#violinworld

[willhurdstrings]

Dotted #rhythmpractice in #sicilienne and #rigaudon by #fritzkreisler For solid rhythm and tone in passages like these, I practice re-articulating the “dots” Two videos: 1) Practice version - re-articulate the dots ~swipe left~ 2) Performance version - rhythm is solid giving poise to the sicilienne dance rhythm #kreisler #violinteacher #violinpractice #violinlove #violinworld #violinguy #soloviolin #violinpedagogy #violinlessonsforkids #practiceroom #violintechnique #beautifulmusic #classicalviolinist #violino #geige #скрипаль #скрипач #violinista #stringplayer #viola #cello (at Washington D.C.) https://www.instagram.com/p/CWniuqLA6pm/?utm_medium=tumblr

[willhurdstrings]

Amended #violinpractice🎻 post! I inadvertently forgot to add the third #violinperformance version video to this morning’s post discussing the challenging triplet passage in mm 133-152 of #violinconcerto in #aminor by J.B. Accolay. This passage contains a tricky bowing pattern as well as many string crossings. Here’s how I practice and present this passage in my lessons: Three videos: 1) First I practice the slur pattern using a customized version of #perpetualmotion by #shinichisuzuki from #suzukiviolinmethod I modify this piece to create a 6/8 meter in which I can practice the bowing pattern, making sure to accent slightly and vibrate the main beats. I also change the key to A minor. Any etude will do, but I like to keep things simple so I can focus on the bowing right away without having to learn a new piece. Students who regularly review Suzuki repertoire will be able to learn this version in a few practice sessions, if not after a few minutes. ~swipe left~ 2) String crossings - there are many “drops” to the E string, usually for a repeated open E. It is essential that the entire arm drop to the E string even though this passage is fast. This ensures the best control and tone quality throughout. I announce the string crossings out loud as follows: “Drop” - arm drops to E string “Reach” - hand reaches to a lower string. Notice how it’s just my hand. My forearm doesn’t go up to the lower string. Announcing the string crossings out loud engages more of the brain and makes the practice more thoughtful and powerful. It also slows students down so they think about what they’re doing! ~swipe left~ 3) Performance version - The bowing and string crossing patterns are organized. Tone is pure on all strings. There is no skidding or chipping of notes on the E string. #violininstructor #suzukiteacher #soloviolin #soloviolinist #violinstagram #violinista #stringsattached #violinworld #violinista #practiceviolin #masterviolin #violino #violinlessonsforkids #loveviolin #practicestudio #lingling40hours #40hoursofpractice #practicejournal @paoyi_2005 (at Washington D.C.) https://www.instagram.com/p/CRUUDPlAZBp/?utm_medium=tumblr

[willhurdstrings]

#practicingviolin replacement shifts in #violinconcerto in #aminor by #jbaccolay These shifts are challenging because the #stringplayer must change position while playing the same note. The opening of this #concerto is challenging as it contains two such shifts in the first phrase! Here’s how I practice mm 23-4 and 120-1: Three videos: 1) Shift back and forth slowly. In the piece, these shifts are descending; however it is useful to practice the shifts in both directions. Listen carefully to match the pitch before and after the shift. Make sure the motion is smooth and comfortable and the finger lands securely after each shift. The arm (not the finger) accomplishes the “transportation” to the new position. Notice how my arm swings back and forth across my body for the 5th-3rd position shift. For the 3rd-2nd position shift my arm shifts and the fingers just lift and drop appropriately at the shift destination. ~swipe left~ 2) Shift a bit faster in rhythms ending in the lower and upper positions, alternatively. I practice with a “Huckleberry Finn” rhythm - holding each “Finn” longer so I can hear it clearly. Make sure the shifts are still coming from the arm and the fingers are placed comfortably and do not feel stretched out of position at the shift arrival. ~swipe left~ 3) Performance version - shifts are in tune, easy and smooth, allowing me to focus on the intense #musicalexpression of the phrase! #violinteacher #violinist #violinplayer #viola #violintechnique #violinpedagogy #violintips #violinista #violapractice #violinlesson #violinclass #violinguy #violinworld #violinstagram #violinista #stringsattached #practiceroom #lingling40hours @paoyi_2005 (at Washington D.C.) https://www.instagram.com/p/CRQ8PWdgBEQ/?utm_medium=tumblr

[willhurdstrings]

What’s your favorite #shoulderrest ? A question was asked about my #shoulderrestviolin #violinshoulderrest I use an inexpensive #selfadhesive #foampad I forget the exact brand but I purchased it at @sharmusicco Similar pads are manufactured by many companies and sold at other retailers as well. I like this type of pad because while it touches the back it does not constrict the sound as other pads do. I find the popular Kun and similarly designed rests to squeeze the back preventing vibration. The best sound is without shoulder rest entirely, however I am not able to play comfortably without some padding! Let us know what shoulder rest you prefer in the comments! #violin #violinist #violinplayer #violingear #violinaccessories #musicaccessories #stringplayer #musicalinstrument #violinguy #violinteacher #violinistslife #violinworld #viola #stringsattached #musicianslife #suzukiviolinteacher #practiceroom #violintips #violist #musicianlife (at Washington D.C.) https://www.instagram.com/p/CRADTDdAenG/?utm_medium=tumblr

[willhurdstrings]

#practicingviolin #stringcrossings in #allegro by Joseph Hector Fiocco (1703-1741) Two videos: 1) Practice at or close to performance tempo pausing at each string crossing. At each pause, change strings swiftly and wait about one second before proceeding to the next change of string. 2) Performance tempo with no pauses. In fast pieces, with many string crossings it is common to unintentionally #pullthestring before the hair fully arrives on the new string. This practice ensures the string crossing occurs as swiftly as possible so the hair is ready to pull the new string with #beautifultone #violintechnique #violinteacher #suzukimethodviolin #book6 #concertviolinist #violinvirtuoso #suzukiviolinteacher #practiceroom #violinpractice🎻 #violintips #violinworld #violinpracticetime #violintime #practicevideo #violinpedagogy #baroquemusiclovers #beautifulmusic #iloveviolin #violinmaster #violinlesson (at Washington D.C.) https://www.instagram.com/p/CQdY4hSgaJW/?utm_medium=tumblr

[willhurdstrings]

#practicingviolin #playingintune #jsbach #violinpartita #partita3 in #emajor #gigue (mm 25-27) by using and interval fill in method as follows: 3 videos: 1) Play the passage and fill in all intervals between non adjacent fingers on the same string. ~swipe left~ 2) Play passage dropping, but not sounding the “fill in” note. The hand may feel a bit stiff at times and you may not do this in performance; however, it is a great way to measure the intervals exactly. In this case I’m teaching my hand to recognize major vs minor thirds. ~swipe left~ 3) Performance version. Passage is in tune and easy and fun to play! #happypracticing #violinteacher #johannsebastianbach #soloviolin #solobach #practiceroom #violintips #violinfun #violinlove #violinpedagogy #violintechnique #stringpedagogy #stringplayer #happyviolin #violinguy #violinworld #violinstagram #bachtobasics #violinpractise https://www.instagram.com/p/CbhpuQFAo1f/?utm_medium=tumblr

[willhurdstrings]

There’s nothing like a fresh #bowrehair ! Just picked up my #violinbow and #violoncellodaspalla bow after being rehaired by master #bowmaker Josh Henry @fineviolinbows at @day_violins_workshop in #chantillyvirginia For an excellent and affordable bow re-hair in the Washington, DC area, I highly recommend Josh’s service! #dcmusician #musicianslife #violinist #cellist #cellobow #joshhenry #baroquebow #violinteacher #suzukiteacher #musicalinstrumentrepair #luthier #musicalinstruments #loveviolin #violinguy #violinistlife #violinfun #violinshop #celloplayersofinstagram #celloist #violinworld @dayviolins (at Day Violins LLC) https://www.instagram.com/p/CT68PiLAFtU/?utm_medium=tumblr

[willhurdstrings]

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Just posted a complete #musicminusone version of #violinconcerto in #aminor by #antoniovivaldi in my IGTV tab! Feel free to #playalong ! Also in my IGTV you’ll find my complete performance along with some other goodies! Have a wonderful Friday! #beautifulmusic #vivaldi #violinteacher #violinsoloist #soloviolinist #violinsolo #soloviolin #viola #cello #violoncellodaspalla #stringorchestra #chambermusic #baroquemusiclovers #suzukiviolinmethod #suzukiviolinteacher #stringsattached #stringplayer #violinworld #violinfun #loveviolin (at Washington D.C.) https://www.instagram.com/p/CTo8uBvAQfA/?utm_medium=tumblr

[willhurdstrings]

#practiceviolin #musicalphrasing and bow speed management using a #twinklebow In this passage from #concertoinaminor by J.B. Accolay (mm. 32-40), it’s important to control the speed of the #downbow phrase endings which occur in mm. 34, 36, 38, & 40) Each of these endings is preceded by a rather fast #upbow and therefore can receive too much bow if the player is not careful. Here’s how I practice (two videos and one picture): 1) Twinkle bow limits the length of bow available. I practice with as pure a tone as I can with the small amount of bow available. ~swipe left~ 2) Performance version. After practicing with the twinkle bow it is easier to manage the bow speed changes. Tone is pure and powerful, phrasing is easy and follows the “hairpins” in the part. Rhythm is steady and accurate. The final bow in m 40 can take more bow since it’s effective to begin the ensuing crescendo in the upper half. ~swipe left~ 3) If you don’t have a twinkle bow, simply attach a rubber and as shown to create a small playing zone near the frog! #violinlesson #violinlessonsforkids #violintechnique #violinpedagogy #stringpedagogy #stringplayers #stringsattached #violinteachers #suzukiviolinmethod #suzukiviolinteacher #romanticmusic #violinconcerto #violinsolo #violinguy #violintips #violinlover #violinworld #practiceroom #practicepracticepractice #40hoursofpractice @paoyi_2005 (at Washington D.C.) https://www.instagram.com/p/CQs4XAtASua/?utm_medium=tumblr

[willhurdstrings]

#violinpractice🎻 #bachconcerto The slurred passages in #concertoinaminor #3rdmovement #allegroassai by #jsbach presents rhythmic, bowing, and, tone production challenges. Here’s how I practice and present these passages to my students: 3 videos: 1) practice only the subdivisions without bowings, turning all notes into multiples of 16th notes as demonstrated. It is helpful to play a complete measure on a single note to establish the 16th not pulse ahead of the passage you’re practicing. 2) slurred staccato - use the performance bowing and rhythm but with slurred notes re-articulated as shown. This step ensures each note “speaks” and it also helps the player plan out the bow distribution. 3) performance version - rhythms are accurate and all slurred notes sound brilliantly! I’ve chosen to demonstrate measures 100-104 because it’s the longest such passage. Practice similar passages in the same manner: 31-32 42-43 52-53 88-89 #violintips #violinteacher #suzukiteacher #violinmaster #violinmasterclass #violintechnique #violinpedagogy #stringplayers #stringsattached #suzukiviolinteacher #suzukimethodviolin #suzukiteacher #metodosuzuki #practiceroom #practicejournal #violinlove #baroquemusiclovers #ilovebach #violinworld (at Washington D.C.) https://www.instagram.com/p/CP593oyA68W/?utm_medium=tumblr

[willhurdstrings]

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A post shared by William Hurd (@willhurdstrings)

Practice wide, loose vibrato with “Sick Cow” Tonalization! Vibrato can take many widths and speeds, from a narrow shimmer to an operatic semitone vibrato! Practice the full range of motion for a loose vibrato at any width and speed! Watch my video posted on June 22, “Vibrate Down” for preliminary exercises. Drive the first finger base knuckle down causing the finger tip or pad to rock down to the lower semitone. A wide vibrato practiced in slow motion should sound like a sick cow! LOL! I practice sounding only the downward motion. The rebound back to the the primary pitch is silent (bow not moving). This is clearly establish the upper (primary pitch) and lower (semitone below) boundaries of the vibrato. A beautiful soloist vibrato oscillates between the primary tone and a half step below. An orchestral section vibrato will oscillate approximately a quarter tone below the primary pitch. Intonation will sound sharp if the vibrato goes above the primary pitch. Vibrato goes down - both in motion of he hand and in sound. #violin #violinist #violinteacher #violintechnique #violinpractice #violinlesson #practiceroom #violintips #vibrato #violinvibrato #vibratopractice #widevibrato #violinteacher #tonalization #tonalizationtuesday #suzukiviolin #suzukiviolinmethod #suzukiteacher #beautifulmusic #musiceducation #violinguy #violinworld #videooftheday #videooftheweek #practicestudio #violinfun #violinlove (at Washington D.C.) https://www.instagram.com/p/CE3z3RHgfXg/?igshid=vkcwbqfzvnok