About David 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 How do I know how tight to have my bow when I'm applying the rosining my bow and do I need to tighten it or loosen it once I start playing?
Zach
Answer Hi Zach,
In my opinion, the tension in the bow when you rosin it can be about the same as the tension when you play. The correct tightness of the bow for playing is that at which the distance between the hair and the stick, at the narrowest point, is approximately the same as the thickness of the stick. It can be slightly more, but should not be much more than that.
Sincerely,
David
P.S. I apologize for the delay in responding. Normally I respond more quickly, but I have been having some severe computer problems and have only now gotten them presumably fixed.
