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Hi, I'm new to the forum and hoping to get some feedback on my playing. I've been teaching myself for just under a year now, using YouTube and a violin tutor book. I did have a few lessons from my dad when I was about ten, but never got much beyond bowing open strings.
I'm hoping you good people can check my posture, hand position etc and see if I'm doing anything seriously wrong. I know my intonation comes and goes, which I'm working on. I've recorded 2 tunes, a fast one (John Ryan's Polka) and a slower one (The Ash Grove), and video'd myself from 2 different angles.
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Regulars
Wow!!! That is amazing!! I loved your bowing! Clean and clear sound. I cant believe you did this all by yourself. Simply beyond amazing. One thing I'd suggest is to try getting your left arm a tinsy little bit more under the violin. So your fingers can reach the strings better and they keep erect for good finger action. Keep posting!
Juan.
There's nothing better than a cold beer and the warm soothing sound of a violin.
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Honorary tenured advisor
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Hi Jim!
I only have one suggestion ... from my point of view I think your right shoulder is a little tense. If you can solve that one please let me know, as I have the same problem. Also right wrist ... ask anyone here how flexible their right wrist is!
But I really enjoyed your playing, beautiful clear bowing and fingering is awesome for one year!
You obviously have a good musical grounding, judging by your piano playing ... I'm really envious of that too!
Cheers
Robyn
If you think you can, or you think you can't, you're probably right.
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Wow, that's really good for only have been playing for a year. Your bowing wrist is still a bit stiff. While in playing position pretend that you are going to wipe your nose on the top of your wrist. Lead with your wrist. Yes this is a problem I often have as well.
Opportunity is often missed because it wears suspenders and looks like hard work.
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Nice job!! @--Jim-- Dunleavy My only comment - SMILE!!!
Two weeks ago at the jam attend I realized I was doing some kind of chewing motion - feeling every note with my mouth. Oh My Goodness!! No wonder every one was staring at me!!!
Violinist start date - May 2013
Fiddler start date - May 2014
FIDDLE- Gift from a dear friend. A 1930-40 german copy, of a french copy of a Stradivarius. BOW - $50 carbon fiber. Strings - Dominants with E Pirastro Gold string.
Honorary tenured advisor
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Very very nice. I'll bet you're right about the bow bounce being caused by tension. I understand. As soon as I hit the record button on anything I get as stiff as a department store mannequin. Since you seem to already be aware that stiffness anywhere is bad, I think you've done a great job of self teaching. Keep it up.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. ~Herm Albright
Regulars
I wasn't aware of that project, but you did a good job of it!
Re the face - that's the first time I've video'd myself playing and I was unaware of the strange pouting movements I was doing. I guess it's just because I was concentrating hard. With a bit of luck it might go away eventually!
Although I've been teaching myself, there are so many great resources on the internet these days (e.g. Fiddlerman's videos and many others) that it's almost like having an army of teachers in your own home!
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@Jim Dunleavy I think everyone in the beginning doesn't smile, but we should be because fiddling is FUN!!
Violinist start date - May 2013
Fiddler start date - May 2014
FIDDLE- Gift from a dear friend. A 1930-40 german copy, of a french copy of a Stradivarius. BOW - $50 carbon fiber. Strings - Dominants with E Pirastro Gold string.
Members
Well, but smiles don't fit with every song, either. Someone grinning like a loon through a tragic ballad or something is just kinda eerie. Or could give the impression that the player neither knows nor cares what the music is actually about.
Good going though, Jim Dunleavey, that was some good playing. I didn't see anything to facial expression that I wouldn't have just thought of as looking concentrated or focused.
Beginners don't smile much because they are focusing on their playing, not their looks. But for those plagued by mouths that go into really weird shapes when they play, there is an accessory that can help.
qid=1430406116&sr=8-1&keywords=wax+lips
If you look around, you can also find ones with handlebar moustaches, that could be handy for folks doing Old-Time fiddle music.
I'm surprised Fiddlershop doesn't carry them..
"This young wine may have a lot of tannins now, but in 5 or 10 years it is going to be spectacular, despite the fact that right now it tastes like crude oil. You know this is how it is supposed to taste at this stage of development." ~ Itzhak Perlman
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Definitely the ones with the moustaches for me.
Thanks to everyone who's commented on my videos - I appreciate you taking the time to offer advice. I've noted all the tips and am doing my best to incorporate them into my practice sessions.
Incidentally, is it just me, or are the sums at the end of the post getting harder all the time?!
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