When Warming Up Is Pointless

This morning my practice session began with scales, progressed to Wohlfahrt, and finished with Bach. An excellent, balanced, artistic and violinistic meal.

Along the way I reminded myself of something very important; to take plenty of pictures.

Yep, it’s one of the biggest secrets of violin playing. Next to problem solving, that is.

In a way, though, it’s part of problem solving too.

To take good, detailed mental pictures one has to stretch out with the mind. It’s no good waiting for the music to come to you – empty repetition. Active engagement, becoming completely immersed mentally is imperative.

Today I encountered some tough challenges; my left hand continues to let me know that things aren’t going to come easy, just for the asking.

For quite some time I was in problem solving mode, trying this or that tempo, this or that fingering, etc.

At the same time I realized that my ability to visualize exactly what I wanted and place it right on the beats labeled in my mind was essential to success.

Eventually my body and mind began to sync up. The gap, though initially large, was bridged. And that is to say my reluctant hand loosed its grip, reached forth, and was met by the directive energy of my mind.

The music – in this case Bach – began to sound exactly as should; energetic, virtuosic, and purposeful. Just the way the old man would’ve played it.

Yep, I think in this instance I can congratulate myself.

But I’ll also say this; I won’t take it for granted. And that is precisely why I titled this email as it is. If I don’t continue to exercise in just the manner I’ve been talking about, right into and through performances that might come along, well, all that movement of energy passes without notice.

So what I reminded myself of was this. Take Good Pictures, ones that can be remembered and upheld in the most difficult of conditions. Make them rock-solid. Continue to Verify what you think you know.

In my courses I am continually trying to illuminate the process of playing from two sides; physical and mental. I think the combination is what makes for violin success.

And just so you know, the Holiday Sale has been such a resounding success I’m going to leave it open for a couple of more days. This is THE time to change your experience learning the violin forever.

All the best,

Clayton Haslop

P.S. …in a most positive way. Holiday Sale