What Is the Alexander Technique?

Do you have regular, recurring pain when you play the violin? It’s amazing how the repetitive motions that we engage in everyday can cause pain. And not just pain, but tension, pinched nerves, poor posture and general misalignment of the body. These bad habits...
Are you cheating on your violin teacher?

Are you cheating on your violin teacher?

Today’s post is inspired by an email from a reader, who describes a somewhat common dilemma: I want to get your advice on having two violin teachers at different times of the week. On Monday and Thursday, I attend lessons for one hour. And on Friday for one half...
What Violinists Can Do about Sweaty Hands

What Violinists Can Do about Sweaty Hands

I had a student some time ago who had the sweatiest hands I have ever seen. But it wasn’t just ordinary sweat…this was like battery-acid-sweat. He would leave little puddles on his fingerboard, and would have to get his fingerboard planed every year. He would rust out...
Bow Arm Mechanics

Bow Arm Mechanics

A great bow arm is one of the most beautiful things to watch! It’s as smooth as butter, and looks so effortless, it commands enough power to project over an entire orchestra, or it can play astoundingly soft….yet the purity of sound will still penetrate to...
Damn That Opposeable Thumb!!!

Damn That Opposeable Thumb!!!

So you’re proud of that opposeable thumb? Well, if you play the violin, you know why it can sometimes be more trouble than it’s worth. This post was inspired by another question from one of my YouTube viewers. It’s a very common problem, so I decided to...