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For some reason, I just can't get this to sound anything like...music...it's just noise. I don't know if it's me or the instrument but it is not pleasant to listen to. I have attached a video of me playing Chanson Boheme, and if you follow the link it will take you to a video of someone playing it properly (it starts about 2 minutes and 10 seconds in, I couldn't find a demonstration of just this piece).
HOW IT SHOULD SOUND:
WHEN I PLAY IT:
What do I need to do to sound more like the woman in the video? Mine just sounds so much harsher and more forced.
Regulars
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@Serotonin ,
I am very much a beginner, but I can share a few observations.
You're being too harsh on yourself. You actually played the piece well. She is playing with back-up music, which gives a fuller sound to her performance.
With regard to left hand, she is using more vibrato than you, and she seems to reach the finger positions effortlessly. Probably she has been playing longer and has more experience with playing in the more advanced positions that appear to be used in this composition. With more time and practice, you will achieve the same ease of fingering.
I think a big difference between your sound and hers lies in the bowing technique. She seems to use a lighter touch and yet achieves a full sound. Am not sure how that works - maybe part of it is differences in the actual physical bow and/or rosin. As with fingering, you will master the more advanced bow techniques with more time and practice.
Good job with the piece - I think you did a great job, and I commend you for wanting to improve your performance.
Honorary tenured advisor
Regulars
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@Serotonin, how long have you been playing? To answer your question directly:
What do I need to do to sound more like the woman in the video?
The answer is to do exactly what she has most likely done. You spend 10 or 12 years getting lessons from a really good violin teacher and practice several hours every day during that time.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. ~Herm Albright
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I've been playing for 5 and a half years
Honorary advisor
Regulars
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Hi Serotonin,
You did great!
My teacher always told me bowing is the most difficult part of playing violin. It's a very sensitive component that needs time and practice. A little bit of thumb pressure, change of hand weight, arm, etc is enough to modify the sound you produce. I've been playing for 6 years and I'm still having problems with the bow so I know how you are feeling.
Try to practice slower and use more bow with weight not pressure. Pressure makes it harsh.
More arm movement less shoulder and don't lock your wrist, it has to move freely and in a very natural way. The arm leads, the wrist follows just like when you're going to see what time it is on your wrist watch.
Other things: Do you have a very high bridge? I've had one for years and after I got it lowered the sound went smoother. Do you have rosin build up on the strings or enough rosin in your bow?
I hope I helped you in some way!
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Let's just focus on the future. Don't compare yourself to others just yet.
Let's work on making this better.
First thing I want you to work on is bowing straight. It improves sound.
Also, your violin seems to have a harsch metallic sound to it. Perhaps you are using steel core strings and would appreciate the warmer sound of synthetic core strings. There are all levels and prices when it comes to strings.
Use less shoulder and more elbow for bowing straighter.
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
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Just cleaned the strings and the bow (they were covered in dust and residue) and it's sounding smoother. I'll try to work on my bowing and share a new recording shortly 
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Heres version II
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Better
Just noticed the star in the middle of your room. Are you Swedish by any chance?
Looks like the Ikea star we get every once in a while. My wife loves them. She is Swedish by the way.
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
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Nope, British. It's a very common lower-middle-class household decoration XD
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You name didn't strike me as being Swedish, LOL.
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
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