49. 3 effective ways to end your violin practice

In this episode, I guide you through the process of buying and upgrading your violin, from factory-made models to handcrafted luthier instruments.I’ll share tips on when to upgrade your violin, what to listen for when choosing one, and where to start your research.Accompanying blog postViolin Class newsletterFor private lesson inquiries, contact me at violinclass.co/contact or [email protected] me a text messageViolin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiries

I've talked a lot about violin warmups and technique exercises that you should be doing at the beginning of your practice session, but it’s just as important to look at how to end our practice.The way we end our practice session sets up the beginning of the next day’s work, and ideally we end wanting to go on and not in a mountain of frustration (although that happens, too!)Here’s my suggestion for ending your violin practice: the R/R/R method. Send me a text messageViolin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiries

I’m joined by cellist and online editor of the Strad, Davina Shum. We discuss practicing, careers in classical music, and practical tips for adult learners.Full blog postthe Strad PodcastArticles by Davina:Why don't string players practice pizzicato The importance and difficulty of playing softlyA case for deppingSend me a text messageViolin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiries

In my 15 years of teaching violin, I’ve noticed a topic that is confusing for a lot of adult learners: how to structure their technique and warmup practice.In this blog post, I wanted to discuss six things that I think that every violinist should be practicing in some form at every practice session— some of these will be more geared towards intermediate to advanced players, but most will apply to beginners as well. I hope to give you a few more things to add to your practice routine and some ideas for how to practice them.Full blog post Free warmup guideSend me a text messageViolin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiries

I’m joined violists Liz & Steph, the hosts of MusicianCentric Podcast. They share new research on how to practice smarter and the differences between viola and violin.Listen to MusicianCentric podcast hereMolly Gebrian episode / Susanna Klein episode--- Full blog post and transcriptFree violin warmups guideJoin the Violin Class newsletterSend me a text messageViolin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiries

 I’m sharing an interview with my private student, Carly. Carly started the violin in her late 20s and has made fast progress in the 2 years that we have been working together.She discusses how she’s been able to progress without having a ton of time to practice— in addition to learning violin, Carly is busy raising and homeschooling 4 young children.Send me a text messageViolin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiries

Joining me on Violin Class this week is violin teacher Rachael Ridge, with whom I’ll be discussing:Body awarenessHow to relax and release tension as an adult learner.The importance of singingProper posture on violinAs well as her own journey with arthritis and how she’s been able to practice to avoid pain.Send me a text messageViolin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiries

Vibrato Series 3/3.  Did you know that certain styles of vibrato can be controversial? This episodes explores the most common mistakes violinists make at every level of their playing.In this episode, you’ll learn about what issues are most prevalent when violinists are learning vibrato in beginner, intermediate, and advanced stages of their studies.Links:Vibrato Masterclass - Live online class April 13th Free vibrato ebookAccompanying blog post | video versionViolin Class newsletterOther vibrato episodes: Part 2 | Part 1For lesson inquiries, contact me here or email me at [email protected] lesson inquiries, contact me at violinclass.co/contact or [email protected] Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiriesSend me a text messageViolin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiries

Vibrato series 2/3Learning vibrato is such an important rite of passage when it comes to learning the violin.  It's something that every violin student strives for and something that sometimes feels impossible to learn.However, vibrato is not a beginner technique, and I completely understand the frustration when it comes to wanting to play with a beautiful sound but not having vibrato in your toolbox.Here are some things that you can start doing even as a beginner, even in your first year of violin playing to get ready to learn vibrato.Links:Vibrato Masterclass - Live online class April 13th:Free vibrato ebookAccompanying blog postViolin Class newsletterOther vibrato episodes: Part 1 | Part 3 For lesson inquiries, contact me here or email me at [email protected] me a text messageViolin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiries

Vibrato Series 1/3. Learning vibrato is a long process, but there is a method to it. With the right guidance, a lot of practice and a whole lot of patience, you can learn vibrato and add it to your playing.In this episode, you’ll learn about:What vibrato is and how it worksArm vs. wrist vibratoThe 4 stages of learning vibratoExamples of different styles of vibratoLinks:Vibrato Masterclass - Live online class April 13th:Free vibrato ebookAccompanying blog post | video version Violin Class newsletterOther vibrato episodes: Part 2 | Part 3 For lesson inquiries, contact me here or email me at [email protected] me a text messageViolin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiries