Body use and release In order to play with fluent coordination, the body needs to work as an integrated whole. This coordination depends on the …read more
Coordination & Practice
Divide & Conquer
One of the major skills of violin-playing is coordination between left and right arms. Developing independence in each side can improve coordination. … New members …read more
3-Octave Arpeggio
‘Finger before bow’ is an essential aspect of good coordination. This type of exercise where the left-hand finger is actively placed on the halfbea… New …read more
Ysaye Study
Whilst there are many warmup routines, the most useful ones focus the mind as well as work the fingers. Routines such as this one by …read more
Left-Hand Strumming for Accolay
Strumming the fingers across the strings and using the whole arm encourages a free arm-steering action. It is good to relate your repertoire at differ… …read more
Place Four Fingers Descending
“Practise placing all your four fingers at once.” This is an extended version of finger before bow and helps develop patterning in the left hand. …read more
Close Up View
Notice how left-arm steering helps get the hand into a good position before the fingers land. The four fingers then fall together as one unit…. …read more
Introduction to Practice
What is practice? Repeated performance or systematic exercise. (Macquarie dictionary) Learning skills through repetition. Transfer of skill… New members register here for VBT+ Current members …read more
Think One Note Ahead
“Think ahead. Prepare your 4th finger before playing the 2nd. Place the 3rd before playing the 4th. The 2nd before the 3rd. The 1st before …read more
Kreutzer 5 Playthrough
Notice how Fintan reverses the bowing in this playthrough of Kreutzer ‘Study No.5’ and starts on an upbow instead of the more usual downbow. Often …read more