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About Todd Sullivan
(Top Expert on this page)

Expertise
Hello, I am a NYC violinist performing for Broadway shows, symphony orchestras, opera, and sundry theatre/pop tours. I would be happy to answer your questions about anything related to being a performer in the music business. I play both violin and viola professionally, so questions on playing either instrument are welcome. The only thing I am not well informed on is information concerning instruments/bows...those questions are best left to luthiers.

Experience
Professional experience includes a variety of on/off Broadway tours and shows, numerous orchestras, tours with Ray Charles and Ann Murray orchestras, leader of the 20-piece Todd Sullivan Orchestra.

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Fine Arts (violin) with honors from Carnegie Mellon University (1999)

   

You are here:  Experts > Music/Performing Arts > Musical Instruments > Violin

Questions Answered By Expert  Todd Sullivan 
In Category  Violin

SubjectDate Asked

teaching violin11/19/2009
  Q: I'm 18 and I teach violin to a 5 year old girl and 10 year old boy. I am doing the Suzuki route, but ...
  A: Elizabeth, Here is a link to a book you can use: ...
pursue music career.11/15/2009
  Q: currently I'm a one year violinist, I'm 14, I learned the violin at age 13. I practice hard, so I ...
  A: Yes, but you will absolutely need to get private lessons. Entrance to music school is highly ...
violin prices11/14/2009
  Q: I want to ask if the price of a violin is important in the quality of tone it produces and if a $100 ...
  A: Yes, price is one of the important factors in the quality of a violin's tone, especially at the ...
2 questions10/29/2009
  Q: I'm a senior in college, with a major in music (violin). One of our requirements is to play a ...
  A: 1. I don't know of any pieces for tenor voice and violin, but all you need to do is find something ...
Fret Tapes10/18/2009
  Q: I am a beginner violinist. I have just purchased a 3/4 violin and I have a few questions about ...
  A: If you are going to teach yourself - and it sounds like you are - I recommend learning to play by ...
wolf tones10/5/2009
  Q: I am experiencing what I believe to be wolf tones on my viola's open A and open D. What can I do to ...
  A: I would be surprised if you have wolf tones on open D and A strings - they are normally on notes ...
Finding a Viola10/2/2009
  Q: I have been involved in music four seven years and I want to learn how to play the viola. But I ...
  A: Starter instruments start around 200 dollars, but these are bad instruments. However, if you have ...
old violin9/23/2009
  Q: I found an old violin in the loft in a wooden case, it says copie de antonius stradiuarius ...
  A: If this is a full size violin, which it most likely is if there is no other marking on the label, it ...
How to press on two strings by one finger?9/4/2009
  Q: My name is Duc (you can call me Duke). I am Vietnamese (English is not the first language in my ...
  A: You are correct - you should "bridge" the g and d strings with the third finger. Just flatten your ...
violin9/2/2009
  Q: I just bought a new violin for my daughter and it doesn't make any sound. The rosin that came with ...
  A: A lighter may be a poor idea because rosin needs to be of a correct abrasive consistency to work ...
Trash or Treasure ??8/18/2009
  Q: I have recently acquired a violin at a thrift store that was donated by the family of a very old ...
  A: You will need to take the instrument to a violin/string instrument shop near you for an appraisal of ...
Pachelbel Canon in D violin solo8/7/2009
  Q: My brother asked me to play pachelbel Canon in D for his wedding as a violin solo. I was wondering ...
  A: Go to the page http://imslp.org/wiki/Canon_and_Gigue_in_D_(Pachelbel,_Johann)and scroll down to ...
violin7/21/2009
  Q: Is a professional violin easier to play then a student violin. Is there less scraping noise and no ...
  A: I have played some excellent sounding violins that start at $1,000 and would have that as a starting ...
violin7/21/2009
  Q: Is a professional violin easier to play then a student violin. Is there less scraping noise and no ...
  A: Yes, and yes. Factory-produced student violins are good for young child beginners as you gauge ...
Antique violin valuation7/18/2009
  Q: I live in South Africa. I was a violin pupil as a child ,and approximately 36 years ago my parent ...
  A: Very simple; you need to take the instrument to a violin dealer for a visual appraisal. Below are ...
vibrato7/1/2009
  Q: my name is leanne and i have been playing the violin for 5 years. is it possible for someone to ...
  A: It is possible; I have spoken to colleagues that said they never spent much time on learning vibrato ...
Peforming6/27/2009
  Q: I am concert mistress at the orchestra, in my high school. Whenever I occasionally perform a solo ...
  A: It's a good friend that gives you honest criticism. The first thing you can do is become aware of ...
violin5/31/2009
  Q: i play the violin since 10 months.my teacher says it's too early but i cant do a vibrato it's too ...
  A: I recommend you follow your teacher's advice on when and how to learn the various bow strokes and ...
Unvarnished violin neck5/26/2009
  Q: I recently bought an Heinrich Gill #58 2007 German-made violin after testing out several violins ...
  A: Makers do not use the same varnish on the neck of the violin as on the rest of the body - presumably ...
jumping bow5/19/2009
  Q: I am an adult student started 9 months ago. I am unable to stop my bow from vibrating/jumping when ...
  A: The cause is likely from the following: (1) bow speed is not consistent through the stroke - even a ...
Suzuki vs. Traditional for Seven-Year Old Who Reads Music5/11/2009
  Q: My seven-year old is in an orchestra at her school which uses traditional methods for instruction. ...
  A: Go ahead and try the suzuki out for the summer and see how your daughter takes to it. Since she is ...
violin sound4/24/2009
  Q: i'm currently learning spring allegro by vivaldi. friends tell me that i need to make the violin ...
  A: This is true; especially in the first movement there is some bird imitation. Vivaldi composed the ...
false harmonics4/15/2009
  Q: My daughter is doing her Royal School of Music Exam Grade VIII here in the UK. She is playing ...
  A: Number one - make sure she has good (new) strings on. If you don't change them for six months the ...
old violin versus new4/11/2009
  Q: I am looking to 'upgrade' my daughters violin, in the £1500 range, which is better new or old ...
  A: Violins cannot be accurately judged based solely on age; it is only the quality of the performance ...
difference between violin and viola4/9/2009
  Q: sir,Please tell me the difference between violin and viola. Thanks.
  A: The violin has strings (from bottom) of G-D-A-E, and viola has strings of C-G-D-A. Thus the viola ...
vibrato4/1/2009
  Q: HELP.... I'm a professional violinist who due to life stopped playing for 10years, i am now ...
  A: Yes, this can be a real problem. I must see you to diagnose your specific problems and give remedy, ...
NYC work3/31/2009
  Q: As you are a working musician in New York, I would like to ask you as a soon-to-be New York ...
  A: The only helpful thing I can find to say is that you should play wherever you can - even if for free ...
I want to play the violin3/31/2009
  Q: I play the upright bass in symphony orchestra and in a lot of Jazz bands, I'm pretty good, (don't ...
  A: If you are inspired to switch over to violin there is no reason why you should not. The switch will ...
Violin Keys and scales3/19/2009
  Q: How many scales can you play on the violin?
  A: 132. There are 12 each of major, harmonic minor, melodic minor, chromatic, whole tone, and 6 other ...
the left hand 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th violin hand positions.3/18/2009
  Q: This is a question about changing positions on the finger board with the left hand when readying ...
  A: As a student I used "Introducing the Positions" by Harvey Whistler. There are a couple of volumes ...
the left hand 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th violin hand positions.3/17/2009
  Q: This is a question about changing positions on the finger board with the left hand when readying ...
  A: In professional performance it is usually up to you to decide how you wish to do fingering. Since ...
Bow arm1/16/2009
  Q: My daughter's bowing arm posture doesn't look right - her elbow is positioned almost level to her ...
  A: The position of the arm/elbow has everything to do with the bow hold. If the fingers are not in ...
finger independence and flexibility1/13/2009
  Q: When I practise scales with thirds as double notes I find it almost impossible to bring fingers 1-3, ...
  A: Without seeing you it is very difficult to analyze, so I would recommend playing for a teacher to ...
Violin Lessons1/6/2009
  Q: What is a good age to start a child on violin lessons? I have a 6yr old daughter. She is very tall ...
  A: 5-6 years old is ideal for begininng violin lessons. It may not sound like a great deal of progress ...
Looking while playing12/31/2008
  Q: I am a 61 yr old who just started learning to play the violin. My biggest challenges so far are ...
  A: You are correct regarding the left hand; not only should your ears guide you in note placement but ...
squeaky bow12/27/2008
  Q: I play the violin. I just got it for christmas. I am just a beginner. I am only 11 years old. I ...
  A: if your bow is well-rosined and your strings are properly tuned, then getting these squeaks out of ...
violin shift12/24/2008
  Q: Due to lack of instructors in the woods of Maine, I have been learning on my own for two years. ...
  A: Often there is no such notation; most music leaves it up to the performer to come up with their own ...
Violist curious about Violin12/10/2008
  Q: Hey Todd, I'm currently a college sophomore and i first picked up a viola around 2nd grade and took ...
  A: In general, violists who attempt to learn violin have significantly less success than violinists who ...
old violin12/9/2008
  Q: I keep see the word cremona...I have the spelling as "cremonia" with an "i". What is the ...
  A: "Cremona" is a town in Italy famous for its history of violin making. Perhaps your violin is ...
Violin Practice and Technique11/22/2008
  Q: I have been playing the violin for about five years and I am not sure on what I should practice to ...
  A: I recommend Principles of Violin Playing and Teaching by Ivan Galamian. The book will demonstrate ...
Nicolaus Amatus Fecit In Cremona 163011/21/2008
  Q: My husband inherited the violin/fiddle a few years ago. It is in the case with the bow. The marking ...
  A: You will have to take a trip to Fayettville for the Borman violin shop - Borman Violins 1221 E. ...
Sore arms11/18/2008
  Q: Hey Todd, recently, I've switched from the violin to a viola. I've finally gotten used to the ...
  A: Taylor, A couple of suggestions: When I first switched I experienced various areas of soreness and ...
How to hold the violin and bow11/16/2008
  Q: Sir, I am a 15 year old violinist who has been playing for about 6-7 years. Recently I went for an ...
  A: I am happy that you are re-evaluating this and experimenting with different positions. That is why ...
violin vs. electric violin11/14/2008
  Q: is an electric violin a better investment than a regular violin for a 7 year old or for anyone in ...
  A: Melissa- An electric violin is not appropriate for a 7 year old in my opinion. A young student ...
Violin positioning11/10/2008
  Q: I am resuming playing after a 25 year hiatus. I have a very good Hungarian violin bought from a ...
  A: This varies by the individual; some people have more sensitive skin than others. I have been ...
beginner11/8/2008
  Q: I am 20 yrs old.I have come from an average income family and would like to learn to play the ...
  A: It is possible, and often happens, that a great musician develops from being self-taught. This is ...
Starting violin?11/3/2008
  Q: I wanted to ask you some questions regarding the violin. First of all, I should introduce myself. I ...
  A: 1. I don't think a switch to violin is a smart choice considering your goals. The best route to ...
starter10/27/2008
  Q: i'm new to classical music and i'd like to start playing the violin.i'd like to know what kind of ...
  A: The best thing for you to do is to visit a violin/string instrument shop and have them set you up ...
thumb position on violin bow10/25/2008
  Q: I've been playing violin for about 2-3 months. Since I started lessons, about a month ago, my thumb ...
  A: The thumb on the bow hand is susceptible to irritation because the tip of the thumb is wedged in ...
left handed violins10/22/2008
  Q: I'm 21. my question is that are there seperate violins made for left handed violinists? If i buy a ...
  A: In a left-handed violin the following changes are made: -altered shape to bridge -bass bar on right ...
left handed violins10/19/2008
  Q: I'm 21. my question is that are there seperate violins made for left handed violinists? If i buy a ...
  A: First of all, you only need a left-handed violin if you have a physical disability in one of your ...
Electric violins10/13/2008
  Q: I have read your posts concerning electric violins - no pickups, clip on preferred. However, my ...
  A: My previous answers were in response to someone merely wishing to amplify their natural violin ...
learning violin alone10/11/2008
  Q: i played the violin for about 3 years from the age of 9 to 12 but haven't played since. I've ...
  A: I have answered both of these questions in previous responses, so I will refer you to those for more ...
J:\Server\htdocs\Andreas Guarnerius Fecit Cremona Sub Titulo Santa Teresia 170710/7/2008
  Q: I recently came into possession of a violin that has a label on the inside that says Andreas ...
  A: You are correct about the years not matching up; people traditionally have not gone to great lengths ...
antique violin10/1/2008
  Q: My father recieved a violin that belonged to his great Aunts Grandfather. This is what the label ...
  A: I am not an expert at authenticating instruments...but the "Made in Germany" inscription tells us ...
violin playing9/30/2008
  Q: Do i must have to press the string to the fingerboard when i play my violin.When i play a single ...
  A: Yes, the string must be depressed to the fingerboard for held notes and any notes on which you wish ...
violin playing9/29/2008
  Q: Do i must have to press the string to the fingerboard when i play my violin.When i play a single ...
  A: Yes, the string must be depressed to the fingerboard for held notes and any notes on which you wish ...
violin types9/15/2008
  Q: I have checked around and am told that I should be spending about 450 euro on violin. i Have looked ...
  A: I have answered many similar questions to this, so it might be worth your time reading through them. ...
About buying Violin...9/11/2008
  Q: Todd, I don't know much about buying a Violin, my son tried one in the shop, inside the violin, I ...
  A: due to the expense of a purchase like this and the fact that your son would be expected to use this ...
Faciebat anno9/10/2008
  Q: I would like to know that who is maker for " Faciebat anno " viloin and some history of this ...
  A: "Faciebat anno" is not a company; it is a latin term meaning "made in the year" that many violin ...
quality violin9/9/2008
  Q: My daughter is in the 8th grade and has been taking violin through her school for the past 4 years. ...
  A: I do not recommend purchasing an instrument over the internet because you cannot try out the ...
Double Stops9/8/2008
  Q: I'm arranging a piece right now for a violin quartet, and one of the main reasons I love arranging ...
  A: Paul, the Db - Bb will work fine; on violin/viola you can write pretty much any double stop except ...
Practicing9/6/2008
  Q: Last year, I got away with practicing for half an hour just fine, I was actually one of the best in ...
  A: Joe, the fact that you have been playing for three years means you have great potential for ...
Guldan Violin8/30/2008
  Q: While in Germany I was given a very old Guldan Violin and it was made by the Jackson Guldan Violin ...
  A: You will need to take your violin to an accredited violin shop where they will be able to assist you ...
finding sheet music8/25/2008
  Q: Do you know where I can get sheet music to country songs. I've looked all over the Internet but all ...
  A: Actually, Zach, you have been on the right track. The music of the artists you mentioned is ...
Writing Programmne Notes for Violin Exam8/23/2008
  Q: Sullivan, I'm a 13 yr old boy doing the violin diplo exam of ABRSM (Associated Board of Rayal ...
  A: Harry, I strongly recommend that you make a visit to a library with a good music section, such as a ...
Having a career in music; what is it like?8/22/2008
  Q: I'm a Violinist and I've been playing since i was 4 (now 17) under Suzuki tradition. Im in my ...
  A: The primary focus for you now should be on becoming the best violin player you can be and gaining ...
orchestras8/17/2008
  Q: I play violin, flute and piano and I'm thinking about joining an orchestra, but I can't find ...
  A: I assume from your question that you are a young student, and the first thing that you need to know ...
phycological concern8/15/2008
  Q: i am 20 years old and a university student. i love playing my violin which i have been learning for ...
  A: Whenever I have been in a place where practice would be disruptive to others, I have done my best to ...
bowing8/14/2008
  Q: First, i have just discovered this website and i think it is a great idea and thinks. I am 68; have ...
  A: if you are happy with the way you play then I cannot impugn your lack of vibrato. It will be most ...
squeaking8/13/2008
  Q: When I switch strings the violin squeaks is there something different i could do to stop the ...
  A: That's me...nice to hear from you, Jessica. You probably need more contact (weight) with the bow, ...
How do I know if my rosin is good?8/6/2008
  Q: Is there ever a time when my block of rosin will be bad? Will it get too old to use? Too hard? I'm ...
  A: Rosin does not go bad in my experience, although perhaps in certain circumstances or environments it ...
New violin bow7/19/2008
  Q: I just recently bought a new bow. Its a Strauss Brazilwood Student Violin Bow, half-line, 1/2 for ...
  A: My first recommendation would be to consult a violinist if you can, because the problem you are ...
What kind of violin do I need7/15/2008
  Q: Im a sophomore In the Varsity orchestra i need a new violin with my orchestra mostly coming first ...
  A: $3,000 is plenty of money to spend on a violin for the uses you have outlined. We do not, however, ...
Queston about music6/27/2008
  Q: I'm slowly learning to play the violin, lol. Do you know where I can buy background music for ...
  A: If you are searching for classical music backing tracks, these are found under the title "Music ...
How to sell old violins6/23/2008
  Q: My father,has many violins that he collected over the years. There are 9 total with one being a ...
  A: I recommend going to a reputable violin shop in person to show them the instruments and gauge their ...
music festivals req'd6/18/2008
  Q: My daughter is a violin performance major at the hartt school. She insists that I must pay for ...
  A: Yes it is true - sorry! This is a necessary part of a musician's education for several reasons: 1. ...
violin6/16/2008
  Q: I am currently taking lessons and have been for two months. I am having a problem understanding what ...
  A: the key you are to start in is dictated by the sharps/flats placed directly after the clef at the ...
Violins/ Viola5/17/2008
  Q: I am a Viola Player I have been playing for 9 years I graduate high school in 1 year and This ...
  A: If your goal is to pursue music as a profession, I recommend that you specialize in one of the ...
When to upgrade?5/13/2008
  Q: I have been playing on my first full sized violin, made by Yong Cheng Xu, for the past 8-9 years. I ...
  A: I have never known a fine violin that decreases in value unless you run it over with a car, so you ...
Sequence of learning5/12/2008
  Q: Todd. I started playing 12 months ago,and am at 3rd position. I'm 61. I want to learn to play the ...
  A: In general your teacher's balanced approach is more correct because a beautiful and mature tone ...
rhythm5/8/2008
  Q: I guess I could ask this of any musician. I play violin in several civic orchestras. I am no ...
  A: Wind players tend to be much stronger with rhythmic reading than their string counterparts thanks to ...
Need ur help,4/22/2008
  Q: hey,um 18 years.i wanna start learning how to play violin but um hesitated becoz so many ppl told me ...
  A: You should not hesitate to start violin if you are interested. You can start an instrument at any ...
my violin bow4/14/2008
  Q: ok its kinda hard to explane but theres a little wood incert at the screw end of my bow and it just ...
  A: Not a big problem, this part breaks down from time to time when it gets worn down. Just take your ...
Violin4/14/2008
  Q: I am interested in playing the violin and from what I've heard from many violinists, is that no ...
  A: The reason is that a sound technique is required to produce a quality tone and execute proper bow ...
Getting more professional gigs. How do I get my name known?4/11/2008
  Q: Im in school orchestras and our county youth orchestra. Im also in a quartet with my other musician ...
  A: You have two huge advantages over professional musicians: (1) You can work for less money because ...
Violin Strings4/11/2008
  Q: Having returned to playing (three years ago) after a 57 year break, I wanted to purchase some new ...
  A: Strings need to be matched to the instrument, as that dictates what kind of performance the string ...
virbrato4/8/2008
  Q: I am an older beginner and I am having a hard time learning vibrato. Any suggests? I wind up ...
  A: I have several responses in the archive relating to techniques and practice methods for vibrato ...
violin3/28/2008
  Q: I am a 52yr. old man that would love to play. The music shop suggested I rent first to see if its ...
  A: There is no reason why you need to completely avoid touching the other strings with the exception of ...
relaxing right hand wrist?3/26/2008
  Q: How can I relax my right-hand wrist while playing the violin??? I find that its difficult to ...
  A: 1- be sure that your fingers and hand are not squeezing on the bow. This extra pressure often ...
The tricks of the Viola...3/24/2008
  Q: I just got a viola for Christmas. I can play the classical guitar, but I've never played anything ...
  A: A quick warning that the viola is very different from the guitar in finger spacing. The half-steps ...
Violin (IS IT POSSIBLE?)3/22/2008
  Q: I'm a 14 years old girl who started playing the violin 3 months ago.I'm just asking,is it possible ...
  A: I recommend that you set the following goals: (1) get a good private teacher if you don't already ...
Electric Violin3/5/2008
  Q: I've been playing violin for about a year now, and I was looking into a cheap electric violin / amp, ...
  A: I always recommend that if you are young it is best to spend time learning to play violin well on an ...
shoulder rests and chinrest2/14/2008
  Q: I've been experiencing the same problem during extended amounts of play. Under my chin, close to the ...
  A: If your chin is actually getting pinched by something, you may need to replace or at least adjust ...
violin theory2/13/2008
  Q: Started violin 2 yrs ago at age 64 - love it. Other instrument - piano. It seems to me that you ...
  A: Correct. If you switch strings as described you are transcribing the music up a fifth each time, ...
Violin repair2/10/2008
  Q: Sir I have just purchased a old violin and over all it is in good condition. The previous owner had ...
  A: Applying violin varnish yourself is very dangerous unless you know what you are doing because it ...
Joseph Guarnerius fecit Cremonae anno 1713 IHS2/9/2008
  Q: . I have a violin that has been passed down through my family for years. Nobody really knew if it ...
  A: http://www.violinist.com/luthiers/index.cfm?state=Colorado If you go to the above link, you will ...
Open Up Violin2/6/2008
  Q: How do I go about playing my violin so it opens up faster? It's coming back from the shop in about a ...
  A: You just need to push the envelope of your tone production as you practice. This means that you ...
soloist's violins2/3/2008
  Q: Hope you can help. Note that most violin soloists with symphonies use Strads (or others) that are ...
  A: Great question. Other than a handful of wealthy individuals, most violinists cannot afford their ...
Violin2/2/2008
  Q: We have a old violin that says inside stradivarius cremonensis faciebat anno 1735 Germany do you ...
  A: It is just impossible without seeing, holding and playing your instrument to give you a value. The ...
Prelude VS Helicore1/20/2008
  Q: What is the difference between medium tension Helicore and medium tension Prelude? (besides price)
  A: Helicore strings are capable of a more mature, richer, warmer, and fuller tone than the Preludes. ...
New Music Learning Strategies1/18/2008
  Q: I need new strategies for learning new music. I am in an orchestra class with 59 other people, and ...
  A: There are two issues here: one is your playing level and the other is your practice habits. The ...
left hand pain1/17/2008
  Q: I'm using my sister's address to contact you. I am a 60 year old school music teacher, not playing ...
  A: The first thing you have to do when experiencing significant pain of this nature that is getting ...
salary for violinist1/8/2008
  Q: ok well im doing a research paper on becoming a violinst when i get older right now im stuck we are ...
  A: There are no education requirements for a professional violinist (unless you wish to teach at ...
hand size in relation to violin.1/7/2008
  Q: I have been wanting to begin playing the violin for years now (im a large male, 17Yrs). while i have ...
  A: I say yes - go ahead with violin and with finding a teacher. Even if your fingers are unusually ...
getting my daughter started on the violin1/4/2008
  Q: My daughter is turning 3 and is interested in the violin. What age is a good age to start? Is she ...
  A: 3 years old is a great age to start and she is not too little, although she obviously won't be ...
detache12/29/2007
  Q: The answer on this subject isn't specific enough. Is there a physical separation (i.e. an air gap, ...
  A: There is never a physical separation between bow hair and strings in a detache' stroke. Don't ...
Intonation12/28/2007
  Q: Of all the research I've done, I have yet to find strategies to "fix" my intonation. Maybe you could ...
  A: The best strategy is to find a private teacher - you seem to have the interest and curiosity that ...
is my rosin bad12/25/2007
  Q: I'm not a violin player but with your help my daughter is about to be. we just bought her a ...
  A: Great Christmas gift! When rosin is new, the cake is usually smooth and shiny on the top. You just ...
First time Violin purchase12/25/2007
  Q: I read your answer to Hannah concerning Electric Violins for beginners.Your comments interest me. ...
  A: If you just want something to teach yourself and have fun, go ahead with the electric - you can go ...
terminology12/23/2007
  Q: I wished to know if you" fret" a violin string or "finger" it. And do you talk in general about ...
  A: The correct term is to "stop" a string, although "finger" is okay. Fret is not good, since there ...
an original Antonius Stradivarius Faciebat cremona1713 violin12/22/2007
  Q: i have an original of an Antonius Stradivarius faciebat cremona ...
  A: West Germany did not exist until the partition after World War II, so your instrument is one of the ...
Keys12/20/2007
  Q: I have been playing for about 4 years now, I play violin music, as well I belong to a fiddle group. ...
  A: The keys in music are universal, which means that Am on guitar is Am on the violin. I believe that ...
Ponticello & other bowing styles.12/20/2007
  Q: Please could you help. Im trying to find some solid information for my college assignment on ...
  A: As this is a homework question I'll be brief so that you will search for other sources, but I can ...
Violin appraisal potential12/17/2007
  Q: My father handed down a violin that he played as a boy. It is in very rough shape but repairable. ...
  A: What a great gift from you father! You can get the instrument appraised at any reputable violin ...
What violin to buy??12/14/2007
  Q: My 11 yr old daughter is needing a 4/4 violin for the next school year. I know very little....There ...
  A: I always recommend going to your nearest violin shop and trying out a variety of instruments in your ...
catch up?12/5/2007
  Q: im sixteen and i just picked up the violin and i was wondering if with enough practise and ...
  A: There are many colleges that have orchestras open to non-music majors that are happy to find ...
i need help learning vibrato11/19/2007
  Q: i don't understand how to do vibrato on the viola or violin. do you have any tips?
  A: I have published three answers for others that were in need of viola help, so I urge you to look at ...
i need help w/ my viola11/18/2007
  Q: i'm a violinist learning to play viola. my high shcool teacher says that a viola needs special ...
  A: The strings on a viola are thicker than those on a violin, so the "response" is slower and achieving ...
My 4 year old daughter is starting violin lessons11/8/2007
  Q: I have a 4 year old daughter who is interested in violin lessons, I am signing her up for lessons ...
  A: A dedicated violin shop in your area would be the best way to find an instrument. You just go ...
My 4 year old daughter is starting violin lessons11/7/2007
  Q: I have a 4 year old daughter who is interested in violin lessons, I am signing her up for lessons ...
  A: I think it is great that you want to learn along with your daughter; parents that are involved make ...
Viola placticing11/5/2007
  Q: I am a collage student, and have played the viola for two years.I bother about how to bow with a ...
  A: Before worrying about the wrist, you should first make sure all of the other basics are correct...a ...
VIOLIN PRACTICING11/1/2007
  Q: I can hardly practice two hours in a day would you tell me what method will be most helpful to me.I ...
  A: You can get everything you need done in one to two hours per day, so I doubt that length of practice ...
Loosening up my right arm10/30/2007
  Q: This is my second year playing violin. The problem that is continually coming up is that my right ...
  A: Nathan, Try this exercise: Get into playing position with your bow on the string at the midpoint. ...
Villuame violins10/28/2007
  Q: Sullivan! My humble little questions goes something like this,I am a huge fan of the solo concert ...
  A: I understand it to be pronounced Vee-yome, rhyming with "home". A close friend of mine went to ...
Viola sizes10/22/2007
  Q: We are seeking a new viola for our teenage daughter. I understand they come in sizes, but after ...
  A: Violas are sized only in inches, unlike the violin sizings. This is because the optimal proportions ...
Warming up excercises10/20/2007
  Q: I hope you are doing very well other than this i am sending you this massege to help me (give me and ...
  A: My favorite has always been Sevcik Opus 1 - Exercises in the first position. I would do two ...
vibrato10/11/2007
  Q: I've been playing viola for 3 years now, and all of my friends and music teachers say its time to ...
  A: Don't feel horrible if this does not come easily for you; it is one of the most difficult things to ...
What should I buy for my daughter?9/16/2007
  Q: My daughter is 10 years old and has been playing violin for 2 years and enjoys it very much.She now ...
  A: It is impossible to gauge the relative quality of violins unless I play them or hear them played. ...
vibrato8/24/2007
  Q: I have been playing the viola for almost five years now, and need some tips on vibrato. I haven't ...
  A: In addition to the following, I have some detailed information on vibrato development in a previous ...
Question8/14/2007
  Q: I was so curious about violin and that's why I had bought a violin but in my area there is no ...
  A: 1. It is possible to self-teach, but this usually results in poor fundamentals. The bad habits you ...
Tail Peice, Strings, & Fine Tuners8/7/2007
  Q: I'm 14, and I'm in the ninth grade and I've been playing the violin since I was in the third grade, ...
  A: The most common setup for high school advanced players is Dominant G,D,A and a Gold Label E. If you ...
Beginning Violin7/29/2007
  Q: My 6 yr old really wants to play violin. What is the best method for her to learn, Suzuki or ...
  A: I'm going to surprise myself by saying Suzuki - surprising because I was brought up traditionally, ...
Violin for dummies7/29/2007
  Q: i bought a violin off ebay a few months ago hoping to teach myself how to play ive made a bit of ...
  A: Advice No. 1: Find yourself a teacher! It is the only way to learn an instrument, and $30 a week ...
Playing Softly7/27/2007
  Q: I am an adult, 3rd year violin student. I am working on sound right now and am having problems ...
  A: My suggestion depends on if this is for solo playing or orchestral section playing. If you are ...
electric violins7/24/2007
  Q: right now I play an acoustic violin, but I really wanted to expand. Since I'm a beginner and ...
  A: I have never seen a professional model electric violin at $500; I believe these are beginner/student ...
electric violins7/24/2007
  Q: right now I play an acoustic violin, but I really wanted to expand. Since I'm a beginner and ...
  A: I recommend against the pickup, the tone that is reproduced is horrible! I doubt that you need an ...
Francesco Stradivarius7/23/2007
  Q: Did Antonius' son, Francesco use his own name or his father's. We have a typical Strad, Antonius ...
  A: Antonius' two sons both are believed to have made violins under his name in the '30s, but the ...
old violin7/22/2007
  Q: We have been given a violin that has been in the familty for 57 years. When the family received it, ...
  A: The only way for me to find out about this instrument is to play it, as this is an obscure name to ...
Moving up a step.7/7/2007
  Q: Hey, I'm an intermediate violin student, I've been playing for a little over 2 years, but with ...
  A: It's great to hear that you are making good progress and ready for a better violin. We don't shop ...
Bow technic7/4/2007
  Q: I am a french vilolinist beginner. I have been playing guitare (mainly on gypsy music) for more than ...
  A: The problem you mention is usually caused by improper bow speed - A beginner will usually slow the ...
Vibrato technic7/2/2007
  Q: Good evening, I am Julien, a 25 year old french violinist. I began violin 1 year ago. I mainly ...
  A: Before I advise you on vibrato, I must give you the traditional caution: The quality of tone ...
Grandfather's Violin6/22/2007
  Q: My Grandfather's violin has a piece of paper inside that says, Highest Award World's Columbian Expo. ...
  A: John Friedrich and his brother William operated their firm here in NY for many years...not only as ...
toy violin6/19/2007
  Q: My mother in law passed on a toy violin. The end of the box says TOY VIOLIN OUTFIT Rainbow Toy ...
  A: I can tell you that the Jackson-Guldan label dates this item to circa 1920-1940. This company made ...

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