Friday, November 14, 2014

How To Hold A Violin Correctly

By Christa Jarvis


The appearance of violinists on photos or during life performances could be deceiving. They are likely to be captured holding violins from an angle that gives the wrong impression of how to hold it. This makes it necessary for fresh learners to know how to hold a violin correctly from professionals. It will transform your artistry when playing and make you a more successful violinist.

The distance between the thumb and the nut should be an inch. It should touch the neck at the middle joint and be bent slightly. Leave a space between the index and the base of the thumb. The space should fit a pencil and allow it to freely move. Clenching the thumb will cause tension which hinders free movement between different positions while playing.

The thumb and first finger must be aligned if you wish to play the entire step above the nut. The nails must be cut short and all fingers must play in a curved position. Long nails will prevent the tips from striking the finger board.

To avoid contracting the neck, keep the wrist straight. It is common to find violinists playing with a bent wrist. The left portion of the palm or base of the thumb is the part that causes contraction of the neck. This position is wrong and will hinder professional advancement.

The left arm should remain under the back. This makes it difficult to see the arm when playing. It will be concealed by the instrument. The feet should be shoulder width apart and ensure that you are standing straight. The finger board and neck must be in line with your left leg and foot.

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.

When facing the stand, keep the body straight and about eight inches to your left. The upper torso must not be twisted under any circumstances. The position of the scroll should be about the nose level. There are shoulder pads to help you achieve the right position. This will relax the shoulders and take the burden of lifting your instrument from the left hand. It is distasteful when the instrument appears low.

Tone projection and smooth movement during bowing are determined by positioning. Your left hand can easily move as you play. The position prevents obstruction of the music score as you play ensuring that you bow smoothly. The eyes should look the strings at a straight angle.

It is wrong to play with the left face bent or lying on the chin-rest. This does not add to your professional appeal under any circumstance. The above guide should be applied if you play while seated. Ensure that you are relaxed all the time as you practice or play. Use a mirror to practice until you achieve the right position.




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