Paying attention to one violin technique at a time during practice is challenging. I want to focus on everything all at once and the boy would like to focus on sunlight reflections, farts and dust bunnies. After a bit of squabbling and crying Tuesday, we came up with a marble game. Our marble game involves point scoring and defeating opponents; both very motivating factors for young violinists of the 21st century. How to play: Get...

Earlier this week, I described our preparation for Go Tell Aunt Rhody. The above video shows the...

This weekend, wee-man is scheduled to play Go Tell Aunt Rhody for recital. Rhody seemed like a good choice since it’s a fair distance from his current piece (Long, Long Ago) and it’s been on review rotation every stinkin’ day since it was polished. But once it was selected as his recital piece, the boy suddenly stopped remembering bits. He began struggling with notes he’d been doing without effort. He started...

I don’t mind kicking around the nature vs nurture debate, but after watching a video of Elli Choi playing violin, it feels like a waste of time. I believe environment and practice is important, but the genetic component is simply undeniable. ENVIRONMENT It’s true Elli exists in an environment conducive to greatness. She attends good schools, has wildly dedicated parents and access to incredible teachers at a top music program....

My main instrument is a 1924 John Reek. I know virtually nothing about Mr. Reek, apart from his Michigan residence and that he made at least eight violins. (Mine has a “#8″ penned into the label.) I purchased my instrument on a lark. Sometime around the turn of the century I developed a mild eBay addiction. One evening I found an interesting violin from an estate sale with bids starting around $90. It claimed to have a sycamore...

Song of The Wind & Arrows: Here’s The Set Up “Song of The Wind.” LOOP ITEM 1: “Okay, find the fuzzy spot with your ring finger.” (bow hand). “Keep you thumb bent.” (bow hand). “Keep your eyes on the finger board, focus on your tapes.” (finger board). “Rocket wrist… keep your violin hand nice and long. It looks like you’re trying to deliver a...