March 8, 2004 at 6:58 AM

I watched Classic Arts Showcase this evening on Satelite TV. They showed a performance of the National Canada Ballet doing Vivaldi's Autumn Concerto. It was cool! The choreography was interesting and unique. The solo was played by Zukerman, who also conducted.

Anyways, I have been practacing 3 to 4 hours a day. Been working on the wrist (hand) vibrato, since my teacher told me that I needed a stronger wrist vibrato. I have the arm vibrato down well and is what I have used for the last several years. I pulled out my Galamian techniques book, and followed his instructions on how to develop a good wrist vibrato. This is accomplished by placing your second (or any finger for that matter) on the E natural on the A string, then resting the bottom of your hand on the body of the instrument. This way you can make sure you only move the wrist, and not the arm. After this was comfortable, I switched to first position, then without the bow, I used three fingers from my right hand between my left hand and the body of the instrument, and practiced the wrist vibrato this way for awhile. It is coming along well, and I was suprised I picked it up so fast.

Things I am practicing for my next lesson, Rondo in D by Mozart, Allegro Spiritoso by Jean Baptiste Senaille, and a Waltz by Grieg. Also, have been working on building up speed in Wolfhart Etudes Op. 45 (no. 38 to 42).