Ray Chen teaches Wrist + Arm Vibrato PART 2

Summary

In this violin masterclass, the instructor humorously compares summoning a violin to Thor's hammer before diving into vibrato techniques. The lesson focuses on wrist and arm vibrato (vbr), explaining how both can be used to create a wider range of musical expression. The instructor emphasizes that arm vibrato, when used correctly, provides stability and support, while wrist vibrato can fill in gaps. He advocates combining both techniques for a fuller sound, encouraging players to find what feels comfortable. The video ends with a humorous anecdote about attempting to skip practice by claiming to have practiced in a dream.

Takeaways

• 🎻 Wishing for the ability to summon a violin like Thor summons his hammer would be amazing.
• 🎶 The focus of the masterclass is on wrist vibrato, building upon arm vibrato taught in the previous lesson.
• 💡 Arm vibrato isn't inherently bad, but it needs to be used properly to avoid tension and potential injury.
• 📚 If you haven't watched the previous video, it's recommended to do so for a better understanding of wrist vibrato in third position.
• 🎵 Arm vibrato can be useful for support, stability, and as the origin of vibrato movements.
• ❤️ There's a personal connection between emotion and playing, as if emotions flow from the heart, through the arm, and into the instrument.
• 👐 The combination of wrist and arm vibrato, called 'Charm Vibrato', can create a more dynamic sound by blending both techniques.
• 🪣 The 'Jar of Life' metaphor is used to describe how vibrato techniques fill in gaps, much like rocks in a jar.
• 🤷‍♂️ There's no right or wrong way to combine vibrato techniques—it's about what feels comfortable to the player.
• 😄 A funny childhood memory is shared about trying to convince a parent that practicing in a dream counts as real practice.

Q & A

What does the speaker wish they could do with their violin?

The speaker wishes they could summon their violin magically, similar to how Thor can summon his hammer.

What is the focus of this violin masterclass part two?

The focus of this masterclass is to demonstrate wrist vibrato (vbr) and how to combine it with arm vibrato for a wider range of musical expression.

What does the speaker clarify about arm vibrato in the introduction?

The speaker clarifies that arm vibrato is not inherently bad but must be used properly, as improper use can lead to tension and injury.

Why does the speaker encourage viewers to watch the previous video?

The speaker encourages viewers to watch the previous video to learn how to perform wrist vibrato in the third position.

What specific problem does the speaker mention about their fourth finger when playing vibrato?

The speaker mentions that their fourth finger is weaker and has less vibrato compared to the other fingers because it is skinny and weak.

What role does arm vibrato play, according to the speaker?

Arm vibrato provides support, stability, and serves as the origin of the vibrations, which the speaker likens to the base of a wobbly antenna.

How does the speaker describe the connection between emotions and their playing?

The speaker describes a personal feeling that there is a connection between their heart and left arm, allowing emotions to flow from the heart, through the arm, and into the instrument.

What is the key technique for combining wrist and arm vibrato?

The key technique involves not keeping the wrist completely rigid but allowing a combined motion of both arm and wrist vibrato for fluidity.

What metaphor does the speaker use to explain how vibrato works?

The speaker uses a metaphor of a jar filled with rocks. The jar represents vibrato, and the spaces between the rocks are filled by alternating between wrist and arm vibrato, depending on which technique the player is more comfortable with.

What is the speaker’s final piece of advice regarding vibrato technique?

The speaker advises that there is no right or wrong approach to vibrato; it's important to use whichever method feels more comfortable and natural for the player.