Violin Class

Thank you so much to all of my listeners, it's been a pleasure! Please note that I will no longer be updating the blog, social media, or newsletter, but will keep the website and podcast up for you to keep listening Send me a text message Violin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiries

In this episode, I guide you through the process of buying and upgrading your violin, from factory-made models to handcrafted luthier instruments. I’ll share tips on when to upgrade your violin, what to listen for when choosing one, and where to start your research. Accompanying blog post Violin Class newsletter For private lesson inquiries, contact me at violinclass.co/contact or violinclasspod@g...

I've talked a lot about violin warmups and technique exercises that you should be doing at the beginning of your practice session, but it’s just as important to look at how to end our practice. The way we end our practice session sets up the beginning of the next day’s work, and ideally we end wanting to go on and not in a mountain of frustration (although that happens, too!) Here’s my sugges...

I’m joined by cellist and online editor of the Strad, Davina Shum. We discuss practicing, careers in classical music, and practical tips for adult learners. Full blog post the Strad Podcast Articles by Davina: Why don't string players practice pizzicato The importance and difficulty of playing softly A case for depping Send me a text message Violin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiries

In my 15 years of teaching violin, I’ve noticed a topic that is confusing for a lot of adult learners: how to structure their technique and warmup practice. In this blog post, I wanted to discuss six things that I think that every violinist should be practicing in some form at every practice session— some of these will be more geared towards intermediate to advanced players, but most will apply to...

I’m joined violists Liz & Steph, the hosts of MusicianCentric Podcast. They share new research on how to practice smarter and the differences between viola and violin. Listen to MusicianCentric podcast here Molly Gebrian episode / Susanna Klein episode --- Full blog post and transcript Free violin warmups guide Join the Violin Class newsletter Send me a text message Violin Class Website | Inst...

 I’m sharing an interview with my private student, Carly. Carly started the violin in her late 20s and has made fast progress in the 2 years that we have been working together. She discusses how she’s been able to progress without having a ton of time to practice— in addition to learning violin, Carly is busy raising and homeschooling 4 young children. Send me a text message Violin Class Website |...

Joining me on Violin Class this week is violin teacher Rachael Ridge , with whom I’ll be discussing: Body awareness How to relax and release tension as an adult learner. The importance of singing Proper posture on violin As well as her own journey with arthritis and how she’s been able to practice to avoid pain. Send me a text message Violin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiries

Vibrato Series 3/3.   Did you know that certain styles of vibrato can be controversial? This episodes explores the most common mistakes violinists make at every level of their playing. In this episode, you’ll learn about what issues are most prevalent when violinists are learning vibrato in beginner, intermediate, and advanced stages of their studies. Links : Vibrato Masterclass - Live online clas...

Vibrato series 2/3 Learning vibrato is such an important rite of passage when it comes to learning the violin.  It's something that every violin student strives for and something that sometimes feels impossible to learn. However, vibrato is not a beginner technique, and I completely understand the frustration when it comes to wanting to play with a beautiful sound but not having vibrato in yo...

Vibrato Series 1/3.  Learning vibrato is a long process, but there is a method to it. With the right guidance, a lot of practice and a whole lot of patience, you can learn vibrato and add it to your playing. In this episode, you’ll learn about: What vibrato is and how it works Arm vs. wrist vibrato The 4 stages of learning vibrato Examples of different styles of vibrato Links : Vibrato Masterclass...

So much to practice and so little time: I think this is a feeling that a lot of us can relate to. I'm going to show you how you can continue to progress on the violin even if you're limited by your schedule. In this episode, I discuss:  - The 2 keys to practicing with limited time - How to fit more violin practice time into your day - How to approach practicing during busy seasons of lif...

This week, I’m sharing a conversation with my private student Lisa, who has been playing the violin for 2 years. She shares her advice for beginners and how she makes music a meaningful part of her life. Join the Violin Class newsletter for more bonus content with each new episode & violin tips: violinclass.co/newsletter Free warmups ebook: violinclass.co/warmups violinclass.co Send me a text...

They say the best way of learning a language quickly and completely is total immersion, and the same is true for violin. In this episode, I walk you through a day-in-the-life of a conservatory student and give you ideas for creating an immersive experience of your own.  For lesson inquiries, email me at violinclasspod@gmail.com. Join the Violin Class newsletter for extra tidbits with each episode:...

I delve into nitty-gritty of playing the violin faster, and share the steps to building up speed while maintaining clarity. For lesson inquiries, email me at violinclasspod@gmail.com. Join the Violin Class newsletter for extra tidbits with each episode: violinclass.co/newsletter For links and examples mentioned in this episode, see the accompanying blog post at violinclass.co/episodes/36 violincla...

I share some advice to adult violin learners who are just starting, including setting realistic goals, the importance of regular practice, choosing the right resources, when to start lessons, and the benefits of active listening.  Join the Violin Class newsletter for extra tidbits with each episode: violinclass.co/newsletter For links mentioned in this episode, see the accompanying blog post at vi...

I dive into some of the common mistakes I run into as a violin teacher, and some of the solutions (sometimes quick, sometimes less quick) to fix them. Send me a text message Violin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiries

To read the full show notes and extra tidbits, join the Violin Class newsletter here: violinclass.co/newsletter Send me a text message Violin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiries

This week, I’m sharing a conversation with my former student, who has been playing the violin for 3 years. We discuss how she was able to join a band and performed a live show after playing violin for a few month, and how she makes time for practice with a busy schedule. Join the Violin Class newsletter for more bonus content with each new episode & violin tips: violinclass.co/newsletter Free...

I walk you through my routine for practicing my scales, including slow and acceleration scales, different bowing patterns, and arpeggios.  To read the full show notes and extra tidbits, join the Violin Class newsletter here:  violinclass.co/newsletter Send me a text message Violin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiries

Sign up for the Creative Scales Workshop / violinclass.co/events/scales Saturday, April 29th at 2pm (Eastern Time) Scales should be fun! In this live workshop, you'll learn:  New ideas and creative ways to practice your violin scales How to use scales to play violin more expressively   How to get a great technical workout without getting bored Hope to see you there! Send me a text message Vio...

Although we mainly stick with classical violin here on Violin Class, I have a lot of jazz-curious listeners. That's why I’ve invited Matt Holborn of the Jazz Violin podcast to join me. Join the Violin Class newsletter for more bonus content with each new episode: violinclass.co/newsletter . Read the corresponding blog post, featuring the 10 jazz violinists you should listen to here . Matt Hol...

I'm joined by  luthiers Rozie Deloach and Jerry Lynn of OMO podcast: The Romance & Reality of violin makers.  Join the Violin Class newsletter for more bonus content with each new episode: violinclass.co/newsletter Free warmups ebook: violinclass.co/warmups Where you can find team OMO: Listen to OMO podcast Learn more about Rozie and Jerry Caraway Strings JHL Violins Send me a text messag...

Four strategies for avoiding burnout when practicing the violin, including cutting down on practice time, mixing up your routine, taking short breaks, and giving yourself space. Resources mentioned: Free download: Violin Warmups: The Complete Guide for Adult Beginners Join newsletter for bonus content with each new episode Blog post: Where you can find me: Website: violinclass.co Instagram: instag...

To read the full show notes and extra tidbits, join the Violin Class newsletter here: violinclass.co/newsletter Check out Laurel Thomsen - The Violin Geek Podcast. Send me a text message Violin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiries