A Left Hand Revelation

From all the writing and discussion I've seen about improving ability most of it has returned to the right hand and arm.

The idea that the right side is after all the side that causes the vibration is interesting.

I'm starting to become aware that the left-hand is actually the intelligence focus and the confidence builder. Being decisive with the left hand seems to resolve right arm issues.

Focusing on the left hand and focusing on the sound quality seems to make a big difference. Focusing on right hand technique seems distracting and secondary.

I believe intonation and tonal composition is more important than sound production. It actually drives sound production.

It's as the the left hand drives the right!! Fascinating.

None of this stuff applies to everything though...

Hammer Time

Increasingly I'm finding it interesting and helpful to practice studies without a bow.

The process of hammering the fingers down hard enough so the sound resonants slightly is great for improving confidence and clarity in the left hand. Especially when it comes to shifting positions.

Doing basic yoga exercises with the right arm (eg raise it up over you head) without holding a bow whilst hammering the notes withthe left hand really helps relax the upper back.

Working with just the left hands makes it easier to focus LH type issues that I normally would not be aware of... so much attention goes to the bow!

This idea is in contradiction to the theory of playing with light fingers, but I feel as though this sort of exercise will inevitably help with that.

Alcohol

Studying violin recently has been inspiring.

 

I wrote something interesting in an email recently...

 

"I've realised that... If I had the space to relax and be free I would like to be simple and focus on spending time with friends, family and play the violin... But, alas, I am in a world that requires me to have money and support others etc. I'm lucky I'm Australia i guess."

 

I think that is kinda of true.

 

During the week I came home from work after having had two beers. The beers were great. I ate some food after i walked in the door and then did some practice, my usual 1 hr play through of sevcik, flesch, schradieck, kayser, mazas, ... I found being drug was a real hinderance to with the following...

- focusing on the melody / phrasing of the music. however simple it might be.

- having a nimble and senstive reaction with my body. my arms and fingers seems clumsy.

 

I think I've come to the conclusion that alcohol hinders rather than enhances playing the violin.

 

 

Ray Chen

Last night was one of the most beautiful evenings I've had with the Sydney Sympony Orchestra (SSO) at the Opera House in years. Ray Chen, a 21yr old Taiwanese violinist, was the highlight of the evening with his performance of the Brahms violin concerto. My friend Emily, who normally performs with the SSO had the night off and had a spare ticket for me. Luckily her boyfriend was away in New Zealand racing across the mountains in a fitness competition (swimming, running, cycling, kayaking, climbing, ...). He's very cool. We like him.
Ray Chen is a young, smart, powerful, super intelligent, creative, soft, direct, 'straight-up', confident, inspiring violinist. He took our breath away. It was stunning to see someone so young have so much fun with something that looms over so many musicians. He, and the orchestra, had a great time and the audience was left speechless.  He gave me a lot to think about with my own playing, options, approaches, techniques, colours, movement, sound, space, ..... Along with the concerto the orchestra performed a Berlioz overture and Tchaikovsky symphony, also far beyond my expectations.
 

Know what you CAN play

Started marking my music with stickers to note the sections that I struggle with. This has brought to light 3 great ideas that feel great...

1.  I know what sections or bars I'm going to struggle with.
2. I know what sections I can play through and enjoy without wondering if I'm off the mark. Paranoid.
3. I don't waste time playing swath of music that I already know I can play in random search of notes that might need work.

So the process of working through my studies is...
1. Start a study, the next one on my huge list. See previous post for details.
2. Pick a slow tempo and start the metronome.
3. Play through from beginning to end confidently. Slow down if insecure.
4. Pick the 2 worst spots and mark them with stickers.
5. Focus on those 2 spots. Improve them.
6. Try not o spend more that 15min on each spot.
7. Finish and write down the tempo that you would like to start with next time.
....
8. When you return to the study go back to step 2 and repeat....!!!

Routine is the best way to train the body and relax the mind.