Bad Habits

Hey hey.

It's back to school time!!!! Personally, I'm relieved, because summer can be a little vexatious after awhile.     A lot of my students go on vacations and such, which cause conflicts for lesson scheduling and it all turns into one big headache.  No more of that for me!!!!!!! 
'
As far as seasons go, I love fall...especially here in Pittsburgh.  It's absolutely beautiful with all of the trees that you can see from far away on the hills.  I am especially looking forward to it since I reside in a location that is on the top of a hill in the woods. 

I'm going to name three bad habits to avoid while playing the violin.  I'll keep them coming, because there is obviously way more than three.  They'll be pretty brief:

1.) Don't dodge the 4th finger markings by playing on it with an open string instead. The 4th finger is marked there for a reason.  99% of the time I'll agree with the bowings and/or fingerings the composer suggests.  Unless you're certain that it makes more sense for you to play an open string rather than the 4th, then "don't dodge the 4ths."  






2.)  Don't place your fingers in the general ballpark, otherwise they will be the wrong note from the note you intended to play.  People say the violin is the hardest instrument since your fingers have to be precisely accurate down to the correct millimeter, otherwise it's the wrong note.  I don't think the violin is the "hardest instrument to learn," per say, but it is true that the fingers must be precise.  Especially focus on this during scales and other warm-up exercises.  Also, make sure you do not remove your tapes until you are entirely prepared to do so, otherwise you'll form very bad habits when it comes to intonation.


3.)  Don't sit with your legs crossed.  I know it might feel comfortable, but you should sit with your feet on the ground, steadily, so you are able to balance.

That's all for now.  Now, off to my second home:  Volkwein's, the music store!

Til next time
~Givi Girl 

Why Violin is the Best Instrument: Reason #3!

Musical Elements

Finally, there are countless musical elements a violin can do that no other instruments can do.  I probably won’t even be able to think of all of them, but I’ll do my best. 

There is pizzicato (plucking the strings), vibrato, harmonics (lightly pressing your finger on the string to create an extremely higher octave), false harmonics, aka "artificial harmonics," (placing one finger down while another is very lightly places to create an extremely higher octave), tremolos (moving the bow very fast-usually at the tip), spaccatos (a brush stroke with your bow), staccatos (a short “bite” sound for notes), left-hand pizzicato (instead of plucking the “normal” way, with your right hand, you’d pluck with your left), trills (playing two notes, every other note, very fast), chords, double stops, turning your bow over on the wood part and placing against the string (forgive me, I forget the appropriate name for this,) and more. 

One could argue many other instruments can perform many of these functions.  Most string instruments can, yes.  However, they cannot apply these to the other two categories mentioned above.

Finally, I’d like to point out that violinists can not only play any type of music, but can be put in any situation and it would still be appropriate.  A violin can be played in an orchestra at Heinz Hall or at in a family reunion around the campfire.  A violin can be played accompanying a country singer or Celine Dion. 

Til next time

~Givi Girl 

Why the violin is the best instrument in the world: Reason #2

“Strolling Violinists”

Not only can violinists “play” any style on their instrument, but they can play it in many different ways, too.  For instance, violinists can sit and play (in a more sophisticated setting, such as an orchestra or chamber group, this would apply), they can stand up, walk around, dance…whatever they want.  Strolling violinists, (walking around while playing), is a technique that is very hot these days and in high demand.  When I do private gigs, more often lately than not, they request I walk around the venue and play.  I’ll create another column specifically looking into the art of strolling violins…but once again, can this be done with a cello?  How about a piano?  (I have seen built in pianos on bikes…but that’s just cheesy).  You technically could walk around and play a small wind instrument, but does anyone actually do that? Not really, because it isn’t natural.  You never go out to eat and have a clarinet serenade you at your table.  You can do that with a viola, but violas are bigger and annoying to hold.  Plus, no one ever prefers a violist over a violinist.  You never hear anyone say, “I really want a viola to be played at my wedding.”   It just isn’t done; it’s usually cellos, violins, or pianos if it’s a soloist situation.    Good luck getting too many jobs as a viola player other than in a large or small group setting. 

Why the violin is the best instrument in the world: Reason #1

I’m currently in the plane coming home from Costa Rica!  It was a great trip, spent with my mom, brothers, and myself. We saw lots of pretty spectacular things…crocodiles (up close and personal), volcanos, parrots, monkeys, iguanas, the Pacific Ocean, etc.  Beautiful country with genuinely friendly people who feel very strongly about preserving the environment.  They are very careful with recycling every little thing.  Us Americans need to take notes, I’d say!

Music Styles

The violin is the best instrument for a myriad of reasons.  However, I’d like to discuss today how much you can “do” with the violin.  As my student, Megan, said, “It’s a classical instrument that can be played with a modern twist.”  Well spoken, Megan.  What she means, is it’s not “unnatural” for the violin to be played in different formats.  Of course, musically speaking, people play their violins for classical, blues, jazz, pop, rock, country (fiddle)….the list goes on.  And no, you don’t need an electric violin to play rock types of music.  Those are more so for fun.  You can’t say that about many other instruments. 

Can you play fiddle music with a clarinet? No.  Can you play rock with a cello? Maybe, but I’ve never seen it done.  What type of music can you play with a harp?  The harp is quite a beautiful instrument, but certainly it is not known for playing much other than classical.  Even guitar needs to be specifically an “electric” guitar before it can play rock.  French horn…tuba….flute….the list goes on and on.  Hopefully you catch my drift. A violin can do it all!!!!!!!! And do it well!!

Rock and Roll:




Blues:





Country:




 



 Hip Hop:





 


Classical:





  Dubstep:






 


 Pop: (You're welcome, ladies.)

Til next time
~Givi Girl 

Update on some awesome GSOM'ers/recital countdown

I know, I know...it's been a long time.  Too long.  I've missed writing as much as (I hope) you've missed reading.  I do have a list of excuses, though.  Since the last time I've written:

-I moved, and just got internet finally turned on yesterday.
-I had surgery.
-My brother and I both graduated...him undergrad, me grad school.
-I had my birthday.  The big 2-6!

I have a couple more excuses, but they are personal family matters.


Either way, I'm back, and have lots to discuss!!! Also since last time we've spoken and now, a few fun events have happened!



Let me take a minute to congratulate the following students on their previous successes:

-Madi/Hannah did an awesome job performing at their school's talent show.
-Alyssa got selected out of everyone in her school to represent them in the district orchestra...which she placed 4th in her section.  This is in the entire DISTRICT.  She also has completed another year with the Pittsburgh Youth Philharmonic Orchestra. 
-As I mentioned in the previous post, Brian performed a scene in his play and it was totally awesome.  Acting and playing at the same time is no joke!
-Amelia performed four pieces for her preschool class, which was her performance debut, and she did outstanding.
-Nathan performed in his school orchestra concert.



**I got to witness all of these concerts, and I'm very pleased with my students' improvements this year.  I don't want to give too much away, so I decided to hold off on pictures and such since the recital is coming up.***

So the annual "recital" is coming up on May 31st. It's amazing the different reactions among my students.  They range all the way from beyond ecstatic to beyond nervous.  I'm going to get into more detail soon about preparing for a recital...let's start a recital countdown, actually. 

RECITAL COUNTDOWN!!!

TIP 1:   KNOW YOUR MUSIC INSIDE AND OUT.

I know what you're thinking: "Thank you, Captain Obvious."  Just here me out....I need to mention this point because, from past experience, I've made the mistake of believing I was prepared for a performance when I really was not.

You must be able to play your piece perfectly, with literally no issues whatsoever, a comfortable amount of time before you perform.  You SHOULD NOT wait until a week before to start buckling down on the practicing.  Basically, by the time you get up on stage, your performance piece should be so simple for you to play that you would be able to play it without music.

Often, you know you are not prepared to perform when the situation goes like this:

-Student plays the piece semi-perfectly at home.
-Student plays the piece with a few more errors at the lesson.

You need to strive for PERFECT at home AND in lesson...if you can't play it perfectly in front of your teacher, you won't be able to play it perfectly in front of 100 strangers.  It should be second-hand nature, and you need to be fully-prepared if you want to do a good job.   

The performance is out of your comfort zone...automatically, your nerves might kick in, there may be distractions, the temperature might not be what you're exact used to playing in...etc.   All of these factors contribute to making performing a bit more challenging...so THE LAST THING you want to worry about it how to play your piece.  The piece should be the easy part!!!!!!!!!!!!!

COUNTDOWN TO THE RECITAL: 15 DAYS!!!!!!!!!!  

Til next time,
Givi Girl

Violinist Brian-event story

You know how your mind wants to be motivated, but your body is saying "It's not gonna happen, so give it up already."  Well, I definitely am facing that dilemma at the moment.  I got a little bit of homework and chores accomplished, but not nearly as much as I should.  I swear, four pets is easily equivalent to at least one newborn child.  Between the much needed attention/affection, the food, the toys,  the cleaning up after them, the brushing, the walking, the bathing, the doctor visits...the list goes on.  Makes me think I should start a pet blog.  No....not gonna happen.  If I begin ONE MORE PROJECT I will....ugh, never mind...I just don't have that kind of time right now.  I know what you're thinking:  "Thank you Captain Obvious for pointing out to us that pets actually require responsibility."  I know, I know....and I WOULDN'T TRADE ANY OF THEM FOR ANY LESS RESPONSIBILITY.  I do love them.  It just gets hard to keep up sometimes and I'm venting.  Don't like that? Don't read.  ;)  Guess I'm in that kind of mood today.  

Regardless, my point is, the reason I think I'm feeling draggy today is because I was out late, and like the loaded responsibility of taking care of four pets, that too, was worth it!  What I was doing is precisely what my blog topic for today is: 


I experienced a real treat last night watching my student, Brian, performed as an actor in the play titled "Dorothy in Oz," directed by James Michael Shoberg.  Yes, there was a violin involved, but I don't want to say any more than that because it's a surprise that I sure don't want to spoil incase you decide to go!

Here's a pic of Brian at a rehearsal.

Again, I won't give away too much, because there are still three shows left next weekend (I THINK.  Could be more.  I'll have to double check.)  But, in short, it was a hilarious, "twisted" version of The Wizard of Oz.  No, it was not the musical Wicked...it was totally different.  At first I wasn't sure what to expect, because although I frequently attend musicals and the symphony, "plays" (dialogue shows only) are not the type of shows I'm used to.  I was pleasantly surprised, to say the least. 

I'd highly recommend it to anyone who needs a good night out filled with laughter, great acting talent, and a different but fun type of experience.  Tickets are only $15.00.  

Some of the actors at rehearsal, including Brian.

Before you all start planning your family outing, I hate to burst your bubble, but it is NOT a "family-friendly" show.  It's an event you need to leave your 18 and under (or in my conservative viewpoint, 21-and under,) child at home.  Plan a hot date night, a ladies night out, or just wing it and go by yourself. Maybe you'll meet someone.  

Good job, Brian!!!!!!!!!!!!!   

Til next time,

~Givi Girl 

Dissecting quotes

Hello hello!

So this blog post was written half at 2 am, and I'm finishing it up now.  I taught in WV yesterday, then around 4, decided to take a much needed nap. Well, that nap lasted 8 hours.  I woke up for a couple hours and figured I'd make the best of the time...and what better way to do that then writing a blog entry.  I have a quote app on my phone, so each day I check out a new quote.  I save the ones that are my favorites.  Here are a few...every once in awhile I'll add more "dissecting quotes" entries.  

Which quote is your favorite?










"Motivation is what gets you started.  Habit is what keeps you going."
                                                           ~Jim Ryun

It's easy to say "I want to play violin!!!!!"  But the true violinists are the ones who are capable of turning the practicing into a consistent habit.  








"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
                                                            ~Lao Tzu

Learning an instrument is a bunch of baby steps, one step at a time.  You must be patient and consistent.  Before you know it, you'll have a "thousand baby steps" under your belt, and what was difficult before will become easy.  Just keep going forward!!!!! It won't always be easy, but don't give up.
















"Don't let fear of the time it will take to accomplish something stand in the way of your doing it.  The time will pass anyway; we might just as well put that passing time to the best possible use."
                                                ~Earl Nightingale
Don't let the fear of a difficult exercise, "scary performance," difficult piece, etc. stop you.  If you are presented a situation from your teacher, obviously they feel it is not above what you're capable of. As Nightingale says, "that time will pass anyways."  Imagine what a better feeling it would be to look back on that time and have one more achievement under your belt rather than another "I can't do that" statement!! YES YOU CAN!





"Self-trust is the first secret of success."
                                        ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
It might sound cliche, but unless it's something that's ridiculously and patently beyond your aptitude, (like climbing Mt. Everest in an hour,) you can do it.  This is similar to what I just previously said:  your instructor won't give you something you can't do.  TRUST yourself.  Be on your own team.  

















"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted."
                                         ~Aesop
Please check out "Be nice to your teacher' blog post.  


















"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take."
                                          ~Wayne Gretzky
I really respect my adult students who sign up for violin lessons.  They had the desire to take violin most of their lives, and now, they are going for it!!!! And doing it!!!! It's easy to say "I wish I could play."  Instead of wishing, do it.  I'll expand more on this soon.  (*New blog post idea just came to mind! Stay tuned!)














That's all for now, folks!


Til next time
~Givi Girl