When you start playing a string instrument, perhaps the first challenge students have to contend with is holding the instrument. While it seems like, for example, the left hand holds the violin on one end and it rests on the player's shoulder, the left hand should actually be free to move along the neck of the violin to play different notes. The shoulder and chin should be used to keep the instrument "pinned" in place. For a new student, it is very tough, if not impossible to do this well! Students are afraid to move very much or utilize their left hand properly as they learn how to play the notes along the fingerboard, and it also doesn't encourage full bowing, since using a full bow requires a lot of arm movement that can destabilize their grip.
Shoulder rests for our violinists and violas will make a massive difference in each player's confidence and ability to hold the instrument properly. Shoulder rests are designed to give a performer much more stability than playing without a rest, since they are shaped to contour to a shoulder. With a shoulder rest, students can stop worrying about the violin or viola slipping on their shoulder and holding it up with their left hand, and can focus on improving their technique on their instrument!
We are also hoping to get cello endpin anchors so that our cellists don't have to contend with their cellos slipping along the floor while they play, also allowing them to focus on their technique. These tools will help not only in practice, but also help the musicians perform better as well!
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When you start playing a string instrument, perhaps the first challenge students have to contend with is holding the instrument. While it seems like, for example, the left hand holds the violin on one end and it rests on the player's shoulder, the left hand should actually be free to move along the neck of the violin to play different notes. The shoulder and chin should be used to keep the instrument "pinned" in place. For a new student, it is very tough, if not impossible to do this well! Students are afraid to move very much or utilize their left hand properly as they learn how to play the notes along the fingerboard, and it also doesn't encourage full bowing, since using a full bow requires a lot of arm movement that can destabilize their grip.
Shoulder rests for our violinists and violas will make a massive difference in each player's confidence and ability to hold the instrument properly. Shoulder rests are designed to give a performer much more stability than playing without a rest, since they are shaped to contour to a shoulder. With a shoulder rest, students can stop worrying about the violin or viola slipping on their shoulder and holding it up with their left hand, and can focus on improving their technique on their instrument!
We are also hoping to get cello endpin anchors so that our cellists don't have to contend with their cellos slipping along the floor while they play, also allowing them to focus on their technique. These tools will help not only in practice, but also help the musicians perform better as well!
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