Comments for Stringsavvy.com

Comment on Bonus Lesson 4 - Stop Unwanted Bouncing of the Bow by Kelvin

Kelvin — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 21:55:21 +0000

Thanks so much! =). wow, wasn’t expecting a whole video reply; must have taken a lot of effort. much appreciated. and thanks too for the heads-up on the ‘pitch bend’… tend to have that problem from time to time but always thought i just wasn’t bowing straight… didn’t know there are so many factors into it. will go try implementing those suggestion now =)

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Comment on Free Video Violin Lesson 7 by Thom

Thom — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 02:18:32 +0000

No problem! Glad to help!

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Comment on Free Video Violin Lesson 7 by Kelvin

Kelvin — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 12:03:13 +0000

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Comment on Bonus Lesson 4 - Stop Unwanted Bouncing of the Bow by Thom

Thom — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 19:16:27 +0000

Hello Shang!

I’m glad you’re getting some value from these videos!

Could you explain what you mean by swinging the bow off the string?

For the double string problem- look and focus on bow while you play. Notice that the angle of your bow in relation to strings will change depending on what string you are playing. Keep this in mind while you practice playing open strings in various combination with your bow. Keep a long strong sound- don’t rush through it. The purpose is focusing on playing one string at a time. Later you can apply the same exercise to playing two strings at a time.

Hope that helps!

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Comment on Bonus Lesson 4 - Stop Unwanted Bouncing of the Bow by Shang

Shang — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 13:26:20 +0000

Hello Thom, first of all I enjoyed this bonus episode as i am also experiencing the similar problem as Kelvin do. thank you for you guidance and tips Thom.

However I am experiencing some problem with the balancing of the bow as i have the tendency to “swing” the bow off the string occasionally as about 2:32, so is there any method for me to keep the consistency of the bow?

Another problem i am experiencing is, i have the tendency to play a double strings instead of a single string, so what are the practices should i do to keep the angle of my bow on a single string while playing?

Thank you.

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Comment on Free Video Violin Lesson 7 by Thom

Thom — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 03:39:22 +0000

Hey Kelvin, Sorry it took so long! I’m back with more articles and videos in the works!

Here is the response to your video!

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Comment on Free Video Violin Lesson 1 by Thom

Thom — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 08:08:09 +0000

Hello Maddy!

Glad you like the site!

The black band around my violin is in fact a pickup. It is called The Band and actually works fantastically well. It velcros itself around the instrument and can be easily removed. Delivers a clean sound and I have never had it feedback on me. On the lesson index page you will see that bowing practice begins on Lesson 4.

Concepts such as vibrato, dynamics, and rhythms are a little bit more advanced, and these starting lessons focus on the beginning basics. As the site progresses to higher levels I’m sure I will be making videos on those.

I also am currently planning a video showing both how to string and tune a violin.

Hope that answers your questions Maddy! Talk to you soon!

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Comment on Free Video Violin Lesson 1 by Thom

Thom — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 04:41:45 +0000

Hey Jasmine!

This is a very common question, and the answer is that is never too late to learn! Just keep in mind that it will take work! Realistically speaking, can you expect to be an expert in a matter of weeks? The answer is no. Over the course of a few years of playing violin can you can a decent grip on it? Yes!

You don’t have to be a 3 year old prodigy- I started myself when I was 9 and didn’t really get serious about it until a few years later. Best of luck!

-Thom

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Comment on Free Video Violin Lesson 1 by Jasmine

Jasmine — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 18:53:53 +0000

Hi Thom,
I hope everyone is ok. I just found this website and this is my first visit!
I don’t know who exactly the administrator is but my guess is Thom!
I just want to ask you one thing. I am 21 and play the piano since 14. Recently I decided to give myself a changing break and bought a lovely violin! I can’t stop loving it it’s so pretty!
Anyway, I started by myself and it’s been 4 days since I have it and am trying to find out about it. I’m going to get a teacher next week but honestly, I’m getting devastated that I’m not so talented for the violin
I LOVE TO LEARN TO PLAY IT THOUGH!
I’m a full time student and only have one month to work with a teacher before the classes start again (also not a music student!). Is there any chance for me? I mean am I too old to start? and does being a full time student make it worse? I heard someone said you have to be a kid to start and practice at least 3 hours a day!
How bad do you think my conditions are? Is there any hope to learn something?
PLEASE BE HONEST! All I need right is someone to give me a technical response!
Thanks so much! I’m waiting for your answer!
Loads of good wishes!
Jasmine

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Comment on Free Video Violin Lesson 1 by judy

judy — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 16:43:06 +0000

Adults who fear that they are “starting too late” may wish to read John Holt’s “Never Too Late”. ( Holt was an educator best known for “Why Children Fail”), He describes how he took up the cello in his 40s, and was able to reach a level of playing in small groups and even community orchestras. His slim book is full of excellent practice tips for any aspiring musician, and evidences a deep love of music. Read how he analyzes different works, from swing to classical — and glimpse what a wide world awaits us. Among my favorite tips: 1) Find the notes; 2) Figure out the best fingering; 3) Learn how to play them more or less in tune; 4) Work out the rhythm. //Happy learning to all.

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