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Maintaining The Highest Playing Level Throughout The Aging Process

Edited: March 9, 2026, 3:41 AM · As a person ages they may have to make changes to accommodate their body and mind. One issue can be fixed with glasses to help read the music more easily. Changing the chinrest and or shoulder rest may also be needed. Practice time and focusing more on the essentials are necessary. Warming up before playing also has changed. Stretching also becomes essential. Any suggestions, specific exercise rituals, and materials you can offer are appreciated. Thank You!

Replies (6)

Edited: March 9, 2026, 5:01 AM · I think it is not only about violin playing. Exercises to keep you lower back flexible, being active, eating healthy, etc. If you then keep working on your violin skills that is also an excellent way to keep your brain active.

About your question 3: yes, like Scott above, the thumb is active and "learns" not to slip. It's part of getting used to it.

Edited: March 9, 2026, 5:27 AM · Posture has some surprising effects. I went through a patch last month where my violin sounded unexpectedly tinny. I thought maybe it was the strings I was experimenting with, or perhaps how the readjustment in September (NYC) had tightened things up more than ideal. So I went back to (new) Passiones. I was still not getting what I was used to with this dark and relaxed sounding instrument.

I finally realized that after using the trampoline a bit (thanks, Buri!), my shoulders had moved a bit further back and this changed my contact point to be closer to the bridge. In recognition of shoulders that weren't drooping quite so much, I had to lengthen my arms and maybe modify what direction I was pointing the fingerboard. I may still take the fiddle to get a seasonal adjustment, but this has reminded me to be more alert to issues of geometry, etc.

Edited: March 13, 2026, 9:28 AM · Increased, patient, mindfulness.
Overthink, then "just do it"..
March 10, 2026, 12:10 PM · Stay active in music and don't worry about it. Everything we receive, we must one day give back, so just enjoy the ride.
March 10, 2026, 1:19 PM · Paying close attention to aches and pains that may attend to your violin playing is essential, as is having a good physical therapist on speed-dial. In fact I'm considering buying a couple of physical therapy sessions just to have professional guidance on preventive care.
March 11, 2026, 3:17 PM · Protect your ears.

I swear my online Metamvmt classes. They do so much to keep my body aligned and able to function well.

Doing things that are good for my brain: exercise, eating fruits and vegetables, keeping my brain active and challenged.