Violin School Beginners Lesson 2: Bowing!

Summary

In this violin lesson, students learn the correct bow hold and technique. The instructor demonstrates how to properly tighten the bow, apply rosin, and execute smooth bow strokes. Key points include the importance of elbow movement, wrist flexibility, and maintaining the bow's position between the bridge and fingerboard. The lesson also addresses common mistakes, such as incorrect bow pressure and placement, and encourages practice on all strings.

Takeaways

• 🎻 Remember to place the violin on the left shoulder, with the left hand on the fingerboard and a space between the hand and the board.
• 🪄 Start with the bow by ensuring there's a gap between the horse hairs and the wood, which is adjusted by tightening the bow's nut clockwise.
• 🚫 Avoid over-tightening the bow as it can cause damage; the gap should allow a pinky finger to fit without touching the wood or hairs.
• 📍 Rosin the bow once a week to help it grip the strings, but only if necessary.
• 🤚 Practice the right arm movements with an imaginary bow, focusing on elbow open and close, wrist pushing and folding, and slight 'chicken arm' lifts.
• 👁️ Use a mirror to ensure the bow moves in a straight line between the bridge and the fingerboard.
• 🤞 Learn the bow grip with the right hand, placing the thumb under the bow and fingers wrapped comfortably around it, with the pinky finger slightly bent.
• 🎵 Practice bowing on the A string first, then progress to the D, G, and E strings, ensuring a smooth transition between them.
• ⏰ Regular practice of 5 to 10 minutes a day is recommended, focusing on maintaining a consistent bow pressure and straight bow movement.
• 🔍 Common mistakes include too much or too little bow pressure, bowing too close to the fingerboard or bridge, and uneven bow strokes due to insufficient wrist flexion.

Q & A

What is the main focus of lesson two in Meg's violin school?

The main focus of lesson two is learning about the bow hold.

How should the violin sit on the player's body?

The violin should sit on the left shoulder, between the chin and the shoulder.

What is the correct gap between the horse hairs and the wood of the bow before playing?

There should be a gap about the width of a pinky finger when placed in the middle of the bow.

How often should you apply rosin to your bow?

You should rosin your bow once a week, not every day.

What is the initial bow hold technique taught in the lesson?

The initial bow hold technique involves pinching the hand together like a little duck, as if holding an invisible bow.

What are the three main movements involved in bowing the violin?

The three main movements are the elbow opening and closing, the wrist pushing and folding, and the chicken arm going up and down.

How should the thumb be positioned when holding the bow?

The thumb should be bent underneath the bow, sitting in a little gap just by the wrap on the bow.

What is the purpose of practicing bow strokes without the violin?

Practicing bow strokes without the violin helps to focus on the right arm movements and develop a smooth bowing technique.

What is the correct bowing area on the strings of the violin?

The bow should be between the bridge and the fingerboard, avoiding the area over the fingerboard or too close to the bridge.

How can you tell if you are bowing in the wrong place on the strings?

If you are bowing in the wrong place, the rosin will leave a white mark on the strings, indicating the area where you have been bowing.

What is the advice for practicing the bow hold and bowing technique?

The advice is to practice the bow hold and bowing technique for five to ten minutes every day, focusing on a consistent amount of pressure and straight bowing between the fingerboard and the bridge.