Violin Class

Goodbye, 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

Buying a violin: a guide (and when to upgrade)

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@gmail.com. Send me a text message Violin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiries

3 effective ways to end your violin practice

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 suggestion for ending your violin practice: the R/R/R method. Send me a text message Violin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiries

How professionals practice, with Davina Shum of the Strad

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

6 violin techniques you should practice every day

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 beginners as well. I hope to give you a few more things to add to your practice routine and some ideas for how to practice them. Full blog post Free warmup guide Send me a text message Violin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiries

On practicing smarter and violin vs. viola, with Liz and Steph from MusicianCentric

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 | Instagram | Lesson inquiries

Making time for violin in a busy season of life | Student Stories: Carly

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 | Instagram | Lesson inquiries

Posture and body awareness for adult learners, with Rachael Ridge

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

7 top vibrato mistakes, explained

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 class April 13th Free vibrato ebook Accompanying blog post | video version Violin Class newsletter Other vibrato episodes: Part 2 | Part 1 For lesson inquiries, contact me here or email me at violinclasspod@gmail.com. For lesson inquiries, contact me at violinclass.co/contact or violinclasspod@gmail.com. Violin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiries Send me a text message Violin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiries

Preparing for vibrato as a beginner

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 your toolbox. Here are some things that you can start doing even as a beginner, even in your first year of violin playing to get ready to learn vibrato. Links: Vibrato Masterclass - Live online class April 13th: Free vibrato ebook Accompanying blog post Violin Class newsletter Other vibrato episodes: Part 1 | Part 3 For lesson inquiries, contact me here or email me at violinclasspod@gmail.com. Send me a text message Violin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiries

The ultimate guide to learning vibrato

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 - Live online class April 13th: Free vibrato ebook Accompanying blog post | video version Violin Class newsletter Other vibrato episodes: Part 2 | Part 3 For lesson inquiries, contact me here or email me at violinclasspod@gmail.com. Send me a text message Violin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiries

Practicing strategies: how to make progress when time is limited

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 life - My 3-template practice plan system Send me a text message Violin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiries

• Transcript

An adult violin student shares her advice | Student stories: Lisa

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 message Violin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiries

How to immerse yourself in the violin world - in 7 steps

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: violinclass.co/newsletter For links and examples mentioned in this episode, see the accompanying blog post at violinclass.co/episodes/36 Send me a text message Violin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiries

How to play faster on violin: a step-by-step method

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 violinclass.co Send me a text message Violin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiries

A violin teacher's advice to adult beginner violinists

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 violinclass.co/episodes/36 For lesson inquiries, you can email me at violinclasspod@gmail.com Send me a text message Violin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiries

Common beginner violinist mistakes and how to fix them

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

Creating a musical community: The key to growing as a violinist

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

From beginner violinist to playing in a band | Student Stories: Jamie

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 warmups ebook: violinclass.co/warmups Instagram: @violinclassco Send me a text message Violin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiries

A look into my scales routine

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