AboutDavid Expertise I mainly aim to answer questions about playing techniques--intonation,
vibrato, bowing etc. I am somewhat familiar with Baroque and Classical music, though not as much with Romantic. I am unable to answer questions about advanced music theory, violin crafters/brands or the monetary value of a violin.
Experience I have played the violin about nine discontinuous years. Most of my work has been orchestral, with some soloing throughout. I was principal 2nd violinist of the Disney Honors Orchestra in 1998, a six-time All-State Orchestra violinist, a two-time assistant concertmaster and two-time concertmaster of my All-County Orchestra. I also have perfect pitch, which I believe can be learned (though I do not claim to know how to teach it).
Since starting medical school in 2004, I have had fewer chances to play, but I hope to someday resume on a regular basis.
Question Hey just wondering if you have any suggestions on how to develop my ability to tune my violin w/o a tuner. I just got a Karl Willhelm violin for Christmas and I haven't played in quite a while.
Also, what is the proper humidity level in which to store the violin? and how do I keep that level maintained?
Answer Hi Didi,
I'll address your second question first with the caveat that I don't know very much about that subject. The humidity level should be somewhat low, which can be a challenge in certain states (like in the Southeast during summer). At the same time, it should not be too low. Weather changes can be an annoyance for violinists because of the change in character of the violin related to temperature and humidity. I believe the recommended humidity level is about 40-50% or so. Keeping the level maintained would depend on where the humidity of your violin's environment normally lies. I know there are commercial humidifiers and dehumidifiers, but as I have never used one and don't know of anyone who has, I am not qualified to comment on that.
Regarding developing the ability to tune a violin without a tuner, there are multiple good ways. One is to play the notes of your violin music on an in-tune piano. It's not really necessary to play each note in tempo, the idea is to get your ears accustomed to the proper pitches. Even if you just play the four open string notes on the piano and hold them for a while, repeatedly, the sound will be processed again and again by your brain. Keep in mind that the skill I am speaking of is not "perfect pitch", which is the ability to identify any played note from listening alone.
You might also try listening to many recordings of professional violinists like Hilary Hahn, Joshua Bell or Itzhak Perlman. The risk here is that different audio players and speakers may process sound differently, and the intonation may be consistently off because everything is shifted sharp or flat.
Finally, I'm not sure about the feasibility of this regarding time and finances, but I would recommend getting a private teacher. Having that instant feedback given by someone else regarding your intonation is extremely important--that way you have a second pair of ears which are more experienced than your own.
I hope that this is of some assistance, and that you had a good Christmas and New Year's. Good luck in your musical endeavors...
Sincerely, David
