Western music is based on a small assortment of essential instruments, and the violin is one of them. It has been used in some form for more than one thousand years and is a common component of the most famous pieces of music. Its sound is known to a vast group of listeners. Those trying to learn how to play it should appreciate the importance of using the optimum technique, both in how to hold a violin correctly and in the actual production of the notes.
The violin was previously used in classical or orchestral music, and some may feel that it is restricted to that style. However, it has been deployed in contemporary popular music, with the sensational modern musician Vanessa Mae one of its prime examples. Although she sometimes uses an electric instrument, other current musicians may make use of the conventional wooden one.
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.
Holding a violin is the first part of its playing technique that should be mastered. There are two reasons for this. The first applies to any instrument, and is that the repeated motions of playing will lead to strains and injuries if the nature of those motions is not as it should be. The second reason concerns the quality of playing. Using the wrong technique makes it harder or even impossible to play the music correctly. The violin does not have any indication on its neck as to where the fingers should be placed in creating different notes, so a faulty playing position will make that process a lot more difficult.
The violin is held in the left hand, with its base resting on the collarbone. The lower jaw may be used to stabilize the instrument by applying a slight pressure. At the same time, the left hand moves along the neck, applying pressure on the strings in order to achieve the desired notes. Maintaining this position, with its associated posture, requires proper instruction and practice.
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.
The use of a shoulderpad may make the playing position easier to maintain. It is important that the pad is thin enough not to raise the violin to an inappropriate angle. The pad must also be abrasive enough to keep the varnished wood positioned on it. Generally speaking, players with broader shoulders need smaller pads, or none at all.
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.
The violin was previously used in classical or orchestral music, and some may feel that it is restricted to that style. However, it has been deployed in contemporary popular music, with the sensational modern musician Vanessa Mae one of its prime examples. Although she sometimes uses an electric instrument, other current musicians may make use of the conventional wooden one.
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.
Holding a violin is the first part of its playing technique that should be mastered. There are two reasons for this. The first applies to any instrument, and is that the repeated motions of playing will lead to strains and injuries if the nature of those motions is not as it should be. The second reason concerns the quality of playing. Using the wrong technique makes it harder or even impossible to play the music correctly. The violin does not have any indication on its neck as to where the fingers should be placed in creating different notes, so a faulty playing position will make that process a lot more difficult.
The violin is held in the left hand, with its base resting on the collarbone. The lower jaw may be used to stabilize the instrument by applying a slight pressure. At the same time, the left hand moves along the neck, applying pressure on the strings in order to achieve the desired notes. Maintaining this position, with its associated posture, requires proper instruction and practice.
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.
The use of a shoulderpad may make the playing position easier to maintain. It is important that the pad is thin enough not to raise the violin to an inappropriate angle. The pad must also be abrasive enough to keep the varnished wood positioned on it. Generally speaking, players with broader shoulders need smaller pads, or none at all.
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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