Comments on: How to Hold the Violin

on 1/1/2008 I have been learning the violin but am finding
the vibrato is something I can't do yet. Can
anyone please help me?

on 8/8/2006 Keep your left thumb near-parallel with the neck of the violin. If you vibrato with your thumb curved around the neck of the violin, the whole instrument moves- not easy to correct. Now the E String tuning peg- try to turn it so that it doesn't hit your hand when you vibrato, otherwise problems are created.

on 3/28/2006 When using sheet music, buy a well made music stand, and raise it until you feel you have a better posture. When it's too low you find your whole upper body looking down and your hand will slide down to the heel.

on 11/22/2005 Do not let your wrist touch the heel of the violin. It is very difficult to play higher notes with your wrist in this position.

on 11/22/2005 Make sure you don't tense up your shoulders when playing. Keep them nice and relaxed. It often helps to check in a mirror and watch your posture as you play. SOmetimes bad bowing habits are quickly solved with proper posture.

Keep the violin fingerboard fairly level as well. It's just like writing something on paper, we all want a flat surface to work on.