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Is the violin hard to learn?
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As a teacher for more than a decade, I have often been asked this question. I used to say, “No, everyone should give it a try!” because why not? I love it, everyone else will too. But, I have since had to realize that it is not a yes/no question at all, and that…
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Learning Up-bow Staccato in the Suzuki Violin Method
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Staccato is a musical notation that is usually interpreted as a shortening of the note in order to create space or silence between notes. In stringed instruments this shortening of the note is created by abruptly stopping the movement of the bow, even if for a fraction of a second. The staccato technique is…
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How to have good stage presence as a string player
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Stage presence refers to the ability of a performer (musician, speaker, actor etc.) to command the attention of their audience. A person with good stage presence is able to naturally draw in the attention of their audience without unnecessary distractions. To some it comes more naturally than to others, but good stage presence can…