The violin is one of the most established instruments in the Western music tradition. With a history of several centuries and a presence in a host of famous works, it is a familiar sound to music listeners in many countries. Aspiring musicians should always try to maintain the right playing technique, and part of that is knowing how to hold a violin correctly.
The violin was previously used in classical or orchestral music, and some may feel that it is restricted to that style. However, it has been deployed in contemporary popular music, with the sensational modern musician Vanessa Mae one of its prime examples. Although she sometimes uses an electric instrument, other current musicians may make use of the conventional wooden one.
Its size makes it convenient for people to play. It is easily portable and it is also light enough to be manageable for those lacking physical strength, or kids. They can play it for long periods at a time or take it with them to classes and shows. It is also known for its longevity. The premier make, namely Stradivarius, is actually no longer produced, since the master craftsman who made them died more than two centuries ago. Yet they are still used in professional concerts and they fetch high prices when they are sold.
Appropriate technique in holding the violin is essential to successful playing. It serves to prevent the repetitive strain injuries that are a risk with any instrument, and it also makes the correct performance of pieces of music easier. A violin does not offer its player any guides as to where to put their fingers on its neck. Unlike a guitar, it does not have frets, and there are no markings. It is therefore imperative that the violinist adopts the correct posture so as to be able to produce the right notes.
The violin is held in the left hand, with its base resting on the collarbone. The lower jaw may be used to stabilize the instrument by applying a slight pressure. At the same time, the left hand moves along the neck, applying pressure on the strings in order to achieve the desired notes. Maintaining this position, with its associated posture, requires proper instruction and practice.
One typical problem is that the lower jaw exerts excessive pressure on the instrument, so as to prevent it from moving off the clavicle. Alternatively, the instrument's neck is gripped too hard. What people should realise is that the violin is supported alternately by the shoulder, jaw and left hand, so playing requires a constant balance between the three. Applying too much pressure or holding onto the neck too hard are poor habits and should be abandoned immediately.
Some violinists use a shoulderpad to assist in the stability of their playing position. The shoulderpad should not be too thick, or else it will cause an unnatural position for the instrument. It should also be made of a suitable material, one which provides enough traction for the varnished wood to rest on safely. As a rule of thumb, the broader the player's shoulder, the smaller the pad can be.
Proper playing technique is essential for any instrument. Bad habits, once acquired, are hard to lose. However, they limit the ability of the person to play an instrument. Some pieces of music may even seem impossible if an incorrect technique is applied to them. Musicians should concentrate on the right grip and posture in order to attain the long term results that the instrument offers.
The violin was previously used in classical or orchestral music, and some may feel that it is restricted to that style. However, it has been deployed in contemporary popular music, with the sensational modern musician Vanessa Mae one of its prime examples. Although she sometimes uses an electric instrument, other current musicians may make use of the conventional wooden one.
Its size makes it convenient for people to play. It is easily portable and it is also light enough to be manageable for those lacking physical strength, or kids. They can play it for long periods at a time or take it with them to classes and shows. It is also known for its longevity. The premier make, namely Stradivarius, is actually no longer produced, since the master craftsman who made them died more than two centuries ago. Yet they are still used in professional concerts and they fetch high prices when they are sold.
Appropriate technique in holding the violin is essential to successful playing. It serves to prevent the repetitive strain injuries that are a risk with any instrument, and it also makes the correct performance of pieces of music easier. A violin does not offer its player any guides as to where to put their fingers on its neck. Unlike a guitar, it does not have frets, and there are no markings. It is therefore imperative that the violinist adopts the correct posture so as to be able to produce the right notes.
The violin is held in the left hand, with its base resting on the collarbone. The lower jaw may be used to stabilize the instrument by applying a slight pressure. At the same time, the left hand moves along the neck, applying pressure on the strings in order to achieve the desired notes. Maintaining this position, with its associated posture, requires proper instruction and practice.
One typical problem is that the lower jaw exerts excessive pressure on the instrument, so as to prevent it from moving off the clavicle. Alternatively, the instrument's neck is gripped too hard. What people should realise is that the violin is supported alternately by the shoulder, jaw and left hand, so playing requires a constant balance between the three. Applying too much pressure or holding onto the neck too hard are poor habits and should be abandoned immediately.
Some violinists use a shoulderpad to assist in the stability of their playing position. The shoulderpad should not be too thick, or else it will cause an unnatural position for the instrument. It should also be made of a suitable material, one which provides enough traction for the varnished wood to rest on safely. As a rule of thumb, the broader the player's shoulder, the smaller the pad can be.
Proper playing technique is essential for any instrument. Bad habits, once acquired, are hard to lose. However, they limit the ability of the person to play an instrument. Some pieces of music may even seem impossible if an incorrect technique is applied to them. Musicians should concentrate on the right grip and posture in order to attain the long term results that the instrument offers.
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