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.
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.
It makes a good choice of instrument because it is relatively small and therefore easy to transport and pick up. Playing for prolonged periods is thus possible for children or physically diminutive people. It also has a very long lifespan, as is seen in the most prestigious brand, the Stradivarius. These violins were constructed more than 200 years ago, yet they are still the most expensive and respected make in the music sphere.
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.
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.
It makes a good choice of instrument because it is relatively small and therefore easy to transport and pick up. Playing for prolonged periods is thus possible for children or physically diminutive people. It also has a very long lifespan, as is seen in the most prestigious brand, the Stradivarius. These violins were constructed more than 200 years ago, yet they are still the most expensive and respected make in the music sphere.
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.
