10/14/2013

Playing Bowed Psaltery As A Learner

By Megan Landry


Learning to play bowed psaltery can be a worthy experience. This is a musical instrument that has been in existence since the ancient days and it has a slight resemblance to the violin in the way it is played but in appearance, they differ slightly since this one is in a shape of isosceles triangle. It is played using a bow.

It has a wooden body with a number of strings running on it to the side which has a large base. These are the strings which are stroked using the bow to produce sound. One of the most amazing thing about this instrument is the quality of sound produced. The only drawback is that only a single key can be played at a time.

As a learner, the first step is to know how to hold it comfortably as it is suppose to be. Here, the tip faces away from the body while the base comes to rest on the tummy. The left arm provides support by holding the area beneath the tip while the right one gets hold of the bow. This is the one used to cause movements of the bow across the strings and produce a sound. Playing is always done in a sitting posture with legs crossed.

After this, the actual playing comes into perspective. This one is quite easy. Once taking position, the right hand strikes across the strings within the spaces between the pins from right to left using the bow. Each strike has to be maintained within these spaces. With perfection, he or she can be taught on doing these using two bows.

Another thing an individual needs to know is that of tuning. Although this is not a regular thing, the leaner has to know how to do it in case the device goes out of tune. Provision of a tuning wrench assists in this. The reflective idea of tuning is that of care extended towards the instrument. What the student needs to constantly do is tweaking in a vigilant manner that will not shatter the strings.

The entire process of learning can be done in a classroom or privately using the guidance of playing tips provided on the internet. There are many videos on different sites ways of playing this instrument. The best thing about the online components is that one can watch them over and over again until he or she gets it done correctly.

Tutors of this instrument are available for those who wish to have one. They only caution one has to exercise is that of ensuring the instructor is well experienced and has adequate knowledge about this instrument to share with the student. When it comes to selection, the right process needs to be done to land the best.

Once someone knows how to play the bowed psaltery, he or she will not stop playing. This is due to the reason of it being exceptional in sound quality. New learners are encouraged to practice as many times as possible so as to perfect and get new ideas on their own.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment