They Don’t Charge by the Yard

Got up early today and have been enjoying the moon-set and sunrise. Fantastic.

And doing so I began thinking about what separates the amateur, or student player, from the real violin performer. First thing that came to mind is a bow moving back and forth, yet never coming within 8 inches or so of either the frog or the tip.

I remember one conductor in my youth saying, ‘You’re not going to get charged by the yard, my friends, go ahead and use the whole bow.’

Of course, this is a case of ‘preaching to the choir,’ where folks using my courses are concerned. Getting that right arm relaxed and flowing from tip to frog is a priority in all my courses.

One of the critical elements in approaching the frog is the ability to relax the shoulder and allow the upper arm to follow the forearm and hand. Another is allowing the wrist to flex forward which keeps the bow in a straight line parallel to the bridge.

Interestingly, both of these are much easier to accomplish, and feel much more natural, when one’s breath is moved by the diaphragm.

As soon as the abdomen releases and the diaphragm muscle draws down it’s like permission has been given to the whole body to relax. It truly is a remarkable feeling and one we could do well to remember even after the violin has been returned to its case.

To me, having access to those last few inches of bow under the hand is akin to witnessing a dancer that projects a timelessness to his or her extensions; where they linger in the imagination long after their existence in real time.

This is where true artistry begins and ends, in my opinion; where your breath can enliven another’s soul.

All the best,

Clayton Haslop

P.S. Time is drawing short to register and make plans for attending the Sedona Master Class/lSeminar. This will be a wonderful experience which will bear fruit for many months and years to come.