Author: deborawrathall

• The foundations of violin playing are TECHNIQUE

  It REALLY is best if students and parents take time to set up posture as well bowing hand and violin hand. If we don’t, we will end up spending MORE…

• “It’s a chain reaction!”

  Last night a wonderfully astute young student described her bow hand this way. And then she explained that if she starts with a bent bow hand thumb it is more…

• Collaboration

  I encourage families in private lessons to have their studio teachers reach out to their music teachers at school (or vice versa) so that communication is open -this can be…

• What does it mean to polish your pieces?

  After learning notes and bowing, we of course start bringing in dynamics, articulation, vibrato, tone, color, shape, and other forms of artistic expression. But what are other aspects of having…

• Memorization

  We are coming up on solo and recital season! Here are some tips for double-checking your memorization of a piece: After you have learned the piece, try playing it with…

• Intonation innovations

  My students and I have been exploring techniques for developing their intonation skills this week. Several students have begun their musical journeys on piano -an instrument for which considerations regarding…