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Drew Lecher

VIOLIN TECHNIQUE/VIOLA TECHNIQUE: Posture

April 6, 2009 at 2:10 PM

Hello Mr. Lecher. I am finally e-mailing you before midnight! Yes!
Well today I practiced for 6 hours... at CYSO. :) And let me tell you, that is what I call a mental workout..... blahhhhh.... Honestly, I feel like I cant move another muscle, so what I did was I used all your techniques during practice and made sure I was using all of them efficiently and effectively, since I have to use them anyway in anything I do. I have created my schedule/planner sheet and cleverly placed it in a good place in my room. After today's experience, I really think I understand what a really good practice is. I will notify you how practice goes tomorrow though. 
Best Wishes—S.
Hi S,
 
Yes, every time you pick up the violin is a practice time—one must always be working to improve.
 
6 hours of rehearsing is excessive, especially for young players. Really concentrate on posture and form—back straight, chest up, violin up, arms free to move in any direction, NO SQUEEZING of head, neck and shoulder to hold instrument, NO SQUEEZING of left hand, fingers and arm, NO SQUEEZING OF ANYTHING, and KEEP YOUR MIND ALERT! 
 
Sit/stand tall and light—always.
 
I look forward to the next report:-)

God bless,
D.

From al ku
Posted on April 7, 2009 at 10:53 AM

good reminder of a lot of things....thanks!


From Royce Faina
Posted on April 7, 2009 at 2:43 PM

"No Squeezing Anything....".  I thought I was whimping out if I stopped once the sqeezing began.  Good to know that's what I'm suppose to do?

Any stretching exercises you would recomend? definitely got to get your book!

Royce


From Ann Marie Cordial
Posted on April 7, 2009 at 3:13 PM

I play the viola and violin and I put in a lot of practice hours.  Not long ago I hired a personal trainer to help me stay fit.  Part of my routine with my trainer is stretching the arms, shoulders, back, forearm and hand excercises.  What a difference in playing that makes!  It gives me great stamina.


From Drew Lecher
Posted on April 7, 2009 at 4:20 PM

 You’re welcome, Al.

Royce, stretch everything—carefully.

Ann, sounds great. My wife and I started going to the Fitness Center about 4 years ago. I do strength and stretching—feels wonderful! And then I walk the dogs, one of my favorite things—even in the rain. I just don't know the person I see in the mirror:-)

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