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Tonight I looked back at all the the videos I made of my violin/fiddle playing over the past 3 1/2 years. For those starting out on their violin/fiddle journey, I HIGHLY recommend recording yourself along the way. And recording yourself on video, not just audo, is important, as you can see how your technique changes over time. Even if you never share the videos with anyone, they will be helpful to you.
Anyway, I thought it might be fun to share the first video that I ever posted here on Fiddlerman.com and one that I recorded just the other day. I hope that the comparison shows progress. 
My first video:
My most recent video:
When the work's all done and the sun's settin' low,
I pull out my fiddle and I rosin up the bow.
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that's wonderful progress! You look so much more relaxed and confident on the violin.
My one critique, since you invited, is that you're slowly working your way to the tip of the bow as your second piece progresses. You might get some better expression out of your pieces if you work in a bit more of the rest of your bow. Think about the piece and decide where you want your phrases to begin and end. At the end of a phrase, pick the bow up off the strings and start at the frog again.
Regulars
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Congratulations Diane; Amazing what a few years can accomplish.
Again Congratulations
Ray
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Thanks for the feedback, @FirstPancake ! I do feel more relaxed when I play now. I think playing with backing tracks has had a lot to do with that.
You should see some of my other old videos...all kinds of grimaces, stiff wrists and arms at odd angles due to tension. 
@Raywells : Thanks for your kind words!
When the work's all done and the sun's settin' low,
I pull out my fiddle and I rosin up the bow.
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Oh, forgot to say thanks for the feedback on my bowing. I know I tend to play too close to the tip and often don't use enough bow. I'm working on both, but still have a long way to go.
When the work's all done and the sun's settin' low,
I pull out my fiddle and I rosin up the bow.
Regulars
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Amazing progress, @ KindaScratchy ! As a beginner myself, I find this video pairing very inspiring.
The earlier piece demonstrates tight arms and a kind of constricted sound. The second video shows you playing very relaxed and comfortably, with great intonation and fiddle bounce. My teacher has been trying to get me to relax my wrists when playing, so maybe I'll try the hint you mention above of playing along with accompaniment tracks.
Thanks for posting the comparison videos!
Regulars
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In the first video it looked like frets on that violin!
Did you have one of those "fiddle fretter" strips on there?
Oh, nice job. Sounded a lot more relaxed of course the second time.
"If you practice with your hands you must practice all day. Practice with your mind and you can accomplish the same amount in minutes." Nathan Milstein
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