There is no reason COVID sheltering-in-place should stymie your dream of learning to play the violin. In fact, there’s never been a better time to start playing a string instrument. Sheltering-in-place means more time to practice and learn the basic…
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HOW DOES COLD WEATHER AFFECT YOUR VIOLIN?
Does your violin sound a bit more nasal or tinny when you play it during the winter? Perhaps your instrument feels a bit tight, and you get more aggressive with it.
Both of these conditions happen in winter when the…
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WHAT DO THE VIOLIN AND MANDOLIN HAVE IN COMMON?
Being a multi-instrumentalist is a benefit in the music world. If you currently play the violin and are interested in branching out into other musical instruments or genres, it may be time to consider the mandolin.
MANDOLINS SHARE THE SAME…
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WHAT IS CONSIDERED A STRING INSTRUMENT?
The string instrument family has the most significant number of "children" than any other group of instruments. Worldwide, there are more than 300 different instruments that are considered part of the string family. These range from the single-stringed diddly bow…
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HOW TO CHOOSE A VIOLIN CASE HUMIDIFIER
Wood continuously interacts with the moisture in the air around it. If the air is too dry, it will suck moisture out of your violin. A violin that's not surrounded by air in the target range of 45 to 55%…
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WHEN ARE YOUR VIOLIN STRINGS WORN OUT?
Unlike violins, which can sound beautifully for centuries when well-cared for, violin strings need to be replaced regularly. If you don’t change them as needed, the strings will sound duller, less resonant, and may even fray or snap causing potential…
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5 TIPS FOR TRAINING YOUR MUSICAL EAR
Training your musical ear is a must for string musicians who play fretless instruments. Without those frets to automatically anchor the note, it is up to the ear brain connection to ensure macro- and micro-finger movements place fingertips on exact…
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5 STEPS FOR HAVING A GREAT FACEBOOK LIVE MUSIC PERFORMANCE
Music has always served to bring people together, rejuvenate communities, and provide comfort, solace, and fun. While concert halls and music festivals are the usual go-to destinations for live music lovers, sheltering-in-place has created a new era of live music…
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HOW CAN I LEARN TO PLAY THE VIOLIN ON MY OWN?
There is no reason COVID sheltering-in-place should stymie your dream of learning to play the violin. In fact, there’s never been a better time to start playing a string instrument. Sheltering-in-place means more time to practice and learn the basic…
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5 EAR TRAINING APPS FOR VIOLINISTS
Training the ear is as essential as training the fingers and wrists when learning to play the violin or other fretless instruments, like the viola, cello, and bass. Without frets to anchor precise pitch, it is up to the brain-ear…
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HOW TO PROMOTE YOUR MUSIC CAREER USING FACEBOOK ADS
Today, everything has gone digital. What worked 50 years ago doesn’t necessarily work today when it comes to promoting yourself. The rise of technology and smart devices makes marketing yourself as a musician easier than ever before. Here’s how to…
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WHAT DO JUDGES LOOK FOR IN A MUSIC COMPETITION PERFORMANCE?
You already know that all the hours you spend practicing your violin and satisfying your music teacher’s performance expectations is as important as what you actually learn about music theory and technique. The same is true for judges scoring a…
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TOP 3 EXERCISE TIPS FOR VIOLINISTS WITH SMALL HANDS
If you have small hands or a short pinkie (fourth finger), some of the beginning violin finger exercises are more challenging, and that's a clear road to frustration. Fortunately, there are exercises violinists can do to position, strengthen, and extend…
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COMPOSING MUSIC FOR VIDEO GAMES: WHAT’S THE SCORE?
Hmmm. You want to compose musical scores for video games? Smart direction! According to techcrunch.com, global video game revenue ($43.8 billion) topped global box office ticket sale revenues ($41.7 billion) in 2018, and video game revenue continues trending upwards.
That…
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GREAT SONGS ON THE VIOLIN FOR SING-ALONGS
The most successful concerts or performances typically balance two things from the audience: their listening and their active engagement. Playing songs that are easy to dance to, or that audience members can sing along to, is a wonderful way to…
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HOW TO GET A SUMMER MUSICAL INTERNSHIP IN 8 SIMPLE STEPS
Each summer or vacation break you spend as a music intern is an important stepping-stone along your musical career path. If you’ve never had one before, now’s the time to get ready for this invaluable work experience.
Once you’ve identified…
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HOW TO TELL IF YOUR VIOLIN IS TOO SMALL OR TOO BIG
It is essential to play a violin that is sized correctly. Playing a violin that is too small or too big contributes to a range of issues that can compromise technique, sound, physical posture, and musical well-being. Here’s what to…
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17 SOURCES FOR LEARNING MUSIC ONLINE WHILE SHELTERING IN PLACE
ather than looking at sheltering in place as an unhappy situation, embrace it. Let's look at this time as a gift and make the most of it by expanding our knowledge and horizons. We’ve put together these resources to pique…
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HOW TO CHOOSE A VIOLIN CASE
A violin case is a must – so let go of any idea that cases are optional. The fragility of string instruments, particularly violins and violas, requires an extra layer of protection whenever the instrument isn’t in use.
The case…
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TIPS FOR CARRYING YOUR BASS WITHOUT HURTING YOURSELF
String musicians take great care with their posture and playing technique to prevent stress- or overuse injuries. Those who play the upright bass must take extra precautions before ever removing the instrument from the case due to its large, heavy…
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