-
How to pick the best shoulder rest for your body and my top 3 picks as a teacher (violin and viola)
•
As an Amazon Associate I receive commission from links to Amazon on this page. I may receive commission from other links as well. The topic of shoulder rests can be very controversial; however, I think that the instead of focusing on whether or not to use one, the focus should be on teaching students…
-
Tackle Thirds on the Violin and Viola. Why “reaching more with the third/fourth finger” doesn’t help.
•
Let’s talk double-stopping thirds on the violin and viola! This interval can be challenging, but there are a few things that can take them from feeling impossible to quite manageable with some dedicated practice. The misconception: Reaching with the third/fourth finger To play thirds correctly, many violinists and violists must make a mental adjustment…
-
Troubleshoot shifting into high positions on violin and viola. Stop climbing Mt. Everest!
•
I often have reminded my students to stop trying to climb Mt. Everest when they are shifting up on the violin and viola. There are both psychological factors and physical factors that can make shifting into the higher positions challenging. Taking these factors into account and making a few adjustments will make you more…