The Player's Lounge / Education Corner / STRING TALK - Chat about Bowed Instruments

double stops

SpongeBob — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 11:44:04 GMT

I need some help -6th grade strings class(vn, va, c, b) on teaching double stops- just the basics, please.

Holding cello bow

DescendingA — Sat, 07 Apr 2007 14:34:53 GMT

I'm an adult beginner, self-taught on top of that:hehe:.
While evereything else goes more or less smoothly, I seem to have a problem with proper bow-holding. Up until recently, I was holding it relaxly, with index finger on wrapping, thumb bent near frog, and other fingers slightly curved on other side of frog/bow stick, stick slightly touching my palm. Then I saw somewhere that 4th finger (pinky) should be on eye on frog, and that advice was on numerous cello-related sites. The problem is, when I try holding it like that, my whole hand starts cramping after 15 minutes or so of playing. I'm doing something wrong, obviously! Or maybe my hands are too small ?
I'm wondering - is it really necessary for proper playing to hold bow like that , or are slight alterations allowed?
If not - what AM I doing wrong?

Thanks for your help!

Beginner Orchestra programs taught by non-string players

celloguy — Wed, 13 Dec 2006 12:25:41 GMT

My son (3rd grade) began taking Orchestra (viola) at his school this past fall. The teacher is a very nice person (and generally a good musician), but is not principally a string player. (She plays woodwinds I believe.) I have been working with my son when he practices at home, and have found that he is learning some odd technique (I would call it incorrect) as well as developing some poor habits (posture, hand position, etc.) that I am trying to get him to "unlearn".

I know I am not a violist (as my screen name suggests, I play cello), but I know enough about good posture and playing technique to recognize a poorly shaped left hand and bow grip. I have spoken with some parents of other string students at this school, and we share the same general feeling that things are not happening as they should. We are all concerned that the students will become discouraged and quit what should be a very beneficial and rewarding program.

I want to try and work with the teacher (in a constructive way) to see if there are ways to improve the instruction and habits of the students, but I am not quite sure how to approach the subject with the teacher. I know she is quite busy (I think she covers classes at at least three schools), and I am sure she is as undercompensated as music teachers anywhere. I welcome any suggestions anyone out there might have in how to work with (or help out) this teacher to the benefit of all. (Any experienced teachers out there care to chime in with what you know that might help?)

Does anyone else have a similar teaching system in your area? (Non string players teaching strings) Is there a shortage of string teachers for the public schools, or does teacher staffing dictate that "other" area teachers (band, choir) have to cover orchestra classes due to general smaller size of orchestra classes? Understand that I have no problem with other types of music groups and instruction like band and choir (the band is terriffic in our high school!), I just wonder if it is fair (to students or teachers!) to make music teachers teach instruments they are not really familiar with. Please let me know if you have any experience with this subject. Thanks!

Adding fill-ins during a song

newfiddler — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 13:40:28 GMT

I am a beginning fiddle player. I was wondering how you know how to improvise on fill-ins? I can hear a song on a CD and learn the fill-ins that they play but I don't really know how to do it myself. Does anyone have any tips or suggestions.

Thnkas,
Jen

motivation

surfin_da_waves — Wed, 21 Dec 2005 00:04:51 GMT

i need help.... i play the violin, i always wanted to when i was around 3 year old. I started when i was seven. & now i've reall yslacked off. I never practice and i've gone a bit down hill. I have a feeling my parents are soon about to make me stop. & i dont want to. I guess i just get caught up in stuff, homework, friends, radio, T.V and stuff. I love it, but i dont want to stop because i know i'm going to regret it. Can someone plz help me get back into playing it or something? plus i'm getting sick of classical music, i want to learn the electric violin. What other types of violins are there???? I need new flavour probably.... just getting sick with classical.

Help needed!!!!

Cherys

How do I restring my violin?

drewpa13 — Tue, 25 Jan 2005 14:06:59 GMT

Hello. I recently purchased the Prelude strings and would like to know if there is a website that explains how to restring a violin and also has pictures. Thank you.

Intervals

surfin_da_waves — Wed, 06 Jul 2005 00:00:34 GMT

Hi was wondering what are intervals? I learned them but now I forgot what they are. Can you help me?

Thanx