Hot Violin & Viola Posts
How To: Learn collé bowing for the violin
Violin Lesson #44 -- Collé Bowing. Todd Ehle teaches in this lesson, how to do collé bowing on the violin.
How To: Do a smooth legato bow change for the violin
Violin Lesson #40 -- Legato Bowing (Smooth Bow Changes). Todd Ehle shows how to accomplish smooth bow changes with the legato method in this lesson.
How To: Find the 2nd and 4th thru 8th postitions on the violin
Violin Lesson #31 -- Finding the 2nd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th Positions. Todd Ehle talks about how to learn the 2nd position and the 4th through 8th positions. For the 3rd position, see "find the 3rd position in Vivaldi a minor on the violin".
How To: Perform a retake or lift on violin or viola
Todd Ehle teaches the retake or lift or bow circle. You'll need to know about the balance point first, since it covers the first steps of the lift.
How To: Hold the violin properly with correct finger placement
Violin Lesson #4-6 -- The Hold and Finger Placement. Todd Ehle teaches how to hold the violin and shows proper finger placement in this 3-part lesson.
How To: Play the violin in the E-flat (Eb) major scale
In this video series, watch as professional violinist Jason Salmon teaches you how to play scales on a violin in Eb (flat) major. Improve your music theory and violin playing technique with the help of these instructional videos.
News: Where Would YouTube Be Without Dudes Like This?
Teppei Okada performs a live violin soundtrack to a real time game of Super Mario Bros. Gee whiz, that's some true fan dedication (and perhaps a waste of prodigious talent... you tell me).
How To: Play "Silent Night" on the violin
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to play the song, Silent Night on the violin. Silent night is a popular Christmas Song that can be played on the violin very sweetly. The song is slower and this video will show you how to play the correct rhythm and notes. This video provides all the string movements and order that the notes are needed to be played, in order to execute the song. This video contains voice narration and a visual demonstration for viewers to easily understand and follow...
How To: Tune a violin or fiddle with an electronic tuner
In this video, we learn how to tune a violin or fiddle with an electric tuner. The tuner may not know the difference between the strings, so make sure you know what you are playing before you begin. Clip the tuner to the bottom of the violin or fiddle, then play your strings to see where the needle on the tuner goes. As you play the strings, the needle should reach the middle. Twist the clasp on the strings to either loosen or tighten them, then you will be able to correctly tune the strings....
How To: Play the detache bowing technique on the violin
Detache is French for separate bows, not to be confused with the English "detached", with space between the notes. With this tutorial you will learn to play the detache bowing technique on the violin. The detache technique helps build a consistent and confident sound, improves projection and improves control of the entire bow, especially at the very frog and tip. Play as loud as possible. Bow next to the bridge (Control the "Sounding Point"). Keep the bow straight and flat. Use the entire upp...
How To: Play the Collé bowing technique on the violin
Collé is French for glued or sticky. In this tutorial you can play the Collé bowing technique on the violin. Play slow with no metronome and away from the bridge. Play small but powerful "T" consonant at the tip. Start at the very tip and throw the bow up bow with the biceps (about 4 inches). Do the same down bow at the frog. Use triceps to throw the bow down bow (again about 4 inches). Start with open strings until you get the motion right. The colle technique improves projection, articulati...
How To: Play the Martelle bowing technique on the violin
Martelé is French for hammered or with a hammer. You will learn how to play the Martelle bowing technique on the violin with this tutorial. This is played slow with no metronome and away from the bridge. Starting at the tip, using the upper half, throw the bow up bow going exactly to the middle of the bow. The sound should be exactly the same as collé ("T") just louder because you are using the entire upper half. Throw the bow up bow with the biceps. Do the same down bow starting exactly in t...
How To: Play the Ricochét bow technique on violin
Ricochét is French for skipping a rock. Not to be confused with the English version of bouncing off things. This how to video teaches the Ricochét bow technique on the violin. This technique helps you feel the vibration of the stick that helps you get a bigger, freer sound. You should drop or throw the bow in the middle from about 4 inches high and let it bounce; lift pinky and ring finger and drop/throw the bow on an open string while going down bow; press with index finger for about 6 bounc...
How To: Play one finger scales with the first finger on violin
If you want to improve your violin technique then this how to video is the place to start. This video teaches you to play one finger scale on violin. This violin exercise is designed to help you increase your comfort and agility in all positions, develop confidence and accuracy in all positions, and improve coordination. When practicing this exercise you should memorize the sequence of arpeggios on the piano, start with the first 3 notes of each arpeggio; mark what position you are in above e...
How To: Play 2 fingered scales on the violin
If you want to improve your violin technique then this how to video is the place to start. This video teaches you to play 2 fingered scales on the violin. This violin exercise is designed to help you increase your comfort and agility in all positions, develop confidence and accuracy in all positions, and improve coordination. When practicing this exercise you should memorize the sequence of arpeggios on the piano, start with the first 3 notes of each arpeggio; mark what position you are in ab...
How To: Play one finger arpeggios on the violin
If you want to improve your violin technique then this how to video is the place to start. This video teaches you to play one finger arpeggios. This exercise is designed to help you increase your comfort and agility in all positions, develop confidence and accuracy in all positions, and improve coordination. When practicing this exercise you should memorize the sequence of arpeggios on the piano... start with the first 3 notes of each arpeggio; mark what position you are in above each new pos...
How To: Play a violin tuning exercise
If you want to improve your violin technique then this how to video is the place to start. You will learn how to play an exercise that improve your tuning. This exercise, based on the Sevcik System, is designed to help intonation training. You should start at the speed of 40 then gradually move it up to the goal of 16th notes at the speed of 192. This exercise will improve the overall shape of the left hand; train the hand to be more articulate and accurate (no muscles just a twitch); builds ...
How To: Play a slurred 3 octave G major scale on violin
If you want to improve your violin technique then this how to video is the place to start. This video teaches you to play slurred 3 octave G major scale. This exercise, based on the Galamian "Contemporary Violin Technique," is designed to help you increase your comfort and agility in all positions, develop confidence and accuracy in all positions, and improve coordination. When practicing this exercise you should memorize fingerings, bowings, and positions; use the whole bow on every slurred ...
How To: Play thirds in 1st and 3rd position on violin
If you want to improve your violin technique then this tutorial is for you. This violin lesson teaches you to play thirds in 1st and 3rd position. This exercise, based on the Yost system, is designed to increase your familiarity and comfort in all positions, develop confidence and accuracy in all positions, develop an understanding of what to listen for while shifting, and improve your ear training and overall intonation. When practicing this exercise you should relax your fingers, hand and w...
How To: Play thirds in the 2nd and 4th position on violin
If you want to improve your violin technique then this tutorial is for you. This violin lesson teaches you to play thirds in 2nd and 4th position. This exercise, based on the Yost system, is designed to increase your familiarity and comfort in all positions, develop confidence and accuracy in all positions, develop an understanding of what to listen for while shifting, and improve your ear training and overall intonation. When practicing this exercise you should relax your fingers, hand and w...
How To: Play an advanced thirds exercise on the violin
If you want to improve your violin technique then this tutorial is for you. This violin lesson teaches you to play an advanced thirds exercise. This exercise, based on the Yost system, is designed to increase your familiarity and comfort in all positions, develop confidence and accuracy in all positions, develop an understanding of what to listen for while shifting, and improve your ear training and overall intonation. When practicing this exercise you should relax your fingers, hand and wris...
How To: Play a scale in octaves on the violin
Do you want to improve your violin playing technique? This violin lesson teaches you a great exercise to improve your octave playing in scales. This exercise is based on the Yost system. This exercise is designed to increase your familiarity and comfort in all positions, develop confidence and accuracy in all positions, develop an understanding of what to listen for while shifting, and improve your ear training and overall intonation. When practicing this exercise you should relax your finger...
How To: Play an octave exercise on the violin
Do you want to improve your violin playing technique? This violin lesson teaches you a great exercise to improve your octave technique. This exercise is based on the Yost system. This exercise is designed to increase your familiarity and comfort in all positions, develop confidence and accuracy in all positions, develop an understanding of what to listen for while shifting, and improve your ear training and overall intonation. When practicing this exercise you should relax your fingers, hand ...
How To: Play octaves in 1st and 3rd position on violin
Do you want to improve your violin playing technique? This violin lesson teaches you a great exercise to improve your octave technique in first and third position. This exercise is based on the Yost system. This exercise is designed to increase your familiarity and comfort in all positions, develop confidence and accuracy in all positions, develop an understanding of what to listen for while shifting, and improve your ear training and overall intonation. When practicing this exercise you shou...
How To: Play octaves in thirds in 1st & 3rd position on violin
Do you want to improve your violin playing technique? This violin lesson teaches you a great exercise to improve your octave technique in thirds in first and third position. This exercise is based on the Yost system. This exercise is designed to increase your familiarity and comfort in all positions, develop confidence and accuracy in all positions, develop an understanding of what to listen for while shifting, and improve your ear training and overall intonation. When practicing this exercis...
How To: Play octaves in broken 3rds, 2nds & 4ths on the violin
Do you want to improve your violin playing technique? This violin lesson teaches you a great exercise to play your octaves in broken thirds, seconds, and fourths. This exercise is based on the Yost system. This exercise is designed to increase your familiarity and comfort in all positions, develop confidence and accuracy in all positions, develop an understanding of what to listen for while shifting, and improve your ear training and overall intonation. When practicing this exercise you shoul...
How To: Play advanced octave exercises on the violin
Do you want to improve your violin playing technique? This violin lesson teaches you a great exercise to improve your octave technique. This exercise is based on the Yost system. This exercise is designed to increase your familiarity and comfort in all positions, develop confidence and accuracy in all positions, develop an understanding of what to listen for while shifting, and improve your ear training and overall intonation. When practicing this exercise you should relax your fingers, hand ...
How To: Perform basic violin bowing and intonation exercises
Practice the violin the Ivan Galamian way to become a better player. Learn intonation and bowing exercises for violin in this free series of violin lesson videos from a professional violinist.
How To: Play Bach on the violin
The violin is a great string instrument for playing Bach from sheet music. Learn how to play Bach on the violin using violin sheet music in this free video series of online violin lessons.
How To: Play classic songs on the violin
Some classic songs can be played on any instrument. Here are 15 oldie but goodie songs that this experiences musician will show you how to play on the violin in this free videos.
How To: Check and correct violin intonation
Intonation is the ability for a violin to be as in tune high up on the neck as it is on the open strings. Learn a few tips on how to check and correct violin intonation from an experienced musician in this free video.
How To: Play third position on the violin
Finger positions on a violin are very close together and the slightest movement will change the pitch of the notes. Learn tips on how to always correctly position your hands in 3rd position on a violin from an experienced musician in this free video.
How To: Play double stops on the violin
Finger positions on a violin are very close together and the slightest movement will change the pitch of the notes. Learn tips on how to always correctly position your hands in 2nd position on a violin from an experienced musician in this free video.
How To: Play a G-major scale on the violin
There are twelve different notes and twelve different main major keys that every instrument can play in. Learn the notes in the G major violin scale in this free video clip from an expert musician and learn to apply them to other keys as well.
How To: Play intonation exercises on the violin
Playing violin in tune is one of the most important parts of a violinists' performance. Learn some violin intonation exercises with tips from a classically trained violinist in this free music lesson video series.
How To: Play Vivaldi's "Concerto in A Minor, 1st Movement" on the violin
If you haven't tried playing Vivaldi yet, your violin's been missing out on some great work! Antonio Lucio Vivaldi's "Concerto in A Minor" is a great place to start. This series will show you how to play a violin excerpt from the 1st Movement of the composer's brilliant musical piece, walking you through lines 1 through 14.
How To: Play Charles de Beriot II on the violin
The violin is one of the most worldly recognized instruments and sounds ever invented. There is no orchestra without several violins and Charles De Beriot II was able to use this melody instrument to write some of the most famous music in history.
How To: Play scales and arpeggios on the upright bass
Become a better bass player by mastering these exercises. Learn how to improve your upright bass playing skills in this acoustic bass lesson from an expert bass player.
How To: Play an A minor scale arpeggio on the violin
The violin is one of the most important melodic instruments in history. Learn A Minor scale arpeggios on it in this free video clip series. Play an A minor scale arpeggio on the violin - Part 1 of 15.
How To: Play an A major arpeggio on the violin
The violin is one of the most important melodic instruments in history. Learn A Major scale arpeggios on it in this free video clip series. Play an A major arpeggio on the violin - Part 1 of 15.