A violin, also characterized as a fiddle, is a beautiful instrument that can also be very complex to a beginner. Many beginning students make the simple mistake of holding it incorrectly. The right technique is just as important as knowing the right note to play. There is a right way and a wrong way when it comes to knowing how to hold a violin.
One piece of equipment for the student of the violin is called a shoulder rest. This helpful tool should be placed towards the lower bout on the back of the violin. Its purpose is to add comfort while holding the fiddle.
There are many types of shoulder rests that exist that a beginner may purchase. Some may be expensive. One cheap option is to simply purchase a nylon sponge and attach it to the back of the instrument and left edge corner with a rubber band.
Now it's time to position the fiddle. It should be held in the left hand and placed on the left shoulder. Make sure to place it on the shoulder rest at the top. An individual's chin should be placed upon the chin rest, which is the base instrument top. This piece is usually black and shaped like an oval. It aids in making the fiddle easier to hold. There must be a secure fit between the instrument and ones shoulder. An individual should be able to secure the instrument and be hands free.
An individual's left hand is responsible for holding the instrument. It should be placed at the neck of the instrument. The left thumb is also important and must be placed to the left of the fingerboard. There needs to be at least a half an inch of space between the thumb and fingerboard. The thumb should be level with the height of the fingerboard.
The positioning of the wrist is sometimes difficult for beginners to perfect. It is natural to want to place one's wrist on the back of the fiddle in order to rest, but is strongly discouraged. The wrist is not supposed to touch the instrument at all, but should always be in a straight position. It needs to be free to play whatever notes it wants uninhibited.
The instrument always needs to be parallel to the ground and and straight in front of the individual. It is the individual's decision to play either standing up or sitting down. Anyone can get lazy and play with the instrument pointed downwards, but this is a bad habit to start. If playing standing up, feet must be shoulder width apart and weighted evenly. When sitting down, make sure to sit at the edge of the chair in and no not slouch.
It is so important to follow these tips religiously and as time moves on, playing the violin will seem natural. Start these guidelines right away in order to develop good habits that will pay off over time. The sound of beautiful music is just a few notes away!
One piece of equipment for the student of the violin is called a shoulder rest. This helpful tool should be placed towards the lower bout on the back of the violin. Its purpose is to add comfort while holding the fiddle.
There are many types of shoulder rests that exist that a beginner may purchase. Some may be expensive. One cheap option is to simply purchase a nylon sponge and attach it to the back of the instrument and left edge corner with a rubber band.
Now it's time to position the fiddle. It should be held in the left hand and placed on the left shoulder. Make sure to place it on the shoulder rest at the top. An individual's chin should be placed upon the chin rest, which is the base instrument top. This piece is usually black and shaped like an oval. It aids in making the fiddle easier to hold. There must be a secure fit between the instrument and ones shoulder. An individual should be able to secure the instrument and be hands free.
An individual's left hand is responsible for holding the instrument. It should be placed at the neck of the instrument. The left thumb is also important and must be placed to the left of the fingerboard. There needs to be at least a half an inch of space between the thumb and fingerboard. The thumb should be level with the height of the fingerboard.
The positioning of the wrist is sometimes difficult for beginners to perfect. It is natural to want to place one's wrist on the back of the fiddle in order to rest, but is strongly discouraged. The wrist is not supposed to touch the instrument at all, but should always be in a straight position. It needs to be free to play whatever notes it wants uninhibited.
The instrument always needs to be parallel to the ground and and straight in front of the individual. It is the individual's decision to play either standing up or sitting down. Anyone can get lazy and play with the instrument pointed downwards, but this is a bad habit to start. If playing standing up, feet must be shoulder width apart and weighted evenly. When sitting down, make sure to sit at the edge of the chair in and no not slouch.
It is so important to follow these tips religiously and as time moves on, playing the violin will seem natural. Start these guidelines right away in order to develop good habits that will pay off over time. The sound of beautiful music is just a few notes away!
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