21 Orchestral Playing Tips

September 11, 2013 at 1:36 PM

1. Start From the string


2. Watch the conductor


3. Watch concertmaster for bow length, distribution, style and match your playing to hers/his


4. Feel full rests do not come in early


5. Always subdivide


6. Isolate upper position work


7. Fast notey passages always be on the beat - do not rush - see notes in groups not one note at a time


8. Do not hang over the rests


9. Give every note its full exact value not too short and not too long


10. Arrive to rehearsals at least 20 minutes before the A is given


11. Don't rush to rehearsal - allow plenty of travel time


12. Always have rosin, mute, pencil, eraser


13. Healthy Snacks for break and drive home


14. Extra contacts or pair of glasses


15. Extra Strings


16. Extra Bow


17. Listen to recordings of orchestral pieces


18. Have CDs in the car - listen to and from rehearsal


19. Violinist on the outside writes fingerings on top/inside violinist writes fingering on bottom


20. Small bows in fast passages


21. Stay calm and Have fun:)