Violin Tone Technique

I found another video that goes with the violin techniques learned in my last post on Monday, November 26. In this video, Todd Ehle, talks about the bow and how to make the best tone. He is very good at teaching this technique and has great ways to help you understand and describe what you must feel. He mentions his own teacher trying to hit the bow off the strings to see if there's enough weight on the bow. This is a great idea, which I plan on using with my students. Be sure to work on this technique for 10 min each time you practice. This is an important technique to be working on even as a beginner. I hope you find this information helpful.

Violin String Crossings

I found this video showing the technique to use when practicing string crossings. This video is really great for beginners to work on bow arm movement. If you really want to learn the proper violin techniques, this video is really good to get perfected. As you advance, the lessons learned in this video will make things easier. Pay attention to the bow arm's wrist and elbow. Those are the two key areas to focus on when perfecting this movement. I would practice this for 10 min. at every practice session until you feel comfortable, and see and hear the fluidity of the bow change. Leave any questions in the comment section below.

Silk Spider Spun Strings

Have you heard about these silk spider strings? I guess they've been around for awhile. Check out the link below for more information on the Silk Spider strings. Please leave a post if you have any comments on these strings.

Silk Spider Spun Strings Information

Has anyone tried these violin strings? What do you think about them? Would you switch from nylon strings to these spider violin strings?

Thanksgiving

Wishing everyone a blessed Thanksgiving! Remember to be thankful to God for all you have including family and friends. 

Shar Music is having a "Black Friday" Sale tomorrow. Check out their website to buy violins and accessories!

Shar Music

Dutch Auction on Violin Strings

Shar Music is having a Dutch Auction on violin strings. Check it out to save some money. Shar Music String Dutch Auction

Violin Rosin

What does rosin do? Rosin is rubbed on the hairs of the bow to provide grip between the hairs and the string. Dark rosin is more thick and sticky and grips the string more. You want to use dark rosin if you want more power and sound with your violin. It's also better to used if you live in a less humid climate.The lighter rosin gives you a more clean smooth sound. This is best to use if you live in a very humid climate. If you're not sure which kind to use, go with the lighter rosin since that is the most liked by most violinists.

There are a several different makers of violin rosin. There are all kinds of brands for beginner violin rosin, which comes molded into a piece of wood so it is easy for young violinists to use. Any brand is fine, because there isn't much quality difference. 

The higher quality rosins have slight differences, so you may have to try a few to choose which kind you like best. Pirastro makes a good rosin and they make a Obligato rosin and Goldflex rosin, which is very popular. The Gold flex has a light color which makes the bow have a smoother sound. Hill makes good violin rosin, both light and dark, and is a more cost effective option for students. Bernadel is another brand of rosin which is used by most professional violinists. Melso is an all natural rosin, if you'd like to go more "green". There is also Dominant, Motrya Gold, Larsen, Hypoallergenic, Kaplan, Andrea, Hidersine, Kolstein, and AB. 

I used the beginner rosin up until high school. When I began high school, I got a new violin and bow, so it made sense to switch to a higher quality rosin. I've been using AB (dark) and I've loved the sound it gives me. 

If you're a beginner and still elementary school age, use the beginner / cheapest rosin. Once you are more advanced, switching rosins can help your tone and improve your sound. 

The video below tells you about rosin and applying it to the bow.

Violin Bow Grip Instruction

If you've ever heard Itzhak Perlman perform, you know he's one of the best violinists ever. Whenever I'm working on a violin solo, I listen to Itzhak perform it. I've been in awe of his talent since I was little. 

Are you a beginner and want to know how to hold the bow? Are you a more advanced violinist but would like to hear from the expert how it's done so you can make any corrections? Here is a great video that Itzhak made to show you how to hold the bow properly. I hope this is helpful.

Itzhak Perlman speaks about bow grip

Learn to Play the Violin with Violin Master Pro

Have you ever wanted to learn the violin? Maybe you just haven't had the time or wanted to commit to weekly lessons. No matter the age, anyone can learn the violin. Violin Master Pro is a great program to learn the violin. You'll learn from the professional violinist Eric Lewis. View this link to get a feel for how he teaches and if he'd be a good match for you. First Violin Lesson by Eric Lewis on YouTube. His teaching is very clear and easy to understand. You may have to consider whether you can learn by example and following instructions via video, because it may be hard for some to learn that way. I think the price point for these lessons is extremely reasonable. I am a teacher and would almost charge for one lesson, what the cost is for Eric Lewis' WHOLE PROGRAM. Learning an instrument through a video series, allows you plenty of time to go at your speed, repeat lessons, and go through the lessons when you have time. Eric doesn't just limit you to only playing classical music. You'll learn jazz, rock, country, and others. There is a right way to be trained to play the violin. The style of music doesn't determine the way you play. Once you learn how to play correctly, you can play any type of music you want. When I was a young child, I really enjoyed fiddle music and country, so I played and practiced that music along with my weekly lesson music. That kept my interest and love of the violin. A little variety made it more exciting. I love the fact that Eric introduces and teaches other styles of music to help more people reach their violin playing goal. For more information and to download the program click here http://8d290evpp9rr-5wqmez30glj94.hop.clickbank.net/?tid=VLNMASTERPRO or click the ad on right side bar of this blog. I hope this helpful! Best wishes learning the violin!

Violin String Recommendation

Beginner violinists! I would like to tell you my recommendation for which type of violin strings would benefit  you best. I've mostly played with Dominant strings, since my teachers always thought they were the best. I believe there are other violin strings that are good quality and have a little different sound that you want. The Dominant strings are great, but can seem a little too expensive for the beginner. Prelude, Super Sensitive Stellar, Overture Premium Steel, or Helicore are some good strings to use as a beginner which have a more reasonable price. They also have longevity. Prazision and Prim are made for beginners who play in ensembles and those who play folk or bluegrass music. Please keep in mind that your sound maybe different depending on the type and quality of your instrument.

To find out a little more information about these strings and others, click on the "Violin Strings" tab at the top of this page. Feel free to leave any comments! Thanks!