March 2009

Reese's Pieces

March 13, 2009 18:54

TO REST OR NOT TO REST, THAT IS THE QUESTION!

I have been playing the violin for a number or years now, over twenty in fact. One of the things I've always regretted in my playing is having to use a shoulder rest. It does make holding the violin easier, but I am convinced it has the effect of deadening the sound of my violin to some degree. This past week, I was with a friend and we were playing some duets and I had forgotten to bring my shoulder rest and so played without one. It was someone more difficult to play, but my violin sounded much better and I could feel it more (if you know what I mean) while I was playing. And so my question is has anyone ever switched from having used a shoulder rest to playing without one? If so, was it a long transition before you were used to it? Any help here would be appreciated. Thanks, and it's good to be back!!!

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