Hello! Thank you very much! I remember 50 years ago my beloved teacher Tom Rowlette showed me the game changing dynamism of the approach to the string. Tom had had a stroke and always demonstrated with his bowing arm. I'll never forget his brilliant expertise and wonderful encouragement...Mary❤
Hola Mary! Muchas gracias por recordarnos el ejercicio de los círculos👏👏👏👏👏👏 Mañana lo añadiré a mi rutina de ejercicios! Hace mucho que no lo practico y creo que va a ayudarme mucho! Tocar el violín significa tener en cuenta mil detalles...y todos importantes! Algunos violinistas mueven también el violín, aproximándolo al arco, es decir mueven el arco y el violín🤔 Que opinas de esta técnica Mary? Una abrazo enorme Mary!🤗💜🎶💚🎻
Hello Lola! Thank you so much! Gosh yes, there are a thousand details to take into account...thank goodness we have the ability to absorb details and keep on turning them into 'natural' movements; it's an amazing ability, isn't it? I like the idea of moving the bow and the violin together in a balanced, harmonious, natural movement. It really helps to keep the body relaxed because even though the bow arm is moving, the other side is balancing it; so natural! However, I must admit that at one point years ago my violin movement got out of hand and there was just too much movement of the violin and it was pointed out to me that I was making it difficult for my bow to have a really accurate landing. (I was also distracting my colleagues!) 😏So when I reduced the violin waving about I found it much easier to 'land ' the bow on the string with the exactness and precision that was needed. I learned a very valuable lesson and of course my colleagues were more comfortable!! An exercises like circles seems so simple, doesn't it, but what a difference it makes to our command of the quickly shifting weights of the bow! Sounds like you are enjoying your violin Lola... Take great care of yourself and a huge hug to you!! Mary❤
your choice of words about releasing the sound from the instrument is so excellent and creates a mental image which can be helpful to transform picturing it to performing the sound release. Often, though, with me, the sound seems to escape from the f-holes kicking and screaming for mercy. But I do keep trying.
Very helpful. This is one of my many challenges, most especially when playing after a quarter rest, etc, to a different note. It’s somewhat counterintuitive with catch and release because to me, the "catch" implies pressure. I guess in this case, very gentle pressure. Thanks Mary!
Thank you, I'm glad you found the video helpful. I'm sure the 'circles' exercise will help you to play after a quarter rest etc because the hand and arm quickly become very comfortable with the ever shifting weight of the bow in circles. Try removing 'pressure' completely from the experiment of 'Catch & Release'... Instead try 'APPROACH, PLACE & RELEASE' You might be pleasantly surprised at just how much better Accuracy is than Pressure in terms of sound and energy...and please let me know how you get on. Mary❤
Hello! There can sometimes be an extra factor involved in touching an extra string when playing; sometimes our bridge is cut too flat, not leaving enough room to bow cleanly on one string, or sometimes the string notches on the bridge are too close together... I experienced this problem myself and when a luthier fitted a new bridge, my constant string- hitting problem was gone. Alternatively, the 'pulse' exercise shown in this video helps to develop control and awareness very quickly; ua-cam.com/video/kYJzwoqE-cg/v-deo.html Try these experiments on open strings with slow bows; * be aware of the position of your arm on each string * look very intently at the contact point as you go from string to string * close your eyes and see if you can accurately stay on one string * create and repeat simple slow patterns between strings Patiently repeat these simple exercises at the start of your session every day and you will soon establish the muscle memory needed in your arm to bow cleanly on each string. I hope this helps! Mary❤
Thank you Mary for your video, someone told me to bow like figure 8 , I dont know what does it mean, I have problem up bow, I always have abrupt & screaming sound, especially in long whole bow fast passage, it feel like something stuck there in the middle of bow, sticky on the hair , I have to push hard, I hope you can understand my question 🙏
Hello Alice! I remember a while back you mentioned this problem and sent me a short film of your playing...but I didn't answer for ages because I only found it in 'spam' much later. So here is what I see: the biggest problem is every single time you play an up bow the stick scrapes the string, making a harsh sound. It's because there is too much movement in your fingers, causing your bow angle to become uncontrolled. You then use your wrist and even more fingers to try to soften the harsh sound. Your bowing becomes more and more restricted as you keep on doing the same things over and over in an endless loop... So what to do? The first thing is to get into the spirit of experimentation so you can examine things without getting upset! *Become really aware that the harsh sound is caused by the bow stick scraping the string. *Become aware that the scraping is caused by your fingers moving the angle of the bow. *Slow down and give yourself a chance to be observant! Play with long slow bows on open strings, examining your bow hold for relaxation and your bow strokes for clarity. *Experiment with flatter bow hair. *There is no need to 'push' the bow in the middle. *Don't keep trying to control the bow; see what happens when you allow the bow to float lightly from heel to tip while not putting in any muscular effort at all. *That in fact should be your starting point. (Figure 8 bowing is more advanced for people who's bowing is sorted out; forget about it for now!) *The best way to alter your habit and start making a good sound is to break things down and slowly, very slowly build things up again by being aware, experimental, patient and neutral. I hope my observations and recommendations help you. Take care Alice! Mary❤
@@violinstudiowithmaryv Dear Mary, thank you so much for pointing & identifying my problem, I start practicing slow and aware of my problem, bad habits take time to correct, and your advice stops me spiral out of control . My frustration is even my teachers over the years didnt say anything, that is why I form such as a bad habit, I thought I am doing it right, I know there is sonething wrong because my bow is scrapping mark the wood keep hitting the strings when I play fast passage . I cant say thank you enough for you are so kind to reply me, you are truly a loving and caring teacher & make a such as a diiferent to the world , I look forward to seeing your video
Dear Alice, Very well done! To become aware of a problem is the first step to healing it and you have made that step! You must take care not only of your sound, but of yourself as well because a repeated problem like this can undermine our confidence... By experimenting with light slow bows and altering you fingers and wrist slightly so the bow stays at the correct angle throughout the stroke, you can give yourself the wonderful gift of a lovely sound that fills you with joy. That's what every violinist needs and it's what I really want for you. I agree with you that your teachers have been very neglectful and have let you down badly. But despite that I can see that you are a lovely talented player with a great left hand and bow arm. Develop your confidence slowly and surely with plenty of very slow practice. Get the basics right before playing anything fast. Alice, please let me know how you get on. Take care. Mary❤
Beautiful explanation and demonstration Mary🤍🕊
Hello Rosemary! Thank you very much for your kind words! Mary❤
Wonderful exercise this one. Thanks Mary 💚
Hello Mary! Thank you very much...I hope you enjoy your sound experiments...the circle exercise can be very liberating! Take care. Mary❤
Thanks Mary for these explanations
Hello, Thanks, I hope they're useful! Mary❤
Love how you explain. very clear🙏🏻
Hello! Thank you very much! Mary❤
You’re the first violin teacher that I’ve seen mention that. Very good video! Thanks
Hello! Thank you very much! I remember 50 years ago my beloved teacher Tom Rowlette showed me the game changing dynamism of the approach to the string. Tom had had a stroke and always demonstrated with his bowing arm. I'll never forget his brilliant expertise and wonderful encouragement...Mary❤
Very informative and helpful thank you so much.
Hello! Thank you very much, I'm glad it was helpful. Mary❤️
Thank you Mary!!!❤
Hello Marta! Thank you very much! Mary❤
Thank you again
Thanks! Mary❤
❤❤❤❤❤❤
Hola Mary! Muchas gracias por recordarnos el ejercicio de los círculos👏👏👏👏👏👏 Mañana lo añadiré a mi rutina de ejercicios! Hace mucho que no lo practico y creo que va a ayudarme mucho! Tocar el violín significa tener en cuenta mil detalles...y todos importantes! Algunos violinistas mueven también el violín, aproximándolo al arco, es decir mueven el arco y el violín🤔 Que opinas de esta técnica Mary? Una abrazo enorme Mary!🤗💜🎶💚🎻
Hello Lola! Thank you so much!
Gosh yes, there are a thousand details to take into account...thank goodness we have the ability to absorb details and keep on turning them into 'natural' movements; it's an amazing ability, isn't it?
I like the idea of moving the bow and the violin together in a balanced, harmonious, natural movement. It really helps to keep the body relaxed because even though the bow arm is moving, the other side is balancing it; so natural!
However, I must admit that at one point years ago my violin movement got out of hand and there was just too much movement of the violin and it was pointed out to me that I was making it difficult for my bow to have a really accurate landing. (I was also distracting my colleagues!) 😏So when I reduced the violin waving about I found it much easier to 'land ' the bow on the string with the exactness and precision that was needed. I learned a very valuable lesson and of course my colleagues were more comfortable!!
An exercises like circles seems so simple, doesn't it, but what a difference it makes to our command of the quickly shifting weights of the bow!
Sounds like you are enjoying your violin Lola...
Take great care of yourself and a huge hug to you!!
Mary❤
your choice of words about releasing the sound from the instrument is so excellent and creates a mental image which can be helpful to transform picturing it to performing the sound release. Often, though, with me, the sound seems to escape from the f-holes kicking and screaming for mercy. But I do keep trying.
Hello iggy! I'm glad you found the imagery helpful..but the sound escaping from your f-holes, are you sure it's not hot air?😅 Mary❤
Very helpful. This is one of my many challenges, most especially when playing after a quarter rest, etc, to a different note. It’s somewhat counterintuitive with catch and release because to me, the "catch" implies pressure. I guess in this case, very gentle pressure. Thanks Mary!
Thank you, I'm glad you found the video helpful.
I'm sure the 'circles' exercise will help you to play after a quarter rest etc because the hand and arm quickly become very comfortable with the ever shifting weight of the bow in circles.
Try removing 'pressure' completely from the experiment of 'Catch & Release'...
Instead try 'APPROACH, PLACE & RELEASE'
You might be pleasantly surprised at just how much better Accuracy is than Pressure in terms of sound and energy...and please let me know how you get on. Mary❤
Mary, do you have tips or a video about how to avoid touching the wrong string when bowing?
Hello!
There can sometimes be an extra factor involved in touching an extra string when playing; sometimes our bridge is cut too flat, not leaving enough room to bow cleanly on one string, or sometimes the string notches on the bridge are too close together...
I experienced this problem myself and when a luthier fitted a new bridge, my constant string- hitting problem was gone.
Alternatively, the 'pulse' exercise shown in this video helps to develop control and awareness very quickly;
ua-cam.com/video/kYJzwoqE-cg/v-deo.html
Try these experiments on open strings with slow bows;
* be aware of the position of your arm on each string
* look very intently at the contact point as you go from string to string
* close your eyes and see if you can accurately stay on one string
* create and repeat simple slow patterns between strings
Patiently repeat these simple exercises at the start of your session every day and you will soon establish the muscle memory needed in your arm to bow cleanly on each string.
I hope this helps! Mary❤
Thank you for taking the time to answer my question. As always, you gave sound advice.
Thank you Mary for your video, someone told me to bow like figure 8 , I dont know what does it mean, I have problem up bow, I always have abrupt & screaming sound, especially in long whole bow fast passage, it feel like something stuck there in the middle of bow, sticky on the hair , I have to push hard, I hope you can understand my question 🙏
Hello Alice! I remember a while back you mentioned this problem and sent me a short film of your playing...but I didn't answer for ages because I only found it in 'spam' much later.
So here is what I see: the biggest problem is every single time you play an up bow the stick scrapes the string, making a harsh sound.
It's because there is too much movement in your fingers, causing your bow angle to become uncontrolled. You then use your wrist and even more fingers to try to soften the harsh sound. Your bowing becomes more and more restricted as you keep on doing the same things over and over in an endless loop...
So what to do? The first thing is to get into the spirit of experimentation so you can examine things without getting upset!
*Become really aware that the harsh sound is caused by the bow stick scraping the string.
*Become aware that the scraping is caused by your fingers moving the angle of the bow.
*Slow down and give yourself a chance to be observant! Play with long slow bows on open strings, examining your bow hold for relaxation and your bow strokes for clarity.
*Experiment with flatter bow hair.
*There is no need to 'push' the bow in the middle. *Don't keep trying to control the bow; see what happens when you allow the bow to float lightly from heel to tip while not putting in any muscular effort at all.
*That in fact should be your starting point.
(Figure 8 bowing is more advanced for people who's bowing is sorted out; forget about it for now!)
*The best way to alter your habit and start making a good sound is to break things down and slowly, very slowly build things up again by being aware, experimental, patient and neutral.
I hope my observations and recommendations help you. Take care Alice! Mary❤
@@violinstudiowithmaryv Dear Mary, thank you so much for pointing & identifying my problem, I start practicing slow and aware of my problem, bad habits take time to correct, and your advice stops me spiral out of control . My frustration is even my teachers over the years didnt say anything, that is why I form such as a bad habit, I thought I am doing it right, I know there is sonething wrong because my bow is scrapping mark the wood keep hitting the strings when I play fast passage . I cant say thank you enough for you are so kind to reply me, you are truly a loving and caring teacher & make a such as a diiferent to the world , I look forward to seeing your video
Dear Alice, Very well done! To become aware of a problem is the first step to healing it and you have made that step!
You must take care not only of your sound, but of yourself as well because a repeated problem like this can undermine our confidence...
By experimenting with light slow bows and altering you fingers and wrist slightly so the bow stays at the correct angle throughout the stroke, you can give yourself the wonderful gift of a lovely sound that fills you with joy. That's what every violinist needs and it's what I really want for you.
I agree with you that your teachers have been very neglectful and have let you down badly.
But despite that I can see that you are a lovely talented player with a great left hand and bow arm.
Develop your confidence slowly and surely with plenty of very slow practice. Get the basics right before playing anything fast.
Alice, please let me know how you get on.
Take care. Mary❤
💚💜🤎🙏
Thank you! Mary❤️