Why Can't You 'Just Play Something'?

Written by Zlata Brouwer
Published: October 23, 2013 at 2:22 PM [UTC]

Are you having nice progress playing the violin or viola?

When a friend or family member asks you to 'just play something'... does this scare you?

Do you doubt what to play and how to play it?

Do you have no clue what to answer to that question or what to do?

In this video you will learn how to prepare some pieces, so you can always 'play something' when someone ask you to.

It's not difficult... you just need to know how and what.

Please find here my personal selection of violin gig books to use!

Also watch my video 'What to play at a solo gig?'... (it might be very useful to you)

Is this video useful to you? Please let me know in the comments!

Love,

Zlata

PS: Do you have questions for me on violin or viola playing? Post a comment below or send an e-mail to info@violinlounge.com

From Anne-Marie Proulx
Posted on October 23, 2013 at 2:50 PM

Hi, thanks for your tips! I have found another trick too... Of course it's not as nica as live playing but may solve a lot of headaches and anxiety from playing on the spot immediately with no ready music at hands and... cold hands!

It's to record some peices either alone or with a recorded accompaniment (usually fun type peices not too long...) in relaxed conditions at home...

After, when these rushed uncomfortable situations occur, you can say "oh but I have made little recordings, would you like me to send them to you" and tadam!

It's also a great booster to practice for concerts and such. If you know that you record them in the hope to have, if possible, an "ok" recording to put in your "archives" and show to all those who want to hear you when you're not ready, you'll practice more!

Anyway, just a trick... I know what you mean, for years, I hided my violin and didn't talk about it infront of relatives because I was too afraid I would have to play (I'm a shy/reserved person and not the type to brag or publicize my violin at all occasions :)

Good blog,
Anne-Marie

From Zlata Brouwer
Posted on October 23, 2013 at 3:04 PM

Hi Anne-Marie,

Thank you for your GREAT addition. Yes, recording can do magic for practicing pieces, but I never thought of it as a way to show people what you are doing. Thanks!

All the best,

Zlata

From Roy Sonne
Posted on October 24, 2013 at 4:06 PM

As a kid, there was nothing I hated so much as having to play something when company came. Later on, as an adult I realized that I could use it as an opportunity to play for an audience, and also that most of the time the folks were really appreciative. The Gavotte from the E Major Partita became my piece that I could pull out anytime, anyplace with no preparation and no warm up. It's short. It's relatively well known. It doesn't require piano. It's a winner.

From Zlata Brouwer
Posted on October 25, 2013 at 5:31 PM

Thanks, Roy, great tip also!

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Why Can't You 'Just Play Something'?

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