How to play the Violin

Sunday, February 5, 2012 8:37

How to play the Violin

Article by Chris Gilmour









If you’ve wanted to learn to play the violin, I have quizzed a friend of mine who teaches the violin and have included suggestions and tips for playing the violin. Whether you decide to rent or buy a violin, most music shops and even places like Ebay you should be able to pick up a decent violin. They can vary in sizes ranging from an eighth, quarter, half, three-quarters, and full size. The larger you buy the more expensive they tend to get.

Holding the Violin and Bow

The Bow, generally made from horse hair and a light wood, is more commonly than not held in the right hand with the thumb bent underneath the handle/base to support it with the other fingers loosely gripping the wood at the base of the bow. The violin is held with the left hand, with the chin on the chin rest and the fingers loosely coiled around the neck of the violin. The thumb of the left hand should be relaxed but strong. Standing correctly when playing the violin is important not only for presentation but also your back. The left elbow should be curved under the violin and the violin should be roughly horizontal and the right arm held higher than the left. There are 2 methods of playing the violin, bowed (legato) and pizzicato (short, crisp, light plucks).

Bowed

Correct technique of bowing is to draw the bow smoothly across the strings approximately halfway between the fingerboard (neck) and the bridge (the elevated piece of wood on the body that holds the strings). Strong pulses or beats are generally played with a downward motion of the bow pulling across the string from left to right. Upward motion of the bow goes right to left across the string and is used on weaker beats and upbeats. Slurs in music tell the player that all the notes in the slur are to be played in the same bow movement. “Arco” is the term used to indicate bowed music. To play loudly, you press the bow harder on the string or use a quicker motion and to play quieter you use less pressure or draw the bow across the string slower.

Pizzicato

Pizzicato, or often written as pizz., is light, short, crisp playing. The index finger of the right hand is used to pull the string quickly upwards and across. For faster passages, the bow can be held while playing pizzicato, still using the index finger. Sometimes, a small cross above the music shows where the fingers of the left hand pluck the strings.

Playing notes

On a full size violin, the tones are roughly two centimeters apart. There are no frets on violins so good quality practice is needed to help create and learn tuning. It is highly recommended to have piano/keyboard when practicing.

The strings are notes G, A, D and E and when fingers press down hard on the open string it is shortened thus creating a higher pitch. The standard intervals taught to beginners are tone, tone, semitone, tone (G-A-B-C-D D-E-F#-G-A A-B-C#-D-E E-F#-G#-A-B).

The First Position is where the first finger plays up to a tone above the open string. The next position usually is third position, where the first finger plays the note a perfect fourth above the open string. (A perfect fourth is 4 complete tones so tone D on string A. All positions from first up to anywhere around tenth can be played on a string. Most sizes of violins allow the player to play 2 octaves per string.



About the Author

Chris writes about piano learning software for all types of pianist including those who want to start with beginner piano. Further information about learning the piano using online software go to learning piano software.










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Try Violin Master Pro!

Friday, February 3, 2012 8:44

Try Violin Master Pro!

Article by Ted









Violin Master Pro is a very popular website for violin lessons. Members receive large value in violin lessons from a world renowned violinist. Eric Lewis, the first violinist from the Manhattan String Quartet who brings his 40 years of professional experience to your prospect’s living room.

The system is the most flexible violin teaching tool available online. It is by no means too early, nor too late to play the violin. At Violin Master Pro, the players would be given enough tips and knowledge that would give them a chance to attain violin know-how. The truth behind this wonderful improvement is that players may acquire the famous way of playing violin with the great Eric Lewis method. During this time Eric Lewis had the chance to study with Rachmael Weinstock who was known as the first violinist of the version of Manhattan String Quartet during 1930′s.

What You WIll Learn In Violin Master Pro:

) Use the measure combos to internalize the makings of great violin music.) Amaze your family and friends when you play strenuous violin grooves from heart.) Learn how to play the violin from memory, using the ear training method, which is more than easy to develop.) Build the expertise up from newbie to advanced violin playing until it is a matter of impulse.) Play violin like a seasoned with a cutting edge, step by step method that is easy to understand and apply.) Visually stimulate your brain with the violin movie lessons, opening up your horizons to “own” the fingerboard, no matter what level of encounter.) Getting your hands on the best instruments. Learn where and when to obtain the most valuable violins and other string instruments at discounted prices and from time to time even free.) Learn to play violin in every style imaginable: Classical, Spruce, Pop, Fusion, Latin, European, Rock, Hip Hop, People, Country and more Be able to play any song imaginable.

More About The Violin Master Pro System:

At Violin Master Pro, you will learn the step by step method with a smooth cutting edge which will make it easy for you to understand each one. You will uncover that violin music is very fun to read actually.

What’s Comprised In The Violin Master Pro Regular membership:

Eric Lewis assured all the players that he is assured that the players will undeniably love the program since the Violin Master Pro power video recording system has a 56-day, iron dressed guarantee with no questions asked upon your return. The complete violin lessons are all encompassed in the learning system package deal.

On the Violin Master Pro internet site you will be able to learn how to play violin solos, sonatas, concertos and a lot more. Many have experienced have Violin Master Pro themselves and have gained great satisfaction with using this product. You will absolutely blow the most difficult passages with violin scales and riffs gaining enough tricks and techniques or methods that most well known professional players have.

Learn to play violin like a professional violinist in no time!



About the Author

Find out more about online violin lessons.










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Learn To Play The Violin Online – Violin Master Pro

Wednesday, February 1, 2012 8:48
Posted in category Violin, Violin Lessons

Learn To Play The Violin Online – Violin Master Pro

Article by Donald Mair









If you are a music lover and wants to learn to play an instrument, violin is one of the best instruments that you can use. Many people have been famous for their expertise on violin. It is a well appreciated instrument that proves to produce good music. If you have your own violin the better, in this way you can use it anytime you want. If you want to learn to play the violin but you do not have the time to go to a violin class and is short on budget, then learn to play the violin online.Click Here For Violin Master Pro Instant Access Now!The best thing to do when you want to learn to do something is to have a good guide. The best source of this guide is the internet. There are a lot of sites that offers courses as well as downloadable guides that you can make use of. Learn to play the violin online if you have the internet access, it is very convenient, easy to follow and will yield results in just a short time. The only drawback is that no one will supervise you and correct your mistakes on the spot. You have to make sure that you are following the instructions right and be honest with yourself that you are doing what is right. You have to choose the sites well and see to it that it fits your needs. Make sure that it offers the things that you are looking for as well as things about the violin that you want to know more about. It depends upon you on how much you are willing to learn. Take it seriously so that the learning process will be fast. It is very convenient, easy to follow and saves a lot of money.If you are keen on becoming a master on violin, then learn to play the violin. It is very informative and I am sure you will learn a lot. It gives us Convenience which regular violin classes do not offer. Learn violin now, learn it online. Enjoy!Click Here For Violin Master Pro Instant Access Now!



About the Author

This author writes about Eric Lewis Violin Master Pro Review and Violin Master Pro.










Learning How to Play the Violin – You Can Learn From the Internet How to Play

Saturday, January 28, 2012 8:54

Learning How to Play the Violin – You Can Learn From the Internet How to Play

Article by Dennis R. Ward









It is widely known that playing the violin is usually done by the upper class in our society and people who play in orchestras or people who are interested in classical music. In addition, it is considered a very expensive instrument to purchase. Along with buying a violin, then you have to hire a tutor or attend study classes, which can cost large amounts of money. On top of all of this, the violin is one of the hardest instruments to learn how to play.

Playing the violin today does not have to be just for the upper class or people with lots of money. All you have to have is the determination and patience to learn. As time goes by, there are more ways to learn than hiring a tutor or attending expensive classes. The internet has come along way with the vast amount of information you can find. Now you can go online and learn inexpensively.

The ways to learn online are great and can be done through many ways. I am going to tell you exactly what you can find online and how to achieve your dream of learning to play the violin with little or no money. You do not even have to have musical experience. As I said, it only takes a great amount of determination to accomplish this.

Here is a list of things that you can find on the internet to help you with your studies:

*To help you with the understanding and the learning process of playing the violin, there are large amounts of articles that can be read. You will learn all about the instrument and how to take care of it as well.

*Online video sites that you can share downloaded images, pictures and visual aides.

Now that you know that learning to play the violin is easily accessible and inexpensive, then there is not a reason why you cannot learn the violin just like everyone else that chooses too.



About the Author

If your ready to learn how to master the violin then here is my #1 recommended program to learn from. It will have you playing at a more advanced level, faster than any other method I have seen.










Reasons to Play Violin

Thursday, January 26, 2012 8:59
Posted in category Violin, Violin Lessons

Reasons to Play Violin

Article by Jerold Siemering









In a great many areas the violin is considered boring. Some people still associate the violin solely with orchestras and the like, so they don’t give playing the violin a second thought. It is actually a very versatile instrument though, and in recent years it has been making a huge splash.

The violin isn’t nearly as old as most people think. Nero was reported to have played it during the burning of Rome, but in truth the Violin wasn’t around yet. It came into existence in the 16th century. It has changed in a few ways since then. Some of these evolutions are major, and some so gradual and minute that the untrained ear may not have noticed.

One such example includes alteration to the fingerboard for higher more voluminous notes. The neck have also been extended in order to help increase pitch. During their first creation, violins had heavier bass bars and their necks were glued and nailed instead of mortised.

A few luthiers during the ages found ways to make their instruments improve with time. There are approximately 600 Stradivari violins left and they are estimated to cost million each. The emergence of the electric violin was probably the most notable change. It was born in the twentieth century.

The violin is getting a change in image all around though. It is becoming more and more apparent that the supposed limitations of the instrument were due solely to the styles of the people who chose to play it.

Now violins, classic and electric, can be seen in various rock bands and they are even creeping into hip-hop music. America’s Got Talent, a very popular show, once featured a group of hip-hop violinists. It is because of the large fan base the show has that I mention it as a contributor to the changing image of the violin in today’s culture.

When you purposefully bounce the violin’s bow, you can create a new style entirely. “Smooth Criminal,” is a popular song played by skilled violinists that utilizes this technique. Once you’ve mastered the violin, you can play virtually any piece of music imaginable.

Your violin and the skill you acquire with it is a worthwhile investment. You can gain some points on various applications by saying you play violin. Learning an instrument is akin to learning a new language. New areas of the mind are stimulated when you learn a new instrument or trade. A quality violin will also appreciate in value if taken care of.

There is no better time to learn violin either. You have new choices of how to learn. Learning online is cheap and convenient. It can cost under thirty bucks. When you can learn this way you don’t waste any time traveling or scheduling, giving you more practice time. It makes it so you can learn on your terms and at your own pace.



About the Author

For more information about how to play violin visit our how to play the fiddle page.










ONLINE VIOLIN LESSONS

Sunday, January 22, 2012 9:08
Posted in category Learn To Play Violin, Violin

ONLINE VIOLIN LESSONS

Article by Bina Duchi

VIOLIN MASTER PRO:YOUR GATEWAY TO SUPERB PERFORMANCEViolin Master Pro, the complete Eric Lewis method is available for beginners, intermediate and advanced players, as well as young violin players who have never picked up the instrument before. All you have to do is download the videos and mp3s in a step by step instructional sequence.

ABOUT THE VIOLIN MASTER PRO INSTRUCTOREric Lewis has raised his performing abilities through recent years as a hall music artist, conductor and soloist with great formation of various ground breaking ensembles like Prometheus (the piano quartet), PVP (a modern music trio with piano, violin and percussion), Delphi a duo with a soprano and a violin and lastly the Camerata Chamber Orchestra, where he personally conducts and act as the solo violinist. Eric Lewis developed a new method that would assists players of all ages to go beyond their limits and play those incredible pieces which is quite difficult in the most possible time in which you can learn within the Violin Master Pro system. This profession makes Eric Lewis travel a lot and give training lessons to young violinists for their performing careers.

Learn the techniques used by the greatest classical, band and electronic musicians, leaving your audience blown away by your violin playing. Learn how to play the violin from memory, using the Violin Master Pro ear training method, which is more than easy to develop. Learn to play violin in every style imaginable:Classical, Jazz, Pop, Fusion, Latin, European, Rock, Hip Hop, Folk, Country and more Be able to play any song imaginable.

At Violin Master Pro, you will learn the step by step method with a smooth cutting edge which will make it easy for you to understand each one. Honestly speaking not all people are born with the capability to play tunes within their minds like the great Ray Charles have had. Every violin resource is well recorded and written in music and also has been provided via audio and video at the same time.

The complete violin lessons are all encompassed in the learning system package. Can you believe that you will have the inside scoop on how to receive valuable violin information? Violin Master Pro also gives you the ability to master the rhythm of the violin itself. You will definitely amaze your friends and family when you start to play in an intense grooves that will fill your heart and theirs. The member’s portion or section is updated regularly bearing instructions, trainings on violin videos, tips and audios and certain documentations too.

Many have experienced have Violin Master Pro themselves and have gained great satisfaction with using this product. Violin Master Pro will definitely stimulate your brain and gain great video lessons which will open and expand your horizon in navigating your fingerboard at no required level of expertise needed. You will absolutely blow the most difficult passages with violin scales and riffs gaining enough tricks and techniques or methods that most well known professional players have.

 

About the Author

complete violin lessons play like the greats! very possible 1000 online instruction videos. http://helpfulbz.violinmas.hop.clickbank.net Twitter Software

How To Play The Violin Like An Expert

Wednesday, January 18, 2012 9:17
Posted in category Learn To Play Violin, Violin
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How To Play The Violin Like An Expert

Article by Eric B. Hill









Do you want to know how to play a violin it is not as hard as it is made out to be with this lesson I will show you how to play a violin. The violin is the main instrument of the symphony it has been around for centuries and is mainly used in classical music. Many violinists begin playing at ages as young as three.

Start by tightening the bow by turning the end screw clockwise it should not be so tight that the hair is parallel to the wood but not so loose that you can’t put pressure on it. Ideally you should be able to fit a pencil between the wood and hair. Never forget that when you’re finished playing you must always loosen the bow.

Next coat the bow with rosin. If it is a new bow have your teacher or the shop you bought it from rosin the bow. Otherwise glide the rosin up and down the bow hair three or four times. Be very careful not to apply to much rosin to the bow. Rosin the bow every few days depending how often you play.

Make sure that you are correctly holding the bow. Gently lay your index finger on the grip your other fingers must be placed at an equal distance from each other on the same edge. It is very important that you don’t grip the bow too tightly this will prevent you from play correctly. Your hand must be relaxed and loose when holding the bow.

Hold the violin with your chin and shoulder; you should be standing straight with the violin held perpendicular to the ground not at an angle. The violin is held by placing your hand around the base of the violin’s neck with your fingers in a relaxed curl.

The bow is placed about halfway between the bridge and fingerboard, tilt it slightly towards yourself. Pull the bow along the string as straightly as you can applying a small amount of pressure. Remember to keep your wrist as relaxed as you can.

There you have it if you followed the above instructions you will have just played your first note on the violin. Start playing the open strings until you become comfortable with them and then move onto scales and other exercises. It is very important that you practice every day even if it’s only for 15 minutes



About the Author

Eric B. Hill is an professional violin player and teacher with over 20 years experience.

If you’d like more free online violin lessons or would like to learn the secrets of learning violin extremely fast you can visit his website at www.violinlessonshq.com










Online Violin Lessons For Online People

Monday, January 16, 2012 9:19
Posted in category Learn Violin, Violin
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Online Violin Lessons For Online People

Article by Hailey Alton









Just the fact that you’re looking for online violin lessons tells me that you fit within the category of normal. With our busy lifestyles and hectic schedules it is important for us to understand that we can also pursue a hobby that will give us tremendous satisfaction and enjoyment. Pursuing your violin lessons online can save you both time and money.

One of the first things you’ll need to do is to secure a violin. This can be accomplished through a music store, classified ads, or you guessed it, via the Internet. If you’re going to purchase your violin online you’ll need to do some homework. Make sure that you get pictures of every part of the violins with as much detail as possible. It may also be helpful to get an appraisal from a certified violin technician. You should be able to find a quality beginners model violin for 200 to 400 dollars.

Because you fit within the category of normal people, you also need to find a violin instructor who fits within the same category. Make sure your instructor teaches in a language that you can understand. It is important that your instructor relates to you on your level and in a non condescending manner. Does it appear that the online violin teacher enjoys what he is doing? Does his personality come across in such a way that it draws you in to the lesson? Does it seem to you that you will be able to learn and develop your own style? Will you be able to learn to play the kind of music that is most appealing to you?

Since you’re pursuing online violin lessons for normal people, you also need to take into consideration the development of a practice routine. Most violin instructors suggest from

Learn How To Play The Violin

Saturday, January 14, 2012 9:24
Posted in category Learn To Play Violin, Violin

Learn How To Play The Violin

Article by Yanda Atmaja









You have decided that it is time to learn to play a musical instrument – so why not learn to play the violin? This is a skill that you will never regret having, and learning how to read music will help to enhance your skills in math and science as well. Even if you are thinking of signing your children up for violin lessons, the decision is well worth it. Here are some things you should know when you are considering learning to play the violin, as well as some of the best sources for finding a place to take lessons.

If you are thinking about enrolling your children in violin lessons, it is best to start as early as possible. There are some prekindergarten and preschools that offer violin lessons for three and four years old, and studies have shown that when children know how to play an instrument, they are likely to do better in school and to have better social skills. If you are learning to play the violin as an adult, it is important that you are patient with yourself, since your body has already learned to move a certain way. You will have to reteach yourself some posture and hand positions, but it is definitely not impossible to become a skilled musician.

Now that you have your violin at home, you will need to find a private area to practice. Make sure that you are using a straight-back chair to play the instrument, so that your posture will be correct. You will also need a music stand, so that you can follow the composition you are playing without having to use your hands too often.

Before you start to play, you should pluck each string of the violin with your thumb to test the tension of the strings and hear the pitch of each string. This will let you know whether or not you need to tighten some strings before you play the violin, and will help you to perfect your sound when it comes to using the bow correctly. You can use a pitch pipe or the piano to find the right pitches for each of the strings as you play the violin, and the strings should correspond with the notes G, D, A, and E. G is the lowest note the violin can play, and E is the highest.

Next, you will need to wrap your left hand around the upper body of the instrument, and place the base of the violin and the chest rest right below your chin. Now, you are ready to start playing. You can use the bow to apply slight pressure to the strings, and this will produce a beautiful sound, that is accented well with larger string instruments or a piano.



About the Author

For more great tips on how to play the violin, check out our website http://www.yourviolin.com










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Avoid These Mistakes and Play Violin Right

Thursday, January 12, 2012 9:28
Posted in category Learn To Play Violin, Violin
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Avoid These Mistakes and Play Violin Right

Article by Cindee Daniel









A lot of beginning violinists find it hard to play concertos perfectly. This said, most of them ask “what am I doing wrong?” If you are one of these people, read on and find out what’s causing you to play badly.

Personal Mistakes

Learning how to play violin is a journey. And every journey has its own obstacles. Though there are difficulties in technique and theory, one of the hardest obstacles every violinist encounters, however, is with attitude.

With that in mind, don’t say “I’m not good enough” as you are already putting a limit to your own potential. Also, don’t make excuses like “I’m only good when…” Though every musician has his bad days, it is how you deal with those dog days that make the difference between an aspiring musician and a wannabee. Have a positive attitude towards learning so you can play violin like a true musician.

Like with any musical instrument, violin music is largely a subject of taste. And, for most beginning violinists, critics might be a source of fear. Though the truth may hurt sometimes, it is how you react to criticism that’ll help you make the most out of your violin lessons. Face it; it’s tough to be good, but it’s good to be tough.

Technical Mistakes

Now that attitude problems are done, you can then fine-tune your violin playing abilities by starting with the proper posture. See, your violin shouldn’t be pointing down to the ground. This mistake is commonly known as “sinking Titanic” or “shooting ants” and most beginning violinists are guilty of this. By sticking to this posture, you’ll be causing premature tiredness as this posture throws too much weight forward. On top of that, it also causes your bow to drift into the fingerboard area—causing unstable tones. To correct this, you should lean slightly backwards and look slightly forwards—making your violin horizontal and comfortable enough to work with. Another mistake is not using the whole bow. See, a good violinist should have the ability to play violin scales (either slurred or separate) with the length of the bow. Not doing this causes lack of bow freedom—making scales even harder to play. With that said, you should relax your shoulders so that your upper arm can freely swing the bow with your shoulder socket.

To play violin notes smoothly, you should also place and draw the bow properly; it mustn’t “crash land” on the string. Doing this could cause your bow to bounce upon impact. It’ll also cause a scratchy or harsh note (which is considerably difficult to recover from). Rather, it should rest firmly on the string where it’ll be drawn. Again, never draw your bow unless it is perfectly sitting on the string. Lastly, most beginners, when starting to learn to play violin, tend to have a stiff pinky finger. See, if your right hand’s pink isn’t bent, there’s a huge chance you’ll produce harsh chords. You could also cause abrupt bow changes and you might not even touch the heel at all. On top of that, a stiff pinky could cause your right hand to “lock up.” This said; try to bend your pinky finger to the bow as comfortably as you can. Not only would you have maximum control over the bow but you’ll also draw notes smoothly.



About the Author

Cindee Daniel, who has a degree in Journalism, has been a casual yet big fan of music since she first listened to The Beatles when she was 10. She then came to discover other bands, most specifically from the punk, grunge, and post-grunge movements, and has since been interested in the scene. Her exposure to music saw him writing music reviews for various websites and founding his own band, with him composing songs and performing drumming duties.

You may want to visit Play Violin for more information or you may call us directly at 619-231-8505.