for teachers and I'm seeking to help fulfill that need. I had one adult and she was so receptive to precise instructions. I find with my younger students, less talking and more playing together is best. But adults are much more aware of their flaws and are in need of precise directions. This is a great video for students and teachers alike!
One of the best, most insightful instructions I've yet encountered on youtube (and I've seen a lot). I am just a beginner and the constantly bent right thumb took away the joy in playing. I am a musical teacher myself and I always tell my pupils 'to play an instrument well, you've got to enjoy all the physical movements'. Thanks very much.
Wow yeah that describes exactly what was wrong with my playing in high school over 20 years ago. Now I'm starting again and feel much better equipped to succeed.
You are the BEST teacher on TH-cam among all the violin teachers that I have watched so far! Thank you so much for making some tutorials available on youtube. Really appreciate!
I'm a violin/viola teacher and I do see a difference in teaching children and adults. I've also found that now that I want to share how I play with my adult students, that sometimes I over share for my children students and that makes me sad. As a small child beginner, I always wanted to share with small children too, but I find myself less able to connect with them because I've been working at an adult learning program and have been focusing a lot on making playing violin something that adult learners can do. I also find that adults will have me play and then watch what my hands are doing and try to emulate that more than children do.
You are amazing. This video is so incredibly helpful. I’m one of those who was blessed with extremely short thumbs and I’ve always been super confused by conflicting left hand advice. Thank you for sharing!!
Thank you so much. I’ve come a long way since my childhood violin teacher put a 3/4 size bridge on my full size violin. You have given me a lot of simple things to unlearn that has transformed my sound. I appreciate you.
I cannot say how much this video will help me regarding bow thumb! I have been struggling with the bow from day 1 (about 7yrs ago!!!) and had my thumb very bent as you describe, thinking the position sacrosanct. Last week I went to watch a local orchestra play and was sitting less than 10ft away from violins and noticed not ONE had a bent thumb like mine! I was literally in shock. I reported my observation in an adult on line group and someone pointed me to you and this video. I am now subscribed. Brilliant and thank you!!! I am almost 65yrs old and a left hander playing a left hand violin left handed. Sadly a rarity in strings. Now the hard part... unlearning and relearning.... again. I have a feeling I will be exploring this channel in my future! ;))
@@MishaSkripach if that was true, all right handers would be playing left handed. If we reverse the point, if all right handers were told 'sorry, but you have to learn left handed', I am sure it would not take long before someone asked 'why?' If your child came home from school complaining that they have to learn violin left handed, you would rightly think it was wrong or at least inconvenient and slightly unfair. I believe music should be inclusive and not exclusive. Yes, it can be an issue in orchestra, but there have been some lefties who have played in orchestra, but for all other genres and even ensembles, left handedness is not an issue. And how many players actually end up in orchestra? Probably a tiny percentage. Left handed violin is extremely sparse for instruments and even worse for shoulder rests and chin rests. I do not believe it should be that way. If the violin community opened up a little, more left handers would start playing and it would eventually become commercially viable. It happened with guitars, there is no reason for it not to happen with violin and strings. And yes, it is a bee in my bonnet! ;))
@@MishaSkripach Richard Barth 1863-1867; Paavo Berglund 1929-2012 and Rudolph Kolisch (re-learned left handed after an accident) 1896-1978; Terje Mo Hansen... the list goes on, all left handers... You are probably right about the vast majority of adult learners not ever making it to virtuoso level, but I don't think that is the point. The point is to have joy in your life, regardless of ability. If making music brings you joy, what is the problem? There is EVERY point in buying a left handed violin, I have been playing left handed guitars for 50 years! Why would I burden myself with a right handed violin? It is nonsense. It is beyond my comprehension why some people are so violently against it. My father was also left handed and was forced at school to write with his right hand. Society has evolved from those times and we don't force people to do that any more because it is senseless. My playing left handed does no harm and makes no difference to anyone. Ever. Let us celebrate the joy of difference and be inclusive. Today I am 65 years old, I will NEVER be a virtuoso or even professionally capable on the violin. I really don't care. I LOVE playing and I LOVE music and making music. Being told I am being pointless in buying a left handed violin is frankly laughable. Light and love to you. xxx
@@MishaSkripach beauty is in the eye of the beholder. When I see someone play who is learning or not sounding good but are full of passion and love and trying their best, it is beautiful to me. Standards are relative. This is not an excuse, it is a plain fact. A left handed car is not a creative pastime, it has nothing to do with expression or life long learning. Consider this... why are there so few left handed violinists? The answer is very simple. It is because historically they have never been allowed. A mix of snobbery and perhaps manufacturing practicality along with a cup of prejudice eliminated them from the right handed tribe majority. 'Be like us or leave' mentality. You also cite arm articulation, dexterity and muscle development being the same for a left hander playing right handed. A right hander uses the dominant arm for the bow. Therefore a left hander using the dominant arm for the bow has exactly the same learning curve as a right hander. It is a null argument. Your need for pure excellence and nothing else leaves me cold and I will continue to torture my friends, family and neighbours for as long as I am able to pick up an instrument. Fortunately, you will never suffer my playing. I hope you have joy somewhere in your life, it is certainly not in the spirit of creativity of expression.
Hola Beth! He aprendido mucho gracias a tu canal y vuelvo a ver tus videos para recordar buenas prácticas! Es una alegría verte por aquí! Muchas gracias por tus explicaciones siempre tan interesantes 👏👏👏👏👏👏💜🎶💜🎻
This video not only shed some light, it opened the door!! ( forgive the pun).I am well amazed. By following what you said about bowing (still a hinge but turning the knob clockwise ) and the right up of the bow, made a HUGE difference directly on my bowing straighter, I am still far from bowing straight without concerntrating but what a difference. THANK YOU
that's great! i learned about the elbow movement using a little from the shoulder on the Ferdinand Kuchtler violin method, he explains exacly that. no bow movement is made enterely of just one section of the arm. there's always something from the other sections involved somehow.
You're thoughtful and generous.🎻❤ It solidified it in my mind about reaching or pushing. It's always worth spending the time to listen carefully when you have a video out.
Hi! I have a question about the bow tilt. I am a violist, not a beginner, but someone who has never really had instruction on bow technique. Do you think that tilt would also translate to good technique for the viola? I was basically taught to dig in with my bow as much as I could, especially on the lower strings (C string the most) to really get as much sound out of my instrument as possible, but that's where my instruction on bowing ended. I understand your expertise is in violin and not necessarily viola, so if you can't answer my question, I understand. I still really found a lot of helpful tips in your video. Thank you so much!
You're correct in that one needs a nice heavy arm to produce good sounds on the lower strings of a viola, but you would still tilt the bow. Watch the hair as you add weight. Even with a tilt, more pressure will flatten the hair so that all the hair can contact the string, but the tilt somehow miraculously "cleans up" the sound. Concentrate more on dropping the shoulder deep into the socket.
Thank you so much for your video. I am a adult starter.. I got some. Of those advices you talk about. For example my left hand thumb wants to rest more at the hight of the middle finger.. Also the thumb of the right hand.. I need to talk to my violin teacher
How sweet you are explaining us whats in your heart! It really seems to me, that you wish everybody to be an exellent player !! I love your videos soooo much !!!
I recommend Beth's course. I homeschool, and my 16 year-old-daughter has taken her beginner course this year, along with the note reading course, and I have watched her improve greatly over the past 9 months. My daughter loves her lessons, and Beth is very thorough with her lessons. She really focuses on technique. I noticed my daughter starting to relax and bend her pinky, which I have heard is a good sign that the violinist is relaxed. She also has no problems with bouncing either. She even played around on her own a little trying to dance some while playing. I like the fact that she is relaxed and enjoying playing the violin. Beth just has a very calm spirit, and it rubs off on her students.
Yes! My bow was bouncing! I played trumpet in middle school and high school but my 10 year old is learning violin, and I picked up a used full size for me after enjoying the first few lesson pages on her 1/4 size. I've hit a wall with making it sound better, but I think these will address my issues!
I'm an intermediate pianist by now and in 2 days my new instrument/friend violin will be so glad when it "feels" my hands relaxed on it thanks to your guidance. Wish me good luck for these squeaky first notes of mine 😂🎉
Great....I see some things I can use as an adult student, especially the bow angle....My teacher will not agree but I did have a teacher that said it was ok
If you ever have a teacher that disagrees, just say that you've watched hundreds of soloists perform and their bows are always tilted. See how they reply to that....
Generally agree - and I like the emphasis on adapting to your own unique physique rather than the dogmatism of so many less skilled teachers. But I'm surprised at the emphasis on left-hand finger strength. When you stop the string with a soft palm and the minimum required force, my experience is that very little strength is required. It's much more about balance in the frame, a crisp drop from the base knuckle, and relaxing the finger as soon as the string has sounded, in a springing motion. I never need to press the string anywhere close to the fingerboard to get a strong tone. Strength suggests we should be working with force - but surely that's what we are trying to avoid?
¡¡ Fantastico !! Realiza unas presentaciones muy ilustrativas con una didáctica encomiablemente afin para conseguir una técnica necesaria, fundamental. ¡¡¡ Es una maravilla !!!
I´m 50 years and started violin 12 month ago whit 4/4 but just 3 weeks ago got me a 7/8 violin because it´s better for small hands. I enjoy practice more now.
@@violinlab When I was thinking to change my violin there was attitude from people that adult must play full size. The good thing my hesitation was that my local luthier found me a beautiful JTL made in 1900 for 2500€ to me it´s good for the rest of my life. It make me think how many people stop playing for not hawin support or information for the 7/8 size.
@@kirsitahtinen9968yes I’ve never heard of that before! My mind is blown! Good to know. I don’t think I need it, but I wonder about my teacher who is a pretty small person.
EACTLY !!!!!!!!!!! Thank you. I thought it was just me. I have aways wanted to learn the Double Bass and have the challenges you have described. Also I live in an area that does not have Bass Teachers that I have been able to connect with for determined progressive instruction. Do you know of or can recommend a Doubles Bass instructor that has the a similar belief and pedagogue as you?
Thanks for your course. You advanced my playing a lot. I would like to ask may be you can explain: one violin teacher said to me and never explained: "Help to your left hand with your right hand" And she studied in Vienna conservatory so she knows what to say, but it is kind of "meme" for me for a very long period of time.
I just think your teacher meant that since the hands influence each other, particularly in regards to holding tension, when you learn to play with relaxation in one hand it will benefit the other. She also might have meant that sometimes we blame the left hand when really, it's the right hand that is subtly causing problems. Either way, she's correct. The left hand will be more in tune and relaxed when we master control with the bow. Strange how that happens.
In terms of the hinge of the elbow, one of the most helpful teachings for me has come from Kato Havas and the cello teacher Margaret Rowell. They both emphasise the (anatomically correct!) fact that the impulse comes from the back and upper arm, and that the forearm should simply transmit the movement passively to the root of the bow hand. I find that visualising the forearm as the actor simply creates tension. The Havas/Rowell visualisation frees the forearm up to flow more freely. This is true even with short, rapid bowstrokes. Just use your left hand to feel all the action in the muscles of your upper arm if you don't believe them!
Hello ...! I wright you form Germany. I know You for a long time. Thanks a lot for teaching very interssted Violin Lab. I have leant Violin Form you by youre Clips. Dentist from Germany.
You are 100% correct about the thumb position. I've been doing a lot of research on this because it never seemed natural for me, turned my hand into a claw position and caused serious cramping down through my wrist. So what I found out was that that position originates from the days when bows didn't have frogs and the horsehair had to be manually tightened by the thumb against the wood of the bow stick. Traditionalists adhere to this teaching as though it preserves the art of the original form. But it is merely an archaic holdover. You would be surprised how many brilliant players actually default to the so called "Banana thumb" behind the scenes. It has no negative effect on bow sound or technique whatsoever, at least in my experience. But everyone is different, so it's important to find your own bow hold, or if the traditional works better for you great.
I didn't know about the tightening of the hair with thumb pressure in Baroque bows. Thank you for that!
What an amazingly informative video. I am one of those “adults” revisiting the violin after playing it for 6-7 years in middle and high school. You eloquently captured and conveyed some important distinctions. Welcome back and I hope you stay on this platform for some time forward.
Omg, you are a genious and I can't thank enough. I've been always wondering and questioning my private tutor, why my bow bounces so much when I relax all my shoulder and arm muscles as I was told and just pull the bow and still shakes crazy and why my tutors bow never looked straight down to the strings but always tilted in an angle when she plays(only looked perpendicular when she demonstrates an example), and my tutor never had the answer for my itchness. And I stopped taking her tuition and started to practice on my own, doing a lots of trials looking in to the mirror and make small adjustments for like 4 months, and BOOM, found your video and fixed in a 30 mins. This is insanity. THANK YOU🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
That's what I love to hear! That was my hope!
I feel so wonderful. Been struggling for two years. Self taught.
GREAT video. That last one is THE most important. At least it was for me. I had developed a beginner's vibrato rather early in my adult violin learning, but, then I found I was unable to consistently transfer this from finger to finger, and, then FINALLY I found that this was due to my index knuckle being too firmly attached to the neck, and THAT was a result of my setup not being secure enough to hold my violin without any tension or support from my hand. Once I upgraded my setup, I was able to free my left hand, and EVERYTHING changed. Thank you. Violin Lab and Red Desert Violin subscriber and student here. You ladies are the best.
Thank you for that feedback! I'm glad you resolved the issues preventing your best vibrato.
@@violinlab Thank you for all you do! I discovered you and your channel through Lora Lynn Staples, and I am VERY glad she recommended you!
Very good points! The adaptive left hand, the reaching forward of the bow arm and the neutral thumb position in the bow are really important to understand as a teacher. Hands are so different and outstanding violinists continue to show us how little "rules" there are. I think it is a freeing thing to keep in mind!
For the "close the gate" elbow problem, I remember my teacher had me stand against a wall. This kept my shoulder relaxed, but didn't enable me to pull my elbow behind my shoulder (because a physical wall would stop me). It was such a brilliant teaching device and I still use it for my students.
Can you describe it a little further please?
@cornchips007 stand with your right shoulder against the wall. Try to pull the elbow back. Your elbow will hit the wall. Then focus on unlocking your elbow to allow your bow arm to fully extend. The movement comes from the wrist and elbow, rather than the shoulder.
My favorite violin teacher is back! Great video. We missed you!♥
You are god sent! Im not an adult beginner, i started in 6th grade in my school orchestra, and 6 years later I've moved into the professional status playing concertos and such, my biggest challenge was that I've been trying to change my bow hold from my straight thumb to a bent one becuase thats what t was taught, but the straight thumb felt more comfortable for me, and you breaking that myth, created such a realization moment for me, like fully mind blown!! You've earned a like and a new subscriber! Thank you. ❤
This is so awesome. I'm an accomplished pianist (65) who began playing violin about 2 years ago. Sadly, the first year I studied with my goddaughter (amazing player, horrible teacher) who did not focus on my bow technique AT ALL. Now, with my new teacher, I've had to basically start over. I have zero authority to teach anything about violin to anyone, but sometimes I want to post a vid that includes ALL of the mistakes I made so adult beginners don't follow suit. (That won't be happening any time soon.) I've watched this video twice. Going back for a third helping. Thank you so much!
One of the best online violin labs I've found. Her vibrato in slow motion is a must! Two videos...
Wow, thank you!
Exactly what I was looking for!
Rarely do instructors address bow tilt, which is important to good tone. I noticed instructors doing this and learned to tilt by inference.
It's great you are observant and pick up on these details!
The advice you gave me was amazing. It addressed all of my concerns regarding my thumb and left hand positioning. It makes so much more sense now that I understand why my thumb and left hand position felt so unnatural.
Insightful..... I stand vindicated for some of my own doubts about violin bow hold! Thank you.
All the issues of tension and consequences of those traditional teachings I had in school. All of it. That's why I gave up after 2 years. Now at almost 40 I'm picking it up again and this time I'm researching the heck out of it. So glad to have found your channel!
Well done, Beth! Misconceptions about the movements in the bow arm/shoulder are very common, even in advanced and professional players. The work of Jennifer Johnson around the topic of body mapping came to me late in my violin career but has made a huge difference in how I teach and play the violin.
Thanks! I'm not familiar with her work, but will look it up.
My main obstacle to being an adult-onset student of violin is that I came in with a solid music background, music minor in college with piano, flute, and French horn training. I think I wanted to progress too fast. My intellect moved far faster than my fingers! In a sense, training in music performance is a form of physical education. Rather than training nerves and muscles to throw a baseball or make a free-throw, we are conditioning the body to play a musical instrument.
Very true, and this is a particular issue for adults, who are have developed brilliant minds. An adult understands the concepts so easily and then wonders why they can't just "do them". Our muscles and the nerves that control them are not as quick as our intellect, unfortunately.
Desk Flip moments on this entire video! All lessons on this I had questioned myself with no professional guidance to remedy these details. Thank you SO MUCH!
Agree. To know that 30% of professional violinists have some degree of chronic pain relating to their profession is far too alarming. With the adult beginners and the relative lack of joint and ligament flexibility, it is often a struggle against own anatomy- a lost one indeed. Adaptability is key!
This is great! The point about precision of language is so good! I'm a new teacher and I don't have a degree, which often makes me feel unequipped. However, there is a need in our community for teachers and I'm seeking to help fulfill that need. I had one adult and she was so receptive to precise instructions. I find with my younger students, less talking and more playing together is best. But adults are much more aware of their flaws and are in need of precise directions.
This is a great video for students and teachers alike!
I totally agree, Hannah. Teaching adults makes me have to reflect so much on precision of words.
One of the best, most insightful instructions I've yet encountered on youtube (and I've seen a lot). I am just a beginner and the constantly bent right thumb took away the joy in playing. I am a musical teacher myself and I always tell my pupils 'to play an instrument well, you've got to enjoy all the physical movements'. Thanks very much.
I love that! Enjoy is the perfect word!
Wow yeah that describes exactly what was wrong with my playing in high school over 20 years ago. Now I'm starting again and feel much better equipped to succeed.
You are the BEST teacher on TH-cam among all the violin teachers that I have watched so far! Thank you so much for making some tutorials available on youtube. Really appreciate!
I'm a violin/viola teacher and I do see a difference in teaching children and adults. I've also found that now that I want to share how I play with my adult students, that sometimes I over share for my children students and that makes me sad. As a small child beginner, I always wanted to share with small children too, but I find myself less able to connect with them because I've been working at an adult learning program and have been focusing a lot on making playing violin something that adult learners can do. I also find that adults will have me play and then watch what my hands are doing and try to emulate that more than children do.
These are some incredibly informative tips and I'm definitely going to be revisiting these pointers as I continue my practice. Thank you Beth!
You are amazing. This video is so incredibly helpful. I’m one of those who was blessed with extremely short thumbs and I’ve always been super confused by conflicting left hand advice. Thank you for sharing!!
Thank you so much. I’ve come a long way since my childhood violin teacher put a 3/4 size bridge on my full size violin. You have given me a lot of simple things to unlearn that has transformed my sound. I appreciate you.
Why do they do that?
@ Probably to play 3 strings at the same time, making you play in tune or risk sounding worse.
Good for you! Very observant. Nice catch
I cannot say how much this video will help me regarding bow thumb! I have been struggling with the bow from day 1 (about 7yrs ago!!!) and had my thumb very bent as you describe, thinking the position sacrosanct. Last week I went to watch a local orchestra play and was sitting less than 10ft away from violins and noticed not ONE had a bent thumb like mine! I was literally in shock. I reported my observation in an adult on line group and someone pointed me to you and this video. I am now subscribed. Brilliant and thank you!!! I am almost 65yrs old and a left hander playing a left hand violin left handed. Sadly a rarity in strings. Now the hard part... unlearning and relearning.... again. I have a feeling I will be exploring this channel in my future! ;))
Kevin, I'm glad you had that epiphany. Observing what "real" playing looks like is very powerful. I hope your bow technique has improved since then.
@@MishaSkripach if that was true, all right handers would be playing left handed. If we reverse the point, if all right handers were told 'sorry, but you have to learn left handed', I am sure it would not take long before someone asked 'why?' If your child came home from school complaining that they have to learn violin left handed, you would rightly think it was wrong or at least inconvenient and slightly unfair. I believe music should be inclusive and not exclusive. Yes, it can be an issue in orchestra, but there have been some lefties who have played in orchestra, but for all other genres and even ensembles, left handedness is not an issue. And how many players actually end up in orchestra? Probably a tiny percentage. Left handed violin is extremely sparse for instruments and even worse for shoulder rests and chin rests. I do not believe it should be that way. If the violin community opened up a little, more left handers would start playing and it would eventually become commercially viable. It happened with guitars, there is no reason for it not to happen with violin and strings. And yes, it is a bee in my bonnet! ;))
@@MishaSkripach Richard Barth 1863-1867; Paavo Berglund 1929-2012 and Rudolph Kolisch (re-learned left handed after an accident) 1896-1978; Terje Mo Hansen... the list goes on, all left handers...
You are probably right about the vast majority of adult learners not ever making it to virtuoso level, but I don't think that is the point. The point is to have joy in your life, regardless of ability. If making music brings you joy, what is the problem? There is EVERY point in buying a left handed violin, I have been playing left handed guitars for 50 years! Why would I burden myself with a right handed violin? It is nonsense. It is beyond my comprehension why some people are so violently against it. My father was also left handed and was forced at school to write with his right hand. Society has evolved from those times and we don't force people to do that any more because it is senseless. My playing left handed does no harm and makes no difference to anyone. Ever. Let us celebrate the joy of difference and be inclusive. Today I am 65 years old, I will NEVER be a virtuoso or even professionally capable on the violin. I really don't care. I LOVE playing and I LOVE music and making music. Being told I am being pointless in buying a left handed violin is frankly laughable. Light and love to you. xxx
@@MishaSkripach beauty is in the eye of the beholder. When I see someone play who is learning or not sounding good but are full of passion and love and trying their best, it is beautiful to me. Standards are relative. This is not an excuse, it is a plain fact.
A left handed car is not a creative pastime, it has nothing to do with expression or life long learning.
Consider this... why are there so few left handed violinists? The answer is very simple. It is because historically they have never been allowed. A mix of snobbery and perhaps manufacturing practicality along with a cup of prejudice eliminated them from the right handed tribe majority. 'Be like us or leave' mentality.
You also cite arm articulation, dexterity and muscle development being the same for a left hander playing right handed. A right hander uses the dominant arm for the bow. Therefore a left hander using the dominant arm for the bow has exactly the same learning curve as a right hander. It is a null argument.
Your need for pure excellence and nothing else leaves me cold and I will continue to torture my friends, family and neighbours for as long as I am able to pick up an instrument. Fortunately, you will never suffer my playing. I hope you have joy somewhere in your life, it is certainly not in the spirit of creativity of expression.
@@MishaSkripach one more thing....
I applaud you for learning to write right handed. Well done!
But you had a choice, didn't you? ;))
Hola Beth! He aprendido mucho gracias a tu canal y vuelvo a ver tus videos para recordar buenas prácticas! Es una alegría verte por aquí! Muchas gracias por tus explicaciones siempre tan interesantes 👏👏👏👏👏👏💜🎶💜🎻
Nice to see you back! Awesome quality!
So glad to have found your channel! Great advice and thank you for appreciating the adult learner
So good, Beth, as usual! I love being able to learn violin from you at violin lab! It’s been a huge blessing, thank you!
Jessica
Aww, thank you Jessica. And thank you for being a Violin Labber.♥️
Thank you so much for these instructions. The punching balloon illustration helped me a lot. As a 60 year old, I do remember those!
Wonderful! I loved those things too!
Highly valuable points explained in simple manner. Thanks.
I missed your videos so much!! Glad you're back, sharing wisdom and tips. Yaaii!! 🙌
WOW! Thank you so much for this video. I am one of those frustrated adult would-be violinists. I needed this information greatly.
This video not only shed some light, it opened the door!! ( forgive the pun).I am well amazed. By following what you said about bowing (still a hinge but turning the knob clockwise ) and the right up of the bow, made a HUGE difference directly on my bowing straighter, I am still far from bowing straight without concerntrating but what a difference. THANK YOU
that's great! i learned about the elbow movement using a little from the shoulder on the Ferdinand Kuchtler violin method, he explains exacly that. no bow movement is made enterely of just one section of the arm. there's always something from the other sections involved somehow.
The first tip literally blew my mind. Thank you.
I learn so much with your tutorials, many thanks. Maybe the best teach in youtube. Greetings from Argentina
You're thoughtful and generous.🎻❤ It solidified it in my mind about reaching or pushing. It's always worth spending the time to listen carefully when you have a video out.
Hi! I have a question about the bow tilt. I am a violist, not a beginner, but someone who has never really had instruction on bow technique. Do you think that tilt would also translate to good technique for the viola? I was basically taught to dig in with my bow as much as I could, especially on the lower strings (C string the most) to really get as much sound out of my instrument as possible, but that's where my instruction on bowing ended. I understand your expertise is in violin and not necessarily viola, so if you can't answer my question, I understand. I still really found a lot of helpful tips in your video. Thank you so much!
You're correct in that one needs a nice heavy arm to produce good sounds on the lower strings of a viola, but you would still tilt the bow. Watch the hair as you add weight. Even with a tilt, more pressure will flatten the hair so that all the hair can contact the string, but the tilt somehow miraculously "cleans up" the sound. Concentrate more on dropping the shoulder deep into the socket.
I really love watching your videos even if I don't play violin, i hope to start soon tho 🥰
Thank you so much for your video. I am a adult starter.. I got some. Of those advices you talk about. For example my left hand thumb wants to rest more at the hight of the middle finger.. Also the thumb of the right hand.. I need to talk to my violin teacher
Another great video Beth - timely reminders for so many of us - at whatever level we play at!
This was some awesome advice for someone coming back to the violin from playing when I was a child! Thank you!!!
You're so welcome! Do consider giving Violinlab.com a visit. I have an abundance of resources and cohesive lessons to help you recover your skills.
Thankgoodness for this.
Started playing end of last yr. Age 63.
There was no way my bow hold was going to work in usual hold expected.
That bow tilt is golden advice. I had the best practice in a month due to that little cupcake. THANKS!
That's great! It's a part of bow technique that is under appreciated.
Fantastic advice! I’m right now learning the bow hold in an online school and could only think: Bent thumb? My anatomy doesn’t work like that.
I'm happy this helped!
How sweet you are explaining us whats in your heart!
It really seems to me, that you wish everybody to be an exellent player !!
I love your videos soooo much !!!
I really do!
Thanks so much this is exactly what I've been looking for
You are a great violin teacher. Thank you for your video.
Thank you so much ♥️
Very clear and precious explanations. Thank you so much. Actually all of your videos are very helpful. Greetings from Italy (Elena)
I recommend Beth's course. I homeschool, and my 16 year-old-daughter has taken her beginner course this year, along with the note reading course, and I have watched her improve greatly over the past 9 months. My daughter loves her lessons, and Beth is very thorough with her lessons. She really focuses on technique. I noticed my daughter starting to relax and bend her pinky, which I have heard is a good sign that the violinist is relaxed. She also has no problems with bouncing either. She even played around on her own a little trying to dance some while playing. I like the fact that she is relaxed and enjoying playing the violin. Beth just has a very calm spirit, and it rubs off on her students.
Oh, Sue, thank you for the kind endorsement. It makes me so happy to hear your daughter is improving!
Yes! My bow was bouncing! I played trumpet in middle school and high school but my 10 year old is learning violin, and I picked up a used full size for me after enjoying the first few lesson pages on her 1/4 size. I've hit a wall with making it sound better, but I think these will address my issues!
I hope so. I have another video on my TH-cam channel "Getting rid of unwanted bounces" that might help as well. Good luck!
I'm an intermediate pianist by now and in 2 days my new instrument/friend violin will be so glad when it "feels" my hands relaxed on it thanks to your guidance. Wish me good luck for these squeaky first notes of mine 😂🎉
Awesome! Thank you so much! I’m the Cellist, but I find it very interesting and informative!
Great....I see some things I can use as an adult student, especially the bow angle....My teacher will not agree but I did have a teacher that said it was ok
If you ever have a teacher that disagrees, just say that you've watched hundreds of soloists perform and their bows are always tilted. See how they reply to that....
Generally agree - and I like the emphasis on adapting to your own unique physique rather than the dogmatism of so many less skilled teachers. But I'm surprised at the emphasis on left-hand finger strength. When you stop the string with a soft palm and the minimum required force, my experience is that very little strength is required. It's much more about balance in the frame, a crisp drop from the base knuckle, and relaxing the finger as soon as the string has sounded, in a springing motion. I never need to press the string anywhere close to the fingerboard to get a strong tone. Strength suggests we should be working with force - but surely that's what we are trying to avoid?
I think the meaning here is strength internal to the finger itself, as opposed to bringing in opposing muscles which could be very counterproductive.
These tips are very helpful. Thanks you so much
¡¡ Fantastico !!
Realiza unas presentaciones muy ilustrativas con una didáctica encomiablemente afin para conseguir una técnica necesaria, fundamental.
¡¡¡ Es una maravilla !!!
I´m 50 years and started violin 12 month ago whit 4/4 but just 3 weeks ago got me a 7/8 violin because it´s better for small hands. I enjoy practice more now.
I play on a 7/8ths too! I could never go back!
@@violinlab When I was thinking to change my violin there was attitude from people that adult must play full size. The good thing my hesitation was that my local luthier found me a beautiful JTL made in 1900 for 2500€ to me it´s good for the rest of my life. It make me think how many people stop playing for not hawin support or information for the 7/8 size.
@@kirsitahtinen9968yes I’ve never heard of that before! My mind is blown! Good to know. I don’t think I need it, but I wonder about my teacher who is a pretty small person.
Thank you, I will see how I do all this next time I practice. Love your information
Excellent tips. Thank you.
Thank you for this! It is very helpful for a new adult learner.
Excellent content. Really enjoyed this video. Beth is a superb teacher.
EACTLY !!!!!!!!!!! Thank you. I thought it was just me. I have aways wanted to learn the Double Bass and have the challenges you have described. Also I live in an area that does not have Bass Teachers that I have been able to connect with for determined progressive instruction. Do you know of or can recommend a Doubles Bass instructor that has the a similar belief and pedagogue as you?
Thank you, thank you. The kids, and I love you so much, keep up the good work!👏
This video helped me a ton!
You are a phenomenal teacher!
Thank you so much!
Great video, thank you so much!
wonderful video thank you, I feel liberated!
Very informative!! Thank you!!
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you Teacher.
You are very welcome
This is soooo helpful. A thousand thanks!
Thanks for your course. You advanced my playing a lot. I would like to ask may be you can explain: one violin teacher said to me and never explained: "Help to your left hand with your right hand" And she studied in Vienna conservatory so she knows what to say, but it is kind of "meme" for me for a very long period of time.
I just think your teacher meant that since the hands influence each other, particularly in regards to holding tension, when you learn to play with relaxation in one hand it will benefit the other. She also might have meant that sometimes we blame the left hand when really, it's the right hand that is subtly causing problems. Either way, she's correct. The left hand will be more in tune and relaxed when we master control with the bow. Strange how that happens.
Thank you a lot for this great video Mrs. Blackerby, it is always helpful and informative to watch your videos
Por favor coloque legendas em português
Seu trabalho é fenomenal 👏👏
Teacher here! What an excellent video!
Thank you for your affirming comment!
Omg I was told the thumb thing last week and struggled to figure out why it wasn’t working well.
Wonderful explanation. Thank you.
You are welcome!
so helpful! many many thanks for this video!
You're very welcome!
Como siempre GENIAL. Muchas gracias.❤
Love this lady. welcome back teacher ^-^
In terms of the hinge of the elbow, one of the most helpful teachings for me has come from Kato Havas and the cello teacher Margaret Rowell. They both emphasise the (anatomically correct!) fact that the impulse comes from the back and upper arm, and that the forearm should simply transmit the movement passively to the root of the bow hand. I find that visualising the forearm as the actor simply creates tension. The Havas/Rowell visualisation frees the forearm up to flow more freely. This is true even with short, rapid bowstrokes. Just use your left hand to feel all the action in the muscles of your upper arm if you don't believe them!
Thank you Beth. Thank you for another great video! I like the video and image transitions, very nice!
Thank you so much
Brilliant advice..Thankyou 😁
Glad it was helpful!
Awesome video! Thanks so much!😊
Great advice thanks!
Thank you for posting this!
You're very welcome!
Excellent, thank you so much@
I love You teacher, You are the Best
Could you please show and describe the shoulder rest which you are using... I have tried different models and am still searching.
I use the Wave chin rest www.wavechinrest.com and finally found the one for me!
Oh sorry, that was my chin rest. I use the Mach hook shoulder rest, modified by rubber banding padding to both sides to make it more comfortable.
Great lesson! Thanks Beth!
Hello ...!
I wright you form Germany. I know You for a long time. Thanks a lot for teaching very interssted Violin Lab. I have leant Violin Form you by youre Clips.
Dentist from Germany.
Obrigado Beth Por mais um vídeo especial!!!!
Bravo and thank you!
Many thanks. Very helpful.
Some good and adult insights, thank you