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Dec 6, 2008

Great Violin Cover of Smooth Criminal and Owner of a Lonely Heart!

Posted by Thom in All, Videos 3 comments

This video has been floating around for a while, but I thought it would be fun to share it for those of you who aren’t as addicted to searching for videos as I can be sometimes Great tone and fantastic arrangements of these classic songs!


Dec 2, 2008

I’m Trying out for the Youtube Symphony! (But I Need Your Help!)

Posted by Thom in All, Blog, News, Videos No comments

“We invite musicians from around the world to audition for the YouTube Symphony Orchestra. Your video entries will be combined into the first ever collaborative virtual performance, and the world will select the best of you to perform at New York City’s Carnegie Hall in April 2009.” - Youtube.com
Somewhat similar to last year’s Foo Fighter’s [...]


Nov 27, 2008

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Posted by Thom in All, Blog, News No comments

I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! I am thankful for all of you visitors who help make my site worthwhile. Teaching others is often another way to really re-teach yourself, and I have definitely picked up a few new things and some reminders along the way. Thanks everyone, and have fun today [...]


Nov 24, 2008

Mark Wood Demonstrates Viper in Relation to Physics

Posted by Thom in All, Videos No comments

Mark Wood, famous violinist from the Trans Siberian Orchestra and his invention of his own line of electric violins uses his viper to demonstrate physics! This may help explain to some about how the violin actually works in producing sound. Enjoy!


Nov 12, 2008

Bonus Lesson 4 - Stop Unwanted Bouncing of the Bow

Posted by Thom in All, Howto, Lessons 5 comments

Kelvin had asked about a particular problem he had with unwanted bouncing of the bow. With his permission I am reposting the video with some tips.

Overall you have great tone! You are doing fantastic work!
As far as the bouncing bow I can’t tell specifically from the angle of the video, however, my [...]


Oct 31, 2008

Happy Halloween! New Addition!

Posted by Thom in All, News No comments

Happy Halloween everyone! In the spirit of things I threw together a quick arrangement of Sally’s Song from The Nightmare Before Christmas. I have also included a quick recording I made so you can hear what it sounds like. The first time through I played more to what is on the page, while the 2nd [...]


Jul 5, 2008

Fox Valley Philharmonic Gala Successful!

Posted by Thom in All, Blog, News No comments

The orchestra I perform with, The Fox Valley Philharmonic, had its opening Gala at the Paramount Arts Theater after a year of performances! The performance was made up entirely of American compositions- everything from John Williams to John Sousa. Through the auctions of the painted violins, ticket sales, and donations, we raised money to help [...]


Jun 25, 2008

Fishtank Ensemble is Loads of Fun to Listen To! (Band/Album Review)

Posted by Thom in Album Review, All 1 comment

Where can you find an accordion, violin, guitar, bass, Japanese shamisen, beautiful vocals, and a bowed saw all in the same place? Why the Fishtank Ensemble of course! This group blends Eastern European, Gypsy, Japanese, Jazz, and overall folk sounds to transport your ears and imagination to the villages of the east.

Their debut album, Super [...]


Jun 19, 2008

Musical Humor! Great Musical/Pun/Spelling Images!

Posted by Thom in All, Blog, Featured 23 comments

I came across a series of music joke images over time- I was unable to find the originals so I remade the ones I could remember, as well as made up a few of my own. If you enjoy puns or play on words/music, you’ll get a kick out of these! I’ll post more as [...]


Jun 16, 2008

Free Video Violin Lesson 10

Posted by Thom in All, Lessons 5 comments

Review Questions

How how many beats is a half note?
How do you play through a first and second ending?
Are you comfortable with the left hand 4th finger pizzicato?