Second Twinkle Twinkle Little Star Variation A

Been practicing my intonation for days, and finally got to record my practice. I'm not at all happy with the video quality as it's sketchy and everything. However, it did give me a few points on how I'm going about my pathetic attempts with the violin.

Update

Practicing Slowly

When you buy your original Suzuki Book, you are also given a CD to listen to and play along. But as a beginner, you are always told to practice slowly. And one way to practice slowly is to play your piece one bar at a time, as well as playing the piece slightly slower than the real beat. The former is easier to do than the latter since CD players don't give you the freedom of slowing down the accompaniment.

One of the things I like about ViolinLab.com is that the members there are willing to help each other out, and that means recommending sheet music, apps, and programs that can really be useful in your progress as a violin player. A member shared this really awesome program that can help you slow down or speed up the beat of any song you wish to play, which is Speedshifter by ABRSM.

Going Back to Violin

Finally, after several months of not being able to hold the violin, I am now back to practicing to my heart's content.  I also have Beth of ViolinLab.com for taking me back after several months of being unable to go back to the site.

Needless to say, I'm finding it difficult to go back to playing the fiddle. I'm a beginner, and stopping and going back again would mean I am starting from square one. Yes, square one, even though I know the notes of all the Twinkle Twinkle Little Star variations as well as Lightly Row in Suzuki. So, what are my present hurdles?

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:

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

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.

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.