Saturday, August 20, 2011

How to Put Violin Tapes

Finally! My very own tutorial on how to put tapes on a violin. Been very busy with work and barely have time to put up the blog.


Now, before we begin, read first my post on Putting Tapes on Violin: Is it for you? This is for you to know some of the pros and cons of having violin tapes. No one should dictate you on what you want to do with your violin. If you think that putting tapes on the fingerboard will be good for building muscle and tone memory, then go for it. But if you prefer to learn the traditional way and go without finger tapes, that will do as well. For now, we’ll be discussing the tapes, where and how to put them.


For starters, here’s what you will need:

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Going for A Week without A Violin... And Counting.....


The last time I was able to get hold of my violin was Wednesday last week.... And after having my therapy session (shown in the video), I'm now doing self-therapy during my free time. Due to my working schedule, I'm only able to have my therapy once every week. As much as I want to do it 2-3 sessions, no can do.

Wonder when will be the next time I'll be able to hold my violin again......

Update: back to violin since June 28, 2012

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Putting Tapes on Your Violin: Is it for You?

The violin is a tricky instrument. Unlike other musical instruments that give you an idea on how and where to hit the correct notes, the violin is like doing guess work on where you should place your fingers for the correct sound. Violin instructors often recommend putting tapes on a violin's fingerboard to help beginning students develop muscle memory. And like most adult beginners who wish to be good in playing the violin, you're probably asking if finger tabs are good for you.


Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Phrasing???




Janine Jensen is my main and very favorite violin soloist. She's got such a "light" personality that everyone seems to be awestruck whenever she's with them. However, some "critique" said that her phrasing leaves much to be desired for classical music. Do you agree??? And what does phrasing mean?


If you know the answer, feel free to share your comments and insights below.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Recording Your Practice

I recently submitted a video to ViolinLab.com for Beth to check up on and it made me realize something that I want to share to those who are just starting in playing the violin - the importance of recording your practice sessions.  

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Why Short Nails are Important

One of the most basic, yet most neglected advice given to beginning violinist is the importance of keeping your nails short.  It's very easy to forget about maintaining the proper nail length because we all started on bowing techniques with open strings.  However, once you start using your fingers on the fingerboard, your nails will become an issue.

Monday, July 25, 2011

Canceling Music Sanctuary

I was happy to have found a violin school that offers lessons for a very low fee.  Sad to say, I got my money's worth.  There was a confusion on what should have been last week's last session for July - something that should not have happened if the people in charge of Music Sanctuary were really concerned over the schedules of their teachers and students.  It would have been no issue at all for me if I'm just a stay-at-home mom, but I'm working.

Alas, it was fun while it lasted.  Farewell, Music Sanctuary.  Sadly I won't endorse you to my friends anymore.