About Margaret Jiang Expertise I am a violin player with answers to technique and other playing questions. I also have solutions for problems and difficulties in playing the violin that may come up. I know about caring and maintenance, as well as music theory and music history.
Experience Orchestra, bands, chamber ensembles, solo performances, teaching
Organizations CASTYO (chinese artists' society of toronto youth orchestra).
Education/Credentials 6 years of private study on the violin (and counting), RCM certified level 8 violinist (first-class honours with distinction), currently working towards grade 10. RCM certified Music Theory Harmony 4, RCM certified Music History Level 3
Awards and Honors Silver Medal Award winner (RCM), 2nd place Yip's Music Festival.
Expert: Margaret Jiang Date: 9/1/2007 Subject: position of the violin
Question Hello Margaret, could you please tell me how I should position the violin when I am playing, because I always feel like I am bending my neck, which then begins to ache. Also, should my left hand give a bit of stability? Should it actually hold some weight of the violin? Or should the entire weight of the violin rest on my left shoulder? Should my chin give some balance as well? Thanks
Answer The optimal violin position is to go without a rest and use the thumb to support the neck throughout (even through shifting and vibrato - both in which the thumb actually plays a vital part). Except that takes a bit of practice to perfect. For now, make sure your shoulders are lowered and rested when you play violin - they should be in the same natural position when you're playing as when you are walking around. The violin simply rests on the shoulder, with the thumb taking care of the weight (which is really not a lot) of the violin's neck. Sometimes (esp. when you are shifting down) you may need a little support from your chin. When you need it - use your chin to hook on to the edge of your chin-rest. There are also many different chin-rests to choose from - find one that fits you if the present one is not working very well. You should not feel any pain. If you are squeezing the violin between your shoulder and your chin as you are playing, this will cause severe back strain/damage later on. (depending on how much you practice!)
