Vibrations of the Mind

You know, sometimes it is darned difficult to say something truly meaningful and accurate about the process of violin playing.

Today, however, I think I have something good to share with you.

And for this one I recommend getting the fiddle out before reading further – shame on you if you’re reading this at work! I’m just joking, of course, but really, why not move on to other unread emails and save this for the beginning of your next practice session.

OK, here we go. I want you to play a few long tones on your violin. When you play these tones the first time I want you to do them very casually. In other words, play basically without thinking beyond which finger you’re going to depress and what speed you’re going to draw the bow.

After you’ve done a few whole notes this way I want you to stop and do the following. Play the notes you just played again, but only in your mind. Not only do I want you to FEEL the bow moving through space and the sensation of your finger tip on the string, I want you to get your head ringing like a bell with the sound of the tones.

I want the experience to be nothing short of glorious, utterly relaxing, and deeply gratifying.

OK, go ahead and do it.

You must be feeling pretty good now.

Now, look over at your violin and imagine how you would pick it up to play as you just played in your head. Take your time. Feel the neck in your hand as you grasp it. The bow in your right hand, all the fingers embracing it as one.

Now place the violin under your chin. Bring the bow up to just where you want it to be before starting to play.

Good enough.

The last part of this little exercise is to take up the violin just as you visualized doing it. Put it under your chin and play the tones for the third time.

While you’re playing I want you to send out the sound you visualized previously to meet the sound of the violin coming at you. There will be a joining of the external and internal the takes place in the process.

If you’re anything like me, you will find this whole experience rather cool.

Do you think it might help you master the repertoire you’re studying, if you did this as part of your daily practice?

All the best,

Clayton Haslop

P.S. The inspiration for this newsletter came whilst creating ‘vibrations of the Mind’ while I played Kreutzer #38. That would be Kreutzer, Vol.4, in case you’re wondering.