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: 8/23/2007 Subject: some violin questions
Question Hey,
I bought a violin almost a month back. I have been playing guitar for almost 4 years and am quite comfortable with the basic music theory. I practice for almost 2 hours daily. I wanted to ask a couple of questions.
1. What do you think I should focus on the most at the moment? Bowing, intonation, or something else?
2. I find it quite hard right now to add vibrato to my notes in the way described on most sites. I however find it relatively easier to produce it like it is done on an acoustic guitar (just moving your finger sideways, and not backward and forth like it is supposed to be done on a violin). The vibrato effect is quite good. I wanted to ask if there is anything wrong with this way.
3. Finally, the sound is quite loud, I read about the mute on the internet and bought a 3-prong mute. The only problem is: I dont know how to use it. It just mutes 2 middle strings (D and A) the way I put it. But it mutes them quite well. Do you have any idea how to use a 3-prong mute?
I would be glad to read your answers.
Thank you,
Rehan.
Answer 1. You should definitely focus on playing open strings - changing strings (making the transition smooth), changing from upbow to downbow and vice versa smoothly while keeping the note even and the same, as well as intonation (scales) and shifting exercises. Start with one note/bow stroke scales and move your way up.
2. The fingers on a violin should be as parallel to the strings as possible. Are you holding them perpendicularly as on a guitar? You can do it your way except keep in mind that your hand position should be standard and you should keep techniques as standard as possible or you will encounter more problems with other techniques later on.
3. I don't know your specific 3-prong mute before - the mute I use (and you should only use mutes when it is written on the music for you to use it)clips on to the bridge with two of the strings running through it and it mutes all four strings that way.
