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How to Rosin a Bow

March 5, 2013 at 7:53 AM

How to Rosin a Bow - Sounds simple enough and yes it is. Just be sure to always loosen the bow before you put it in the case. If you do not loosen the bow after you are done playing you will warp the stick of the bow eventually. In this video, filmed in the rehearsal hall for the Gabrovo Chamber Orchestra in Gabrovo, Bulgaria, I demonstrate loosening and tightening the bow. I also show a secret of rosining the bow that is not well known that will help with clarity of more advanced strokes. Also an exercise that is great for teachers to appreciate how it feels to hold the bow as a newbie and for students to help develop the dexterity of their left hand.
Enjoy the Video and Happy Practicing:)

Happy Practicing!

Heather Broadbent

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Interesting video. Learned a couple new things about something so often taken for granted. Never thought to rosin the sides of the hair, will do that from now on.
I'm using Pirastro Goldflex which is supposed to have gold flake in it, but I'm thinking that's probably part of the grainy sometimes scrapping sound I get, especially on long slow quiet bow strokes (pianissimo). Never rehaired a bow, maybe I should do that. For me, once or twice a yr would be plenty.
One thing I do which seems to "wake up" the rosin cake is use a safety pin to scrape the surface before I rosin the bow. I'm definitely not using too much rosin since I don't think to rosin unless I'm having trouble with something I don't normally struggle with. Then I'll rosin the bow.
Great post, Heather! I've never thought to tell my students to rosin the sides of the bow. Also, your suggestion to rosin the bow by holding it with the left hand will certainly help me to identify with my beginner students. Thank you!