Monday, April 6, 2015

How To Hold A Violin Correctly

By Iva Cannon


There are several factors involved in learning to master a violin. One of the main factors is the handling of the instrument. Physical, as well as mental habits play a significant role in the proper form when learning how to hold a violin correctly. The number one issue most students come across is posture. Poor posture will inhibit the best musician from being successful. There are several good reasons to have a well-balanced, correct posture. By not practicing good posture the musician could face the negative affect of playing to intensely as well as leading the body to be in distress.

Once posture has been established, shoulder rests and hand mechanics should be examined. The instrument should rest on the collarbone and be supported by the musicians left hand. To stabilize the violin the musician should use gentle weight from the head while applying the chin to the chin rest. This is the first step in learning how to hold a violin properly.

After conquering the factor associated with correct posture the focus then needs to be to evaluate the placement of the hands and shoulder rests. Second to posture the violin needs to be stabilized. To stabilize this instrument gentle weight should be used from the head. Next the chin should be applied to the chin rest. The end of the instrument should be supported by the musicians left hand and rest on the collarbone.

Important positioning of the shoulder pads will help with the overall function of the instrument. A major factor is keeping the instrument in its proper place. The shoulder pad provides the musician with some friction and help with the physical demands of this instrument. There are two types of shoulder rests. The first is chamois skin and the second is a basic non slip cloth. Each musician will choose what he or she feels is the best for the overall performance.

Positioning of the chin rests are also a very important factor when playing this instrument. The chin rest helps to protect the varnish on the instrument as well as providing the player with extra comfort. As with the shoulder pads, there are two styles of chin rests. The most popular type of chin rest is the basic, flat rest. The other type is a more contoured type. If the player is not sure which they would prefer they can try out both styles.

Once posture and the positioning of the shoulder pads and chin rests have been established it is now time to begin holding the instrument. An important thing to remember is this instrument requires two stable points of contact. These stable points of contact are the musicians collarbone and players jaw. These stable points of contact will help to hold the violin in place so the musician can focus on playing.

This needs to be well researched before play can begin. A major asset would be to find a well-established teacher to learn from but if this cannot be done there are several tutorials available as well as this article to reference to.

As with any type of music this requires research and practice to become a master of this art. Once established though the end results will be well worth all of the time and effort.

Before you know it beautiful music will be flowing. It just takes some research and practice to become successful at this wonderful art.




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