Set Your Bow Free Part II
OK, couple more things about the ‘fast bow exercise’.
So, tip to frog, rapid strokes. You’re putting the tip where the frog was, the frog where the tip was, back and forth. No spaces between the notes. No finger movements. The wrist, elbow, and upper arm merely respond to the movement of the hand through space.
Pay attention here. Do not put pressure on the string. If fact, think of playing at about a ‘mp’ dynamic. Make sure you go all the way to the frog and don’t crunch the sound at the change of bow. That means, Stay Horizontal.
Once you are ‘freed up’ try slurring 4 notes to a bow – your bow speed will now be one fourth as fast – while keeping the same mechanics in place.
If you are successful in doing the above, all the kinks and unwanted tension should have dissipated.
By the way, this exercise came back to me while preparing for a three hour, highly focused coaching I gave to one of my very special clients.
Dr. Taylor has a very successful ministry in which she incorporates her violin playing with special music she has created. What is truly remarkable about her, is this. She has played all her life; enjoys a very successful career; and yet is committed to rebuilding her playing from the ground up in order to progress to the next level.
Our session together was incredibly productive.
So productive, in fact, that I’ve decided to make them available to all who are currently working with one of my courses.
If you’re interested in such an ‘intensive’, contact me by phone or email to discuss the details.
All the best,
Clayton Haslop
P.S. If you’re still without the program that banishes tension, builds highly effective and efficient fundamentals, and gives you rock solid rhythm and confidence in your playing; the kind of playing that melts hearts and wows fellow violinists, you may get started in a matter of days by ordering your copy today.