Hand frame Set up the hand frame from the 3rd and 4th fingers with the 1st and low 2nd fingers stretching back. Practice backward stretch …read more
Finger Action
Base-Knuckle Action
“Set up the hand with the palm touching the violin. Make sure every finger moves from the base knuckle.” Touch the base knuckles of your …read more
Preparation for Lizard Tongue
Lift the finger with energy then let it drop back to the string. Practise several times with each finger to check that you have a …read more
Lizard Tongue
Lift the finger with energy and listen for the clear tap of the finger drop. In the first part of this exercise the finger rests …read more
Height of Finger Lift
While the height of finger lift and drop depends on tempo and musical context, some general principles are useful for good articulation. In this li… …read more
High Lift – Open Hand
Pretend the fingerboard is hot and spring off with energy. This high lift of the fingers to an opened-out hand helps to develop good articulation, …read more
Horizontal Finger Action
“Maintain your hand position while sliding your fingers. Check the different degree of curve between high and low.” Slide each finger a half-step a… New …read more
Natural Harmonics
Touching the string lightly at a harmonic node creates a higher-pitched note. A small circle above the note indicates a natural harmonic. Another w… New …read more
Artificial Harmonics
Artificial harmonics are created with a 1st finger stopped note and a 4th finger harmonic. Playing out the 1-4s (1st and 4th fingers) will help …read more
Release Fingers to Harmonic Touch
Find a note which works as a harmonic. Play it firstly as a harmonic. Then secondly play as a stopped note which you quickly release …read more