A Good Day for Balance

With equal periods of light and darkness, and the Earth’s axis square to the Sun, there is no better day to than the Autumnal Equinox to contemplate balance.

So, how’s about taking a moment or two and looking at violin playing from this perspective. Here are a few that came to mind.

G. Feet not too far apart nor too close together. Shoulder width is good, as a general rule.
H. Have your weight balanced equally between the two feet – avoid ‘cocking’ your hips and resting most of your weight on one leg.
I. Violin is balanced between the collarbone and left hand. Draw your left shoulder around for extra support and to bring your arm under the violin. Chin exerts minimal pressure to keep the violin from slipping off the shoulder/collarbone.
J. Downward pressure of the fingers is uniform. Adjust the pressure of the strongest fingers to the weakest – your pinky, I presume.
K. The fingers of the right hand are likewise balanced as they grasp the bow – again, use the minimum force necessary to keep the bow in hand.
L. Sense the ‘balance point’ between bow pressure and amount of bow used. Note, the further the bow is from the bridge the more bow you will need to use for a given amount of pressure.

Of course the concept of balance can also extend into your practice – i.e. technique vs repertoire, slow practice and ‘at tempo’ practice, adagio vs allegro music.

But as important as everything I’ve said is, there is yet one balance more essential. This is the balance of mind and body.

Too many of us have a tendency to play with our hands more than we play with our minds. When the physical and mental processes are both active in equal measure, that’s when the magic really starts to happen.

Speaking of magic starting to happen, I’ve had a terrific response so far to the Violin Mastery Beginners Circle. Why not get on board and join in the fun!

All the best,

Clayton Haslop

P.S. In fact, all the signups I’ve had to the Beginner’s Circle have led me to conclude that a couple more circles may be in order, each taking off from points further down the trail. Stay tuned!