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: 9/11/2007 Subject: vibrato
Question I've been playing violin for about ten years now, and I've been working on vibrato for the past three or four years off and on. I am learning wrist vibrato and I've tried the basic exercises, but I can't get over not being able to touch the violin neck with the inside of my left hand below my index finger. When I don't touch the neck like that, I have problems finding the notes and switching from one string to the next. Any suggestions and ideas would be greatly appreciated!
Answer It is actually impossible to do vibrato if the inside of your left hand below your index finger is touching the violin!! To make finding notes easier, watch your left hand form. The middle joint, first joint (from hand) and wrist should form a straight line. To switch from one string to the next, move your elbow left and right.
