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In Need of a "Pick-Me-up!"
Topic Rating: 5 Topic Rating: 5 Topic Rating: 5 Topic Rating: 5 Topic Rating: 5 Topic Rating: 5 (11 votes) 
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EJ-Kisz
Midwest, US
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January 28, 2013 - 1:56 pm
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Thanks Pierre!

I should have noticed the first red flag with her when she made the comment, "I see you have a student violin, you can really do much with that."  LOL

I understand criticism and how it can help, but some people seem to have a "privileged" approach to violin.  I know a lot of other fiddlers who are trying to break that stereotype and show that violin can be for everybody.  When I played trumpet in orchestra, I ran into a few of those types as well.  With any instrument, music should be for everybody who wants to try!  That's why I gave free trumpet lessons when I was in college to kids under 12.  I just wanted them to experience it and have a good start someplace.  That's why I love this site.  It gives the average Joe a chance.  (Okay, rant over! LOL Sorry!)

I have been pondering about saving up for a few lessons to get me pointed in the right direction.  I'll have to get my Skype info up to date and installed on my new computer again!  

Once we find a house, I'll be able to post more videos as well in our planned "Music Room!"  

 

“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” ~Benjamin Franklin

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Fiddlerman
Fort Lauderdale
January 28, 2013 - 9:45 pm
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Sounds like a plan. Just keep on fiddling and have FUN like you always have. And I've always enjoyed your video posts as well :)

"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."

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Mad_Wed
Russia, Tatarstan rep. Kazan city
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January 29, 2013 - 6:07 pm
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Sorry to hear that You were discouraged, Eric! C'mon, man, You're a tough guy!! Don't let such people to get You down!

When i had my first lesson, my teacher told me that i have "uncomfortable" hands. It's not something discouraging - it's truth. Also she explained how to deal with it. I have short curved pinkies, and long other fingers, and all of them are quite skinny, my teacher calls them toothpicks!! roflol

Professional is not the one who can just say what is wrong, it's one who can tell how to manage or correct it!!!!

Many of us have difficulties because of our natural disadvantages - it doesn't mean anything untill one will give it a meaning!

Butterfly with damaged wings or will fly - or won't.

Fly, while You can, as high as You can, as far as You can!

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EJ-Kisz
Midwest, US
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February 2, 2013 - 3:34 pm
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Mad_Wed said
When i had my first lesson, my teacher told me that i have "uncomfortable" hands. It's not something discouraging - it's truth. Also she explained how to deal with it. I have short curved pinkies, and long other fingers, and all of them are quite skinny, my teacher calls them toothpicks!! roflol

 

Awe, but I bet those "toothpicks" can maneuver a fingerboard like no other! ;-)

When I was younger and learning bass, I was told that I have frog-hands.  .....I still don't get it! LOL  

I'm keeping my head up and I'm trying to forget the things she said, but it comes creeping up in the back of my mind every now and then.  I just have to find my comfort zone again.  Thanks Naska!

“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” ~Benjamin Franklin

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Tyberius
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February 2, 2013 - 3:56 pm
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I personally hit one of those I don't feel like playing it about once a week. It's then that I actually play better when I force myself to open my case and pull it out. I start feeling better just tuning it and from there, how can I not just get lost in the "music to MY ears". Even if my family wears out the cotton balls, military style ear plugs, self induced ear drum ruptures and noise cancellation headphones. LOL

 

Seriously. I do have bouts of "I just am not getting this" -or- "Why am i not getting any better". My solution is to record yourself weekly playing the same song. For me, it happens to be one I really suck at, but it only shows my progression so much more. That song is "Stinky's Blues" fiddle song. Its loaded with 1/8 notes at a quick tempo. Trying to keep bow strokes, string changes and timing is my personal horror story on this. But, I can get through it. When I first played I couldn't even stand to hear the string change squeal and squeaks. So, when I can "master" it as composed, I'll start playing it with some personal flair (ie chuck out the bow stroke/timing and add some slurs/rolls to it.). I already notice a significant difference in the mechanical droning to a more fluid and harmonious play. Its how I keep my perspective.

 

As a final note, From your bow hold, it looks like you might be grasping it too tight. Your finger tips look white-ish. On my hold, I almost "let go" of the bow. I can then rotate it slightly when I play and it is now more fluid with my wrist. If your fingers and thumb hold are tight, there's probably tension in your hand/wrist/forearm.

 

 

"I find your lack of Fiddle, disturbing" - Darth Vader

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EJ-Kisz
Midwest, US
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February 2, 2013 - 6:07 pm
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x_Tyberius_x said
 

As a final note, From your bow hold, it looks like you might be grasping it too tight. Your finger tips look white-ish. On my hold, I almost "let go" of the bow. I can then rotate it slightly when I play and it is now more fluid with my wrist. If your fingers and thumb hold are tight, there's probably tension in your hand/wrist/forearm.

 

 

I think part of why that is the way I'm holding the bow for the camera.  .....not too coordinated with my left hand to take a good picture! LOL  I'll also try loosening my bow hold a bit more.  I know my thumb does all kinds of weird things when I loosen too much though.  

I've actually been going though some old songs today to see where I'm at with them. With some of them, I've definitely lost a step.  I have "am I holding my bow right?" and "is my left hand in the right spot?" constantly running through my head now when that all should be second nature.  

I think I need to get outside around a campfire with good friends.  I think that's where I play my best!  It's been way too long.  

I still have to schedule a lesson with Pierre and I'm sure that will help immensely!!   

“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” ~Benjamin Franklin

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Fiddlerman
Fort Lauderdale
February 2, 2013 - 10:13 pm
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I look forward to it Eric. thumbs-up

"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."

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Mad_Wed
Russia, Tatarstan rep. Kazan city
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February 4, 2013 - 2:44 pm
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EJKiszenia said

...  I have "am I holding my bow right?" and "is my left hand in the right spot?" constantly running through my head now when that all should be second nature.  ....

Hahahaha!!! How about those:

"C'mon, left elbow! Go under! I said: go under!", "This B was too flat!", "Here was vibrato somewhere!", "Those 16ths supposed to be equal!", "Wrist is relaxed...R-E-L-A-X-E-D!", "That was from the other piece! facepalm", "Shut up, harmonic! You're not supposed to be a harmonic anymore!", "F#->A->F#->A->F#->G...G? G, where did You come from?", "What a strange sound? Violin fairies?".........etc.

Hahaha, You're lucky to have those 2 =) It's normal! =)

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EJ-Kisz
Midwest, US
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February 5, 2013 - 11:03 am
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Mad_Wed said

Hahahaha!!! How about those:

"C'mon, left elbow! Go under! I said: go under!", "This B was too flat!", "Here was vibrato somewhere!", "Those 16ths supposed to be equal!", "Wrist is relaxed...R-E-L-A-X-E-D!", "That was from the other piece! facepalm", "Shut up, harmonic! You're not supposed to be a harmonic anymore!", "F#->A->F#->A->F#->G...G? G, where did You come from?", "What a strange sound? Violin fairies?".........etc.

Hahaha, You're lucky to have those 2 =) It's normal! =)

roflroflolrofl

Well, now that you mention it! LOL  My favorite ones occur when you're playing in front of people.....ya know....."it wasn't me!" dunnotongue

“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” ~Benjamin Franklin

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Mad_Wed
Russia, Tatarstan rep. Kazan city
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February 10, 2013 - 12:55 pm
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exactlyroflol

I surely know! facepalmroflroflrofl

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