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Regulars
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Why is it that I seem to play the violin better when I am standing up as opposed to sitting down ? Not only does the violin feel more comfortable when i am standing but my fingering technique seems better, I can play faster, and I make fewer mistakes when i am standing and playing than when i am sitting down.
Perhaps when sitting in a comfortable chair I get lazy and more tired and careless ?
Regulars
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Maybe your bow arm is freer to extend all the way when you stand.
I've learned so much from my mistakes that I've decided to make some more.
Honorary advisor
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Hmmm... possible. Never thought of that. You might be right. I'll have to try both positions and see how it affects my bow arm. it could very well be the case.
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I have a little folding stool I use since my "music room" is in a converted attic that doesn't give much head room (I just about poked my bow through the ceiling on the first stroke). It was something like $10 at Target. I sit on the edge of the stool and sit up straight (takes some conscious effort -- I'm a sloucher), and it seems to be about the same as standing to me -- however, my instructor and I both stand during lessons. It's probably the posture more than anything -- after all, most musicians are seated in an orchestra. 🙂
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As sdsalyer said, sitting up on the chair makes playing the violin feel more like standing. Not only on the edge of the chair but also arch your back and lean forward a little. Posture is so important and you are entirely right about playing better while standing.
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
Honorary advisor
Regulars
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As a practicing violinist, better stand and do it.
If music be the food of love, play on;
Give me excess of it ..(William Shakespeare in Twelfth Night)
Regular advisor
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I find both work fine, as long as I sit upright. I tend to sit after my arms get tired 
The early bird catches the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese!
There may be a consideration about playing half the violin directly into a lap versus a freely sounding bottom plate in the standing position.
I think that my violin sounds better and louder when I am standing but I've always played seated so standing is not the most natural for me.
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During my lessons my instructor prefers me standing saying a fiddler stands. If I get a good long practice at home though I will be sitting. My playing seems the same either way.
I'm always standing while i play 
Feeling uncomfortable when i'm sitting.. even if i do it right
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I too play better standing. I like to be able to tap my feet and have a bit dance.
Regulars
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I like to play while leaning back in my chair with my feet on my desk. 
That's bad form, you say?
(Actually, I tried it once and it didn't go so well. I generally prefer to practice standing so I can pace around a bit. It is also better for my posture.)
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Anything that is comfortable and doesn't create pain in the long run is OK. I would recommend against leaning back in the chair though. LOL
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
Regulars
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I thingk I will try playing while on the tread mill.
I have always thought that marching bands should have a violin section. 
No matter where you go, there you are!
Advanced member
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I prefer standing. Since I put new strings and bridge on I can keep a beat with no problem. I tried siting like we did in orchestra class all those years ago but can't seem to play as good and keep a beat.
16 years of experience and relearning.
I also can play better when standing but I usually have to sit and play.
Regulars
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I tried to practice once on a trip down south but kept poking the driver in the ear... not such a good idea at 70 mph. LOL
"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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I once thought of practicing on the thread mill too. Great idea Erich. LOL
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
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