Take your violin out for a jog

This morning I woke up and went for a jog. Why?

I went out for a jog to get my body moving. I didn't try too hard. I didn't achieve very much. But with persistence I will get fit. I didn't struggle too much or think about anything in particular. I enjoyed the cool breeze and fresh air.

This process of working though the complete gamit of etudes should be the same. I am playing this music not because it is, in essense, difficult. I am playing this music to get my body and mind in order.

This is a physical and intellectual violin work out. Nothing complicated. Nothing beyond the required.

Interestly. When I went jogging this morning all I focused on was maximising my potential. Analysing my paces and pressures. Reducing tension. Reducing impact. Optimisation. Relaxation.

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The sound of the violin lends to a loose free flowing mellow temporament. It helps to maintain a pragrammatic approach to the sound whilst running through daily exercises. The free/magic/creative end of the spectrum can be left unrehearsed and improvised. The beauty of music is not conjured but rather enjoyed.