learning the violin

[temporaneous]

Hello,

I'm an amateur classical pianist, but I've taken up the violin & I've been learning classical violin for about 2 years now. Problem is, I'm starting to feel 'stuck' at about Grade 4 standard... The 'sound' of my violin is more or less terrible (& my neighbours'll testify to this), apparently my bowing's a mess, and I still have difficulty changing positions. I'm not too sure how to go about improving, cos sometimes practice makes a difference, sometimes it doesn't. Whether my violin sounds good during a practice session seems to depend on the alignment of the planets or something

Does anyone have any advice? Would be much appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Frederik Magle]

That's a very difficult qustion to answer since we haven't heard you play (but I can imagine...

). What is your tutor saying about this?

 

[temporaneous]

Well, my tutor says that I'm not 'pressing' my bow into the strings enough, but even when I try to do that, the sound still doesn't come out right. (& my violin sounds perfectly good when someone else plays it

which is kinda infuriating cos she's MY violin after all...)

Other than that, I can't seem to figure what's wrong... It's really quite frustrating.

Thanks! Hope you can give me some clues...

Elaine

 

[hitsware]

Just a thought, but have you tried recording yourself? I have an acoustic guitar that sounds crappy to me when I play it, but good to listeners (and to me when others play it). I think some instruments don't develope their tone close up. It takes some distance for the timbre to 'blossom' ????? I tried a violin only once, and couldn't get anything but a screech

 

[Pamadu]

I would certainly try what "hitsware" has said....You do say that others playing Your Instrument "it sounds ok etc".
Check Strings,Check Bridge (that it is secure & not loose & vibrating),check Bow Tension,that YOU use,not that others use,check with your Tutor that Your have the "Bowing Technique" correct,especially the angle that you are bowing on....You will know the different angles for (down bow/up bow or push bow) but look and ask your Tutor about your "hand grip" when straight bowing. Just a Thought. You are braver than I am...hehehehe

I make more noise than 10 cats on a tin roof. All the Best & Welcome to MIMF. Cheers

Pamadu/Paul.
P.S. when Pressing your Bow,like your Tutor says....You have to strike a "happy medium"...NOT too Hard (it then Grinds the strings) and NOT too Light (or you will get a patchy and harmonic like sound)..... it must be an EVEN Action all the time.I am sure you will get it.

 

[temporaneous]

Thanks all for the advice!

I tried recording already, and it's confirmed - my neighbours have a point...

No matter, I'm all revved up & ready to try out all your other suggestions

Wish me luck! Thank you thank you and thank you again!

Cheerios all!
Elaine

 

[Pamadu]

Check also that there is Not too Much,or Not enough Resin/Rosin on the Bow Hairs.But Keep at it..I wish You all The Luck in the World..Cheers

Pamadu/Paul
No Need to

Tell the neighbours to close the windows. hehehehe... The Planets.!!!! Never...Only a "Full Moon" is dubious

 

[Pamadu]

Elaine......How is the Violin Going.??????? You must keep at it. Worth it in the end. Any Help just PM me,or Post here.... Forget the Neighbours.....In a few years,they will be wanting "Free Tickets" to Your Concerts. "and me too"

Cheers

Pamadu/Paul

 

[temporaneous]

Heya

I'll definitely be clinging on to my violin come what may... I've sworn undying devotion already

Except it's exams these 2 weeks, & I'm practically reduced to reading tea leaves and relying on the weather forecast to predict exam questions...

Comes from being too liberal with class attendance...

But just they wait - come term break my violin returns in full force

Thanks lots! Arigato! (as they say in Japan)

Cheers,
Elaine