program that builds special chinrests and shoulder rests

January 18, 2009 at 5:33 PM

I've been studying for two years now and have had four teachers (I've moved a couple times). I've written to this site before reporting on my difficulty in finding a reliable method of supporting the violin. Basically, the violin slips down my chest and no shoulder rest I've tried works for me.

My guess is that many students who quit lessons have unrecognized mechanical problems. I've been close to quitting several times, because I have spent very little time on music and a lot of time on rehoisting the instrument, cursing it, etc.

I am now thinking of consulting the people at the Hogeschool voor de Kunsten in Utrecht (I live in Paris) who have a rather unusual program devoted to aiding people with problems in adapting to the instrument. Their well documented site is www.violinistinbalance.nl .

My questions: Does anyone have experience with this or similar (if there are similar) programs? Any comments on what you see on the site? Would the cello solve all my problems?

From Bart Meijer
Posted on January 18, 2009 at 6:27 PM

Hello Lawrence,

The center of expertise around Crissman Taylor in Utrecht is still there, but the artisan who made the chinrests has passed away. I'm not aware of anyone filling the gap.

Hope this helps,

Bart

From Anne-Marie Proulx
Posted on January 18, 2009 at 9:05 PM

Is it a Proulx's problem? lol

I had a bit this problem too!

I don't know about a special program so thanks for the link!

I can sum up very fast my personal experience and maybe it can help you but I am sure everyone here is sick of hearing about it on the other comments I write because so many discussions here are about physiology, mechanic problems etc (but I think this topic very interesting though). I have a very very long neck and no commercial rests work. I had to make myself my own device. It's not perfect but it is the best thing yet and with practice it becomes more natural. Playing without a rest or with a little cushion (like the one I did myself) is always harder for balance but I like the sound and the fact that I am able to put my violin to the angle I want. My shoulder has more freedom and still this cushion provides just the necessary support for a long neck. Here are thing I find important when doing any device for holding your instrument:

It has to touch in one point you collarbone for stability otherwise it is like playing on a tennis ball! If it is too soft, it is less stable too.

the surface that touches your shoulder can be big but the one that touches your violin must be the smallest possible to not harm the vibration of the instrument.

You have to experiment like an ingeneer or inventor. It can be quite long to find the shape you want first, the thickness etc. (It's very personnal)

It can take a little sewing ability and no, don't give the contract to your neighbor because you are the only one who feels your body and knows what is comfortable for you.

Elastics is a good way to make hold anything behind your violin and some ruber material is good for antisliping!

You must not be afraid to look ridiculous. Before having something that looks ok, I experimented with all kind of white cloths that I folded under the violin and yes, it was the ugliest thing... Whatever the device, put it black and it is much more subtile!

Nothing is perfect but I learned an important thing, the best things are often those you make for yourself (because you feel your body and what is comfortable). Don't be afraid to invent or built something if nothing commercial works! As a girl I can not hide anything but (sorry for my little knowledge but I don't know if Lawrence is a boy or girls name) if you are a boy, I know that many of them hide all kind of stuff under their shirt or coat included the great masters!

good luck!

Anne-Marie

From Lawrence Proulx
Posted on January 20, 2009 at 3:32 PM

Thanks for your reply, Anne-Marie. I'm from Rhode Island, but originally my ancestors on my father's side came from Sherbrooke and Drummondville.

From Anne-Marie Proulx
Posted on January 22, 2009 at 12:35 AM

Oh, I see!

Anne-Marie

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