Watching violists play or using their image to practice the right position is deceitful. This is mainly because you or the camera may be positioned at an angle that does not provide vital details. Fresh learners are encouraged to learn how to hold a violin correctly through private tuition. This makes it easier to achieve professional standards as a violinist.
The distance between the thumb and the nut should be an inch. It should touch the neck at the middle joint and be bent slightly. Leave a space between the index and the base of the thumb. The space should fit a pencil and allow it to freely move. Clenching the thumb will cause tension which hinders free movement between different positions while playing.
Align the first finger and the thumb if you need to play a whole step over the nut. Curve all fingers and keep the nails short. This is necessary if you have to strike the finger board with the tips.
The wrist should remain straight at all times. This ensures that the neck is not contracted. Some violinists play with their wrists bent. This contraction is mainly attributed to wrong positioning of the left palm or base of your thumb. This is one of the positions that hinders excellent performance at professional level.
The left arm should remain under the back. This makes it difficult to see the arm when playing. It will be concealed by the instrument. The feet should be shoulder width apart and ensure that you are standing straight. The finger board and neck must be in line with your left leg and foot.
A violin that is placed further to the left is difficult to draw a straight bow. You also can not bow to the tip. Learners make this mistake often which obscures the score when reading. The only way to see the entire score at this position is to move further left. This will complicate your ability to play.
The body should remain straight when performing with a stand. The stand should be eight inches to the right and ensure that you do not twist the upper torso. The scroll remains at the level of the nose. The use of shoulder pads makes it easier to achieve this position. Your left hand will not be overburdened when holding the violin while your shoulders will feel relaxed. A low position appears very distasteful.
The position will determine tone projection and smooth movement when bowing. It also makes it easier to move the left hand when playing. Holding at the nose level will not obscure your view when playing. You will still see the music score clearly and thus play smoothly. Your eyes should look down straight to the strings.
Playing with the left part of your face lying against the chin-rest is not recommended. This does not make you look like a professional either. The above positions still apply when you are sitting on a chair. It is important to relax at all times when playing. A mirror is very resourceful during practice.
The distance between the thumb and the nut should be an inch. It should touch the neck at the middle joint and be bent slightly. Leave a space between the index and the base of the thumb. The space should fit a pencil and allow it to freely move. Clenching the thumb will cause tension which hinders free movement between different positions while playing.
Align the first finger and the thumb if you need to play a whole step over the nut. Curve all fingers and keep the nails short. This is necessary if you have to strike the finger board with the tips.
The wrist should remain straight at all times. This ensures that the neck is not contracted. Some violinists play with their wrists bent. This contraction is mainly attributed to wrong positioning of the left palm or base of your thumb. This is one of the positions that hinders excellent performance at professional level.
The left arm should remain under the back. This makes it difficult to see the arm when playing. It will be concealed by the instrument. The feet should be shoulder width apart and ensure that you are standing straight. The finger board and neck must be in line with your left leg and foot.
A violin that is placed further to the left is difficult to draw a straight bow. You also can not bow to the tip. Learners make this mistake often which obscures the score when reading. The only way to see the entire score at this position is to move further left. This will complicate your ability to play.
The body should remain straight when performing with a stand. The stand should be eight inches to the right and ensure that you do not twist the upper torso. The scroll remains at the level of the nose. The use of shoulder pads makes it easier to achieve this position. Your left hand will not be overburdened when holding the violin while your shoulders will feel relaxed. A low position appears very distasteful.
The position will determine tone projection and smooth movement when bowing. It also makes it easier to move the left hand when playing. Holding at the nose level will not obscure your view when playing. You will still see the music score clearly and thus play smoothly. Your eyes should look down straight to the strings.
Playing with the left part of your face lying against the chin-rest is not recommended. This does not make you look like a professional either. The above positions still apply when you are sitting on a chair. It is important to relax at all times when playing. A mirror is very resourceful during practice.