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.
Expert: David Date: 3/12/2008 Subject: Beginner bowing problem
Question I am an older beginner violin student. My problem is keeping the bow perpendicular to the strings. As I down-bow, I tend to pull the end of the bow toward me. I've tried the 'bow-rite' device. Any suggestions other than repetition?
Answer Hi D.W.,
You are describing a common problem and it is excellent that you are able to recognize and describe it. You may be finding that as you upbow, the tip of the bow starts pointing toward you as well, or that may not be the case at all. I'm glad that you have tried the bow-rite device, which has helped many players. Apart from that, though, you can also use a mirror to have instant feedback on the direction of your bow. If you want to get fancy you could also use a video camera hooked up to a TV, have the camera aimed at you from your right side and set it up so that what the lens sees is what the TV shows. That way, you can face the TV and not even have to look to the side to see how your bow is moving. This is not necessary though.
Let's first address the problem assuming that your upbows point either straight up or away from you, and not toward you. With your downbowing, apart from repetition there is one important suggestion I would make. When pulling the bow downward, try to pull it downward and outward at the same time. I've found that many students who do this feel like they are pushing the frog away from them when in fact they are really bowing straight, whereas when they feel like they are bowing straight, they are realling pulling the frog toward them.
Now let's assume that your upbows are pointing toward you, as well as your downbows. In this case my strategy for the downbows is the same, but for the upbows, try to bow as though you are pushing the tip of the bow away from you, rather than feeling like it is straight. Just like with the downbows, many students who feel like the bow is pointing away from them are really bowing straight.
Now it is possible to overcompensate, and if your arms are long compared to your body, then your chance of overcompensating is higher. If your arms are relatively short then you're less likely to overcompensate. If you find you are overcorrecting, then adjust the degree to which you are trying to bow outward, and with a reliable feedback system you'll find the proper balance.
I hope this helps, good luck in your musical endeavors!
Sincerely,
David
