How to Release the Tension in your Neck when Playing the Violin? | Violin & Viola TV #210

Written by Zlata Brouwer
Published: November 30, 2015 at 10:34 AM [UTC]

My Violin & Viola Academy student Susan has pain in her neck while playing the violin. She writes...

Hi Zlata,

I am working on the Weight vs Pressure thing but I can’t get rid of the tension in my neck etc. I also adjusted my chin- and shoulder rests and it feels a bit more comfortable.

Thank you so much for your kind attention whenever possible.

Susan

Some people spend fortunes and a lot of time and frustration on trying out new chinrests and shoulder rests. The important thing to realize here is that it's not all in the material. No shoulder rest or chinrest can compensate a bad hold or balance.

People tend to think 'I know how to hold my violin', but there is always some improvement to make.

The trick is to find balance between your left hand and collar bone. The weight of the violin should be distributed around 50/50 on your collar bone and left hand.

It's a common misconception that you should squeeze the violin between your shoulder and chin. Certainly with the viola, being longer and bigger, this can cause quite some injury.

Lots of people, me too, use the expression 'put your violin on your shoulder'. Actually it's best to have your violin rest on your collar bone instead of your shoulder. This is another common misconception about violin hold. The pictures you find in books are often exaggerated to prevent children from holding the violin too much down (with the scroll pointing to the floor).

In a comfortable balanced violin hold, the endpin points to the middle of your throat. Your violin rests on your collar bone and in your left hand (this even improves intonation). Your chin doesn't have to squeeze the violin, but just prevents the violin from wobbling while bowing.

By implementing these tips and relaxing your neck and chin, you can play comfortably for hours a day. Search for a hold that is good for you and doesn't activate your neck too much.

Is this video helpful to you? Please let me know in the comments below! If you like it, share it with your friends!

Love,

Zlata

PS: Do you have questions or struggles on violin or viola playing? Post a comment below or send an e-mail to info@violinlounge.com and I might dedicate a Violin & Viola TV episode to answering your question!

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