top of page

Learn Violin with OctavesOnline

Free Pre-Recorded Videos

Carnatic Violin : Playing posture
04:01

Carnatic Violin : Playing posture

WhatsApp - +91-8072415626 for online classes. Introduction to Proper Violin Posture You may feel that learning the violin is all about playing the right notes at the right time. It is – to an extent. But in order to learn the various techniques and play for longer periods of time, there are other skills that every student needs to master too, and that includes proper violin posture. Because it affects all areas of violin playing, such as tone, intonation, bow hold and stroke, as well as shifting, all violin technique is built around proper violin posture. If you ignore or forget to work on this aspect, your ability to progress will be hindered. You can find tons of online videos reviewing correct violin posture. However, watching a video is one thing; actually doing it is another. The most efficient way to learn the proper stance is by taking lessons with a qualified instructor. They can ensure that you start out correctly, and can identify issues early on. Although the term “posture” immediately conjures up thoughts of simply standing up straight, there are actually several facets that are involved. Here are the basics of violin posture: Holding Your Violin First, the height of your collarbone to chin should be the same height as the combined height of your shoulder rest, violin, and chin rest. Your violin should remain horizontal without using your left hand for support. Next, you should be able to pull your bow straight from the frog to the tip. If you can’t, the position of the chin rest should be changed accordingly. Ask your instructor for help in this regard. Holding Your Bow Although there are many ways that violinists can hold their bow for optimal playing and comfort, you can only get there by starting out with proper technique. First, you need to hold the bow properly. The tip of your thumb needs to support the bow between the frog and the winding. Next, your middle finger should rest opposite your thumb with the joint just touching your bow, but without any pressure. Also, your index finger, specifically its second phalanx or section, needs only to touch the bow. The joint between the second and third phalanx of your ring finger should also gently touch your bow. Finally, your pinky simply rests on top of your bow. And you need to do all this while keeping your hand relaxed! It is a lot to take in at first, but with practice, it will become more automatic. Music learners, to post your questions or to participate in discussions visit the OctavesOnline forum - https://www.octavesonline.com/forum For music-related assessment and certification visit - https://www.octavesonline.com/services-octavesonline
Carnatic Violin : How to buy a violin
01:32

Carnatic Violin : How to buy a violin

WhatsApp - +91-8072415626 for online classes. Choosing the Right Violin: Brands, Beginners, and Budgets Once you understand some of the fundamentals of violin construction, it’s time begin honing in on an instrument that’s right for your needs and budget. As you do, you may come up with some new questions as you encounter various brand names, categories, and a great range of prices. Choosing the Right Violin: Brands, Beginners, and Budgets Once you understand some of the fundamentals of violin construction, it’s time begin honing in on an instrument that’s right for your needs and budget. As you do, you may come up with some new questions as you encounter various brand names, categories, and a great range of prices. Intermediate Violins Filling the gap between student and professional instruments are violins classified as intermediate. Some stores and brands omit this category, only drawing a distinction between student and professional violins. It is a helpful category, however, for musicians who know they need something better than a beginner instrument, but aren’t ready to invest thousands of dollars in a professional violin. Students who are advancing in their skills are typical intermediate violin buyers. Professional Violins Professional or master violins, on the other hand, will be constructed from cold-grown and slow-dried wood, hand built and assembled by a master luthier, and finished with high-quality components such as an ebony fingerboard and wooden tailpiece. The excellent materials and refined artistic skill that go into these instruments drive up their value, and make them appropriate instruments for professional and aspiring, advanced musicians. Violin Care and Maintenance The best violin is the one that is best maintained. You’ll want to make sure your violin and any accessories are properly stored in a case when not being used, that they are kept in mild temperatures and moderate humidity, and that they are kept clean. If you are looking for a first violin, here are a few accessories to consider in order to properly preserve your instrument: Case: Don’t assume the violin you choose comes with a case. If you order an “outfit,” you will get a bow, rosin, and a case, but if you’re just buying a violin, you need to buy a separate case as well. Humidifier: An acoustic violin should be kept at 45-50% relative humidity to avoid damage to the tonewoods. If you live in a dry area, you will especially want to look into an instrument humidifier. Cleaning Supplies: A violin needs to be kept free of dirt and dust. You can browse Musician’s Friend’s complete selection of care and cleaning supplies for violins here. Strings: Depending on how much you play, we recommend changing your strings every six to 12 months. Music learners, to post your questions or to participate in discussions visit the OctavesOnline forum - https://www.octavesonline.com/forum For music-related assessment and certification visit - https://www.octavesonline.com/services-octavesonline