How I did it: First thing I did was to address the problems causing me the tension when holding the violin. I found that using a different design chin rest plus not using a shoulder rest at all really did solve this problem, and I felt free to play! Next I learn some scales, G major, D major and C major:C major is the best scale to start off with as it contains no sharps or flats so you know where you fingers could naturally be. I played these scales over and over again so that I could hear when the was in tune and was out, I used a keyboard to help me with this.

From this I found new problems to address such as correct bow hold and doing straight bows and stop the bow bouncing (still things I'm addressing). Re-learning the violin has made me more aware of my own faults and seeking out to correct them. I then went onto play some tunes from my old music books which I really enjoyed.

Lessons & tips: Address any tension that may hamper your playing. Start from scratch and make scales one of the first things you learn to help you play in tune! Don't rush into playing like I did and play for ages in one go as you're not used to it yet!

Resources: professorV on youtube has some excellent videos I've used to support my re-learning and understanding... http://www.youtube.com/user/professorv

Violinist in balance, about holding the violin:
http://www.violinistinbalance.nl/

old violin books and listening and watching professional violinists play to feel inspired! Listening to Janine Jansen is what first got me playing again!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbcuteYm-EA

Jul 12, 2009, 10:33AM PDT | 0 comments | 6 cheers