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For 2 years now(not counting the first two years he had been playing because we focused on his notes first and foremost) we have been working on his stage presence, how to animate yourself while playing and being more expressive while playing. I call it "showing off". It is easier for him to understand what showing off means and what child doesn't like to show off. But I gotta tell ya, and I am not being the least bit sexist by saying this, it is super hard for a boy who just turned 13 to be expressive. He feels embarrassed and doesn't want anyone to poke fun of him because he "moves" while playing. It is akin to a boy dancing. He hates to dance for whatever reason. As adults, it is hard for us to understand how a child feels when they are asked to "dance" in front of people but I totally get it. His teacher also wants him to sing certain parts and like dancing, not only does he hate to sing in front of people, but that embarrasses him as well. And again, I totally get it. So it is a struggle to get him, as well as other kids(especially boys)to open up more and not be embarrassed. Ultimately, all we can do is be their cheerleader. It is up to them, of course with enticement from us adults and parents, to overcome how they feel. So having said that, he is taking baby steps and in this video, I think he is looking so much better being expressive....or showing off. Hey, whatever works, I will call it whatever it takes to help him.
Jim(Thomases Dad)
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@JimandThomas -
FABULOUS playing, Thomas! I LOVE listening & watching you play!
Hope you are proud of yourself & all your hard work!
Which are the parts you find most enjoyable to play in this movement?
You must be very busy with school & practice! Can't be easy having to learn a new piece well AND try to think of the best ways to musically share emotions you feel from it.
Musicality is not easy for adults, either!
Being able to sing (or hum) a piece not only feels good, I think it builds confidence in feeling phrasing, rhythm & dynamics. I have to repeatedly listen to a piece played before I can remember how to hum it (or sing it in my mind).
To me, learning to play the violin is like trying to become a good storyteller. If a piece of music doesn't already have a good story - I make one up!
There are GREAT storytellers! Do you have a favorite? My Nana was one of mine - she exaggerated the tone of her voice, the sentence phrasing, and physical gestures to keep my attention.
I know you watch & listen to different violinists play. Can you spot where their feelings change? Which violinist do you enjoy watching the most?
Have you ever played the game Charades?
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Thomas and I are similar.
I don't dance.
I didn't engage in the arts at 13 for fear of "expressing emotions".
But I did win a county piano scholarship, because musicality is not necessarily linked to effete mimicry of emotion. It comes from within and doesn't require showboating. The music is the externalisation. You don't need to do ballet while playing - that sort of crap is for the half-talented.
My teacher defines as part of good violin technique the establishment of the violin as a stable platform for your two hands to operate on with confidence. Bobbing and weaving and dancing prevent best bow contact, for example.
Oistrakh is the one to emulate.
Thomas should carry on doing what he is doing.
Andrew
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