Time Dilation

March 24, 2008 at 1:57 AM

It took two days, but I was finally able to relax enough to practice and play well. My "clock" slowed down to match that of the "normal world". Some stretching exercises OUTSIDE (the weather was pleasant) did wonders for the mind and the body.

I've been struggling with my set-up (chinrest/shoulder-rest) for some time now. I've come to realize that putting my shoulder-rest far back from my neck (more towards the fingerboard) does the trick. The movement of my chin doesn't "lift" the viola and start making things out of tune. This makes me start to wonder if I should be playing with a sponge instead.

Happy Easter to all, I'm going back to practice again.

From Neil Cameron
Posted on March 24, 2008 at 10:49 AM

Funny you should say that. 2 weeks ago I gave into peer pressure and had another try playing viola without a rest and using just a sponge.

Usually these experiments have lasted about 5 minutes maximum. However, in this case I'm still playing without the rest and enjoying it.

I did pull out the violin last night, but I felt much happier playing it with the rest on because of the height difference between it and the viola.

Neil

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