The violin is one of the customary instruments in the traditional music of the West, and has been used in orchestras and ensembles for hundreds of years. It is a familiar sound in many of the most popular classical works, and is known to listeners in many parts of the world. Its students should be aware of how to hold a violin correctly, as part of an optimum playing technique.
Some people may associate the violin specifically with older, classical music or with orchestras and classical ensembles. However, this is not an entirely accurate reflection of its presence. Nowadays, there are popular musicians who use it in their compositions. One of its most famous contemporary proponents is Vanessa Mae, who is a specialist on the instrument and typically plays a modern electric type.
As an instrument of choice, it is a more convenient option for some people, as its size makes it easy to handle and also comfortably portable. Kids and people of smaller stature can therefore practice for extended periods or carry it around with them, to lessons or performances. Violins last a long time, as is evidenced by the world-famous Stradivarius brand, which was manufactured by its namesake centuries ago and is still sought after today.
The correct technique in holding the violin is extremely important. This is due to two factors. Firstly, playing an instrument involves repetitive actions. If they are not performed correctly, injuries may result from the repeated strain of the incorrect grip or posture. Secondly, the violin's sound relies on the player's ability to produce the right notes by manipulating the strings. There are no frets or markings on its neck, so the easiest playing method requires the most appropriate stance and hand position.
The player traditionally holds the violin in their left hand, and plants its base on their clavicle. They may then sometimes use their lower jaw to keep the instrument in the same position, by pushing downwards on it slightly. The left hand works the strings to facilitate the notes in the music. This is not a simple physical stance to maintain and it requires practice and experienced tuition to master.
One frequent error is to apply too much pressure on the instrument with the jaw. This is done as an overcompensation when the instrument starts to slide off the shoulder. Musicians need to realise that it is passed around by the shoulder, jaw and left hand during playing. Putting too much jaw pressure on it results in an unsightly, awkward and incorrect playing position and will prevent successful rendition of the music.
Shoulderpads are used by some musicians to provide more stability to the instrument. The danger with these is that the pad that is used is too thick, which results in the violin resting at an awkward angle. The pads should not be too smooth either, as the wood will simply slide off them, defeating their purpose entirely. The larger the shoulder's area, the smaller the pad has to be.
Proper playing technique is essential for any instrument. Bad habits, once acquired, are hard to lose. However, they limit the ability of the person to play an instrument. Some pieces of music may even seem impossible if an incorrect technique is applied to them. Musicians should concentrate on the right grip and posture in order to attain the long term results that the instrument offers.
Some people may associate the violin specifically with older, classical music or with orchestras and classical ensembles. However, this is not an entirely accurate reflection of its presence. Nowadays, there are popular musicians who use it in their compositions. One of its most famous contemporary proponents is Vanessa Mae, who is a specialist on the instrument and typically plays a modern electric type.
As an instrument of choice, it is a more convenient option for some people, as its size makes it easy to handle and also comfortably portable. Kids and people of smaller stature can therefore practice for extended periods or carry it around with them, to lessons or performances. Violins last a long time, as is evidenced by the world-famous Stradivarius brand, which was manufactured by its namesake centuries ago and is still sought after today.
The correct technique in holding the violin is extremely important. This is due to two factors. Firstly, playing an instrument involves repetitive actions. If they are not performed correctly, injuries may result from the repeated strain of the incorrect grip or posture. Secondly, the violin's sound relies on the player's ability to produce the right notes by manipulating the strings. There are no frets or markings on its neck, so the easiest playing method requires the most appropriate stance and hand position.
The player traditionally holds the violin in their left hand, and plants its base on their clavicle. They may then sometimes use their lower jaw to keep the instrument in the same position, by pushing downwards on it slightly. The left hand works the strings to facilitate the notes in the music. This is not a simple physical stance to maintain and it requires practice and experienced tuition to master.
One frequent error is to apply too much pressure on the instrument with the jaw. This is done as an overcompensation when the instrument starts to slide off the shoulder. Musicians need to realise that it is passed around by the shoulder, jaw and left hand during playing. Putting too much jaw pressure on it results in an unsightly, awkward and incorrect playing position and will prevent successful rendition of the music.
Shoulderpads are used by some musicians to provide more stability to the instrument. The danger with these is that the pad that is used is too thick, which results in the violin resting at an awkward angle. The pads should not be too smooth either, as the wood will simply slide off them, defeating their purpose entirely. The larger the shoulder's area, the smaller the pad has to be.
Proper playing technique is essential for any instrument. Bad habits, once acquired, are hard to lose. However, they limit the ability of the person to play an instrument. Some pieces of music may even seem impossible if an incorrect technique is applied to them. Musicians should concentrate on the right grip and posture in order to attain the long term results that the instrument offers.
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