November 2009

V.com weekend vote: Do you have siblings who also play the violin?

November 27, 2009 20:03

When I imagine a childhood in which both my sister and I played the violin, I also imagine non-stop sibling rivalry: screaming matches, the violin-turned weapon flying across the room...Of course, maybe sharing a common endeavor would actually have had the opposite effect, and the real picture would have involved happily practicing the Bach Double together.

"Isn't this a beautiful piece?"

"Yeah, but you counted that wrong."

"No YOU counted that wrong."

"Hello, I'm older than you,"

"Doesn't mean you're right!"

Okay maybe not. But I'll never know, we mostly did different activities, and she never expressed an interest in the violin.

But as I understand it, in many families, multiple children happily learn to play the violin at the same time. Sometimes they even help teach each other! How about you, do you have any siblings who play the violin? Or perhaps you are an only child. Please vote below and tell us your experiences. You can also tell us about whether you have children who play the same instrument.

poll by twiigs.com

18 replies | Archive link

V.com weekend vote: Do you stretch before you play?

November 21, 2009 23:30

Certainly violin-playing is a physical activity, and in many ways it can be compared to a sport. But do you stretch before you play, as you would before running or other kinds of physical activity?

Clayton Haslop's blog inspired this vote. In it, he talks about a mentor who advocated not stretching.

Many years ago, I injured my neck -- a combination of stress and overuse rendered me unable to turn my head and thus unable to play for a time. I went to a physical therapist, who gave me some stretching exercises. Every time I played, I stretched my neck and arms beforehand. This lasted for a number of months, until I recovered. As I felt better, I slacked off and eventually forgot about the stretching.

These days I do not stretch before I play. But I faithfully start practice sessions with acceleration scales and other technical work. This kind of "warming up" is almost like stretching, but it doesn't count. Also, I practice yoga, and I find that the more yoga I'm doing, the better I play. The yoga works on both strength and flexibility, helps internal organs function better, makes me sleep and it just makes me feel goooooood. Still, I don't exactly do it in combination with playing; I do it for my overall health.

Do you stretch before you play? What are your thoughts on the matter?

poll by twiigs.com

11 replies | Archive link

V.com weekend vote: If you were asked to perform something at the last minute, would you choose a slow or fast piece?

November 13, 2009 14:20

So I got asked at the last minute to play a solo for church, something slow and melodic.

Of course, slow and melodic is great on the old Gagliano, and I love the chance to take it for a ride, especially with such a wonderful pianist. But to be honest, when it's "prepare something for tomorrow," I think that getting something quick-ish and full of notes together is easier. What do you think? Can you remember having to perform a solo at the last minute? And what feels more comfortable in that situation, playing a slow, melodic piece, or something up-tempo, with a lot of notes?

Please vote, and use the comments section below to share with us your last-minute experiences, insights and funny stories.

poll by twiigs.com

10 replies | Archive link

V.com weekend vote: Would you rather be a soloist, or play in a group?

November 6, 2009 21:30

Some people are made for the limelight; they have that kind of energy that transmits best in the solo spotlight. Others enjoy being part of a group, be it an orchestra, chamber group, band or other situation.

Personally, I've certainly enjoyed the recitals I've given over the years, but my heart is in the orchestra. I truly enjoy being one small part in a larger-than-life whole.

How about you? Please vote, and tell us your thoughts on the joys and trials of being a soloist vs. being a team player.

poll by twiigs.com

16 replies | Archive link

More entries: October 2009