| Subject | Date Asked |
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| How to hold the violin and bow | 11/16/2008 |
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 ...
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| violin vs. electric violin | 11/14/2008 |
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 ...
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| Violin positioning | 11/10/2008 |
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 ...
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| beginner | 11/8/2008 |
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 ...
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| 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 ...
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| starter | 10/27/2008 |
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 ...
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| thumb position on violin bow | 10/25/2008 |
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 ...
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| left handed violins | 10/22/2008 |
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 ...
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| left handed violins | 10/19/2008 |
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 ...
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| Electric violins | 10/13/2008 |
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 ...
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| learning violin alone | 10/11/2008 |
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 ...
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| J:\Server\htdocs\Andreas Guarnerius Fecit Cremona Sub Titulo Santa Teresia 1707 | 10/7/2008 |
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 ...
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| antique violin | 10/1/2008 |
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 ...
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| violin playing | 9/30/2008 |
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 ...
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| violin playing | 9/29/2008 |
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 ...
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| violin types | 9/15/2008 |
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. ...
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| 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 ...
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| Faciebat anno | 9/10/2008 |
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 ...
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| quality violin | 9/9/2008 |
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 ...
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| Double Stops | 9/8/2008 |
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 ...
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| Practicing | 9/6/2008 |
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 ...
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| Guldan Violin | 8/30/2008 |
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 ...
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| finding sheet music | 8/25/2008 |
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 ...
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| Writing Programmne Notes for Violin Exam | 8/23/2008 |
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 ...
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| 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 ...
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| orchestras | 8/17/2008 |
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 ...
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| phycological concern | 8/15/2008 |
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 ...
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| bowing | 8/14/2008 |
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 ...
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| squeaking | 8/13/2008 |
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, ...
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| 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 ...
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| New violin bow | 7/19/2008 |
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 ...
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| What kind of violin do I need | 7/15/2008 |
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, ...
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| Queston about music | 6/27/2008 |
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 ...
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| How to sell old violins | 6/23/2008 |
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 ...
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| music festivals req'd | 6/18/2008 |
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. ...
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| violin | 6/16/2008 |
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 ...
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| Violins/ Viola | 5/17/2008 |
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 ...
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| 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 ...
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| Sequence of learning | 5/12/2008 |
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 ...
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| rhythm | 5/8/2008 |
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 ...
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| 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 ...
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| my violin bow | 4/14/2008 |
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 ...
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| Violin | 4/14/2008 |
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 ...
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| 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 ...
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| Violin Strings | 4/11/2008 |
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 ...
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| virbrato | 4/8/2008 |
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 ...
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| violin | 3/28/2008 |
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 ...
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| 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 ...
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| 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 ...
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| 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 ...
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| Electric Violin | 3/5/2008 |
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 ...
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| shoulder rests and chinrest | 2/14/2008 |
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 ...
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| violin theory | 2/13/2008 |
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, ...
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| Violin repair | 2/10/2008 |
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 ...
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| Joseph Guarnerius fecit Cremonae anno 1713 IHS | 2/9/2008 |
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 ...
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| Open Up Violin | 2/6/2008 |
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 ...
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| soloist's violins | 2/3/2008 |
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 ...
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| Violin | 2/2/2008 |
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 ...
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| Prelude VS Helicore | 1/20/2008 |
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. ...
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| New Music Learning Strategies | 1/18/2008 |
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 ...
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| left hand pain | 1/17/2008 |
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 ...
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| salary for violinist | 1/8/2008 |
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 ...
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| 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 ...
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| getting my daughter started on the violin | 1/4/2008 |
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 ...
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| detache | 12/29/2007 |
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 ...
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| Intonation | 12/28/2007 |
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 ...
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| is my rosin bad | 12/25/2007 |
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 ...
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| First time Violin purchase | 12/25/2007 |
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 ...
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| terminology | 12/23/2007 |
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 ...
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| an original Antonius Stradivarius Faciebat cremona1713 violin | 12/22/2007 |
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 ...
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| Keys | 12/20/2007 |
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 ...
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| 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 ...
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| Violin appraisal potential | 12/17/2007 |
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 ...
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| 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 ...
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| 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 ...
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| i need help learning vibrato | 11/19/2007 |
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 ...
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| i need help w/ my viola | 11/18/2007 |
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 ...
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| My 4 year old daughter is starting violin lessons | 11/8/2007 |
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 ...
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| My 4 year old daughter is starting violin lessons | 11/7/2007 |
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 ...
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| Viola placticing | 11/5/2007 |
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 ...
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| VIOLIN PRACTICING | 11/1/2007 |
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 ...
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| Loosening up my right arm | 10/30/2007 |
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. ...
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| Villuame violins | 10/28/2007 |
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 ...
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| Viola sizes | 10/22/2007 |
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 ...
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| Warming up excercises | 10/20/2007 |
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 ...
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| vibrato | 10/11/2007 |
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 ...
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| 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. ...
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| vibrato | 8/24/2007 |
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 ...
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| Question | 8/14/2007 |
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 ...
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| Tail Peice, Strings, & Fine Tuners | 8/7/2007 |
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 ...
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| Beginning Violin | 7/29/2007 |
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, ...
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| Violin for dummies | 7/29/2007 |
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 ...
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| Playing Softly | 7/27/2007 |
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 ...
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| electric violins | 7/24/2007 |
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 ...
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| electric violins | 7/24/2007 |
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 ...
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| Francesco Stradivarius | 7/23/2007 |
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 ...
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| old violin | 7/22/2007 |
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 ...
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| 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 ...
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| Bow technic | 7/4/2007 |
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 ...
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| Vibrato technic | 7/2/2007 |
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 ...
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| Grandfather's Violin | 6/22/2007 |
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 ...
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| toy violin | 6/19/2007 |
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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