Violin/Fiddle: Proper Positioning How to Hold the Violin Properly

Subject: Hey howdy hey!
Date: Wed, 9 Jun 2004 14:34:51 -0500

Greetings,

Greetings Robert,

I am a beginning fiddler and am writting to say I appreciate your on-line
lessons and scales - VERY MUCH! THe scales are easy to follow and the
advice is outstanding!

Thanks so much for your support of my efforts...it's nice to see that these lessons do not go unappreciated.

I am studying the main major scale examples listed,
but do you offer Blues/minor 7 scales online??

I hope to in the near future...I'd love to build onto the section to ensure that there's material for the intermediate and advanced player too.

ALSO, do you have advice for
the aches I am getting in my left shoulder??

I've heard of this before...I believe this is due to stressing or using muscles you haven't commonly used...and, sometimes, the traditional violin position may not fit a certain few players whose skeletal frame, or muscular make-up is different than average. I subscribe to the notion that not everyone can position the violin using traditional methodologies...many encounter relentless pain and no matter how long they attempt to hold the proper position, the pain does not let up. And, in this case, alternative approaches have to be considered...or, there could be permanent stress-related problems or discouragement from practice...

My first suggestion would be to find a qualified instructor that can offer you up an alternative positioning unique to your needs.

1. Consider trying out some other shoulder rests...to see if just maybe your violin's position can be changed to alleviate the pain...
2. Additionally, your chin rest could also be the problem...
3. If you haven't taken any formal lessons, you may be encountering other problems from incorrect form...make sure that you're first approaching your violin with proper form and position. If this is already the case, then you'll want to look for an alternative position that befits your physical frame...and one that will not impede your playing facility.
4. Make sure that you do some stretching exercises before and after your practices sessions...this is essential in getting the kinks out of your muscles and may assist you in growing into the playing position you've currently chosen.

Hope something here helps, Mickey

It would seem that other than
I'm getting older (41 - HA!) the extent of practice (about 1/2 hour) has
both arms adjusting to a tightness, but mostly from the left shoulder the
upper muscle seems to feel "heavy" and sore from the placement of the
instrument where it should be... will this settle in? Please advise!
Sincerely, Robert Wright