Testing the Wisdom of Experience

Was thinking this evening about whether an adult, a mature adult, could possibly become an accomplished player of the violin.

Well, thinking myself a worthy candidate from a chronological standpoint, I devised a little test. I set about learning some violin basics with the fiddle in my right hand and the bow in the left.

I decided that there were a couple of things I would have to do in order to judge the experiment a success. I would have to draw a meaningful sound out of the instrument and I would have to demonstrate the ability to play clearly, and in tune, in first position.

Doing these two things at a high level is no small accomplishment.

Try getting your right hand to articulate a scale in first position with the clarity you have with your left. And doing it while drawing a serious tone out of the instrument. How long would it take?

It took me about 45 minutes. Zero to tone and good intonation in first position in 45 minutes. I must admit, I was impressed with myself.

When I started the effort I had doubts. The left hand position I hold while playing seemed like an impossible stretch for my right hand and arm.

I began to work my power of visualization. I imaged the pitch locations just as I do when playing. I switched hands several times to clarify the ‘feeling’ images I needed to shape my hand. I called on muscles, particularly on my right side, that I can’t ever recall using before – they’ll be a little sore tomorrow.

I brought mental images of my bow arm over to the opposite side. I breathed. I counted some whole notes and focused on bow distribution and horizontal movement while playing them.

That’s some of what it took, but I achieved my goal. And in the bargain I also demonstrated to myself how powerful the intelligent application of experience can be.

If you are having difficulties in your violin practice and haven’t taken advantage of what’s in ”Kreutzer for Violin Mastery, Vol. 1”, you should get off your backside and grab one now.

There you will see images of the goal – accomplished playing. You will also get tools to move you decisively in that direction. What I think about and do works. It can work for you too.

All the best,

Clayton Haslop