It is that time of year! Whether it was Hanukkah, Yule, or Christmas, I get to hear from students who are beyond thrilled with their new treasure…until they try to play it. Let’s face it, playing the violin (or viola) …
Syncopation…or STINKopation?
4 Simple Strategies to Help Tame the Beast When I was young, I struggled with syncopation, the playing of notes that are off-beat. It was so frustrating that I called it “Stinkopation.” Hated the stuff. I struggled with that particular stinker …
That Crazy Bow – What’s the Big Deal?
They say the bow is 80-90% of your sound on violin-family instruments, that logic follows that it’s also going to be 80-90% of the work. If your bow hold is less than stellar, you will likely notice that making a …
Online Lessons Are Better Than You Might Think
A move is always nerve-wracking, no matter how close or far you are going. When we moved out here to Fort Worth, my students (in-studio) were unhappy and shocked to see their favorite music teacher leaving them. True, I have …
The Value of Self-Analysis without Being Mean
Music requires self-analysis, but often it becomes either a too rosy or too pessimistic outlook on our progress. One of my students has this talent for being honest with herself – without beating herself up. She is young, and by …