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Hello, I finally got around to recording a video. This is the first song I've learned "Ode To Joy". Any tips or advice about anything would be greatly appreciated. Thanks 
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Thanks for posting. I hope I don't sound like a nag, but sit up straight on the front edge of the chair. At least that's what my strings teacher says to do. Of course he's teaching me cello and that's a horse of a different color.
You can use more bow to get a louder sound, and change bow direction for each note. You've made a nice start.
I've learned so much from my mistakes that I've decided to make some more.
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Thanks for the reply Gail, I'll work on sitting up straight on the front edge!
"Use more bow" Does this mean more down pressure?
Is changing bow direction with each note the correct way to play? My sheet music (From Essential Elements) has bow direction markers in it so that's what I was following. I may not be reading the music correctly.
Thanks, Again
Here are my two cents; As Gail said, change bow directions for each note. Not sure if you are following FM's sheet music for this song (https://fiddlerman.com/wp-cont.....to-Joy.pdf), there he shows you which way to bow, although, it's basically alternating down and up.
Although, I guess that would be a good exercise to use the whole bow to practice your bowing, and just changing notes with the left hand, but not sure if that would start any bad habits??? Am a beginner too 
Other than that good job!
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I believe that "use more bow" is referring to the length of the bow stroke. You seem to like using primarily the lower half of the bow instead of going all the way from frog to tip. Try playing each note while using the entire bow from frog to tip and see how you like the sound of it.
Also, I'll second the suggestions to try alternating down/up/down/etc. with each note and see if you like how it sounds any better.
Finally, that was a really nice start. You're doing great with slurs.
(I've been playing for less than a year so take my suggestions as you will. I am one of those players who hears "use more bow" a lot though.)
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Great job. My kids were just learning "Ode to Joy" on the piano today. It is nice to hear a beginner on another instrument try the same song. I am looking forward to trying it myself.
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Exactly what everyone said above. 
I think it is impressive that you could play so many notes in one bow.
You will do well at this rate Bleed Blue.
Thanks for the post.
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
Bleed, I think you have most of the intonation correct, and you're using your pinky, so that's good. You have lots of support here, so 
keep going!
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It took me a while to realize that I'm using Essential Elements, too. I have the 2000 edition. In my book, Ode to Joy is on page 23. I see what you mean about the bow markings, but the down bow on the first note is just to get you started in the right direction. Then you change direction for each note after that. Go to page 29 and read about the mark called a "slur". A slur looks like a broad grin and all the notes covered by a slur should be played on the same bow stroke. If there's no slur, then you change direction for each note. I hope I said that clearly.
Keep up the good work!
I've learned so much from my mistakes that I've decided to make some more.
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