11/06/2014

Tips On How To Hold A Violin Correctly

By Christa Jarvis


Watching violists play or using their image to practice the right position is deceitful. This is mainly because you or the camera may be positioned at an angle that does not provide vital details. Fresh learners are encouraged to learn how to hold a violin correctly through private tuition. This makes it easier to achieve professional standards as a violinist.

The distance between the nut and your thumb should be approximately an inch. It should touch the neck at the middle joint and bend slightly. A space enough to move a pencil freely should be left between the index and the bottom of your thumb. A clenched thumb prevents free movement of the hand that is bowing. This is mainly caused by tension.

Align the first finger and the thumb if you need to play a whole step over the nut. Curve all fingers and keep the nails short. This is necessary if you have to strike the finger board with the tips.

The wrist should remain straight at all times. This ensures that the neck is not contracted. Some violinists play with their wrists bent. This contraction is mainly attributed to wrong positioning of the left palm or base of your thumb. This is one of the positions that hinders excellent performance at professional level.

A violinist should keep the left arm behind the bowing bar. It means that the arm will be invisible as you bow. It will be concealed by the bar. While playing, both feet should be a shoulder length apart. Ensure that you are standing straight with the finger board and your neck aligned to the left foot and leg.

It is difficult to draw a straight bow if you place the violin further to the left. This position also makes it difficult to bow to the tip. This is a common mistake with students and will make it difficult to read music scores. With such a position, the instrument has to be moved left if you are to see the entire page.

The body should remain straight when performing with a stand. The stand should be eight inches to the right and ensure that you do not twist the upper torso. The scroll remains at the level of the nose. The use of shoulder pads makes it easier to achieve this position. Your left hand will not be overburdened when holding the violin while your shoulders will feel relaxed. A low position appears very distasteful.

The right positioning is necessary for smooth movement during performance and tone projection. It means that the fingers and hands can freely move over the board. The music score will not be obstructed. A straight angle should be achieved when looking at the strings.

Playing with the left part of your face lying against the chin-rest is not recommended. This does not make you look like a professional either. The above positions still apply when you are sitting on a chair. It is important to relax at all times when playing. A mirror is very resourceful during practice.




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