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: 5/21/2006 Subject: How do you shift?
Question hi David, I am a basic violinist. I have a problem with shifting. Will you please give me some advice on how to shift? Sorry for interupting.
Answer Hi Davin,
I am wondering exactly what is the difficulty with shifting that you are experiencing, and I will try to cover the different possibilities.
One idea I have is that you may be having trouble moving your left hand up and down the fingerboard. A mobility problem could be caused by an improper grip on the neck. For example, if the neck of the violin is resting right on the webbing between your thumb and first finger, then you will have shifting problems because that will make it hard to move your left hand. Your thumb should touch the violin's neck, but never that webbing. Neither should your first finger touch the neck of the violin (except your fingertip on the fingerboard). If the side of the "lowest" knuckle of your first finger (the one at the very base of your finger) is touching the violin neck, you will have a lot of trouble shifting. Make sure that your violin is completely supported by your chin and left shoulder. You should not need your left arm to help keep the violin up. If you are depending on your left arm to support the violin, then shifting will be very difficult. Practice holding your violin without the aid of your left arm--your teacher may want to adjust your chin rest and/or shoulder rest.
Now another possibility is that you are not having trouble moving your left hand along the fingerboard, but are having trouble hitting the correct note when you do shift. You mentioned being a beginner, so I would guess you wouldn't mind having tape on your fingerboard (or maybe you already do). If you don't have tape, I recommend asking your teacher to put tape on the four standard finger positions or at least the 3rd and 4th fingers. Maybe you had tape before and took it off, but if your problem with shifting is with hitting the correct note, tape can really help. Practice especially a shift among 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions. Don't worry about anything higher than that yet; master the basics first. While bowing, slowly move your left hand so that you alternate between two notes repeatedly, for example a 1st finger B to D on the A string. Shift back and forth at low speed until you can consistently hit the notes in tune (use a tuner or piano if you want, to confirm your intonation). Gradually increase your speed of shifting. Don't worry if this takes a while, and don't expect to master it in a matter of minutes or with only a few repetitions. If you do not have a teacher of any kind, I certainly recommend getting one because it is so much better to have an experienced person to guide your practice techniques.
I hope this has been of some help. I unfortunately must go on leave for the next month but will return near the end of June. Don't get discouraged--music can be done by just about anyone despite what other people may tell you. It just takes diligent, proper practice. Good luck in all your musical endeavors.
Sincerely,
David
