Wohlfahrt - The 60 Studies

Wohlfahrt etudes are still my favorite studies mainly in the first position. They're very contrasty and offer a variety of rythms and techniques. Going back to basicsn is all what these pieces are about to my opinion.
Lately I've discovered a recording of the studies sold by CD Baby. You can also download it from the iTUNES store.
Despite that this recording could be an inspiration to most of the violin players, I was a bit disappointed to find out that only the first 30 studies are covered. Looking forward for the recording of the next 30 for the full 60 studies.

Kreutzer No.2

I'm not too sure how many times I came back to this study. I still like it because it has some kind of progression to it. Lately I've discovered a good fingering for it where you can avoid skipping a string and doing those unecessary jumps. You actually play the octaves with the 1st and 4th finger when applicable (except theopen strings where 0 and 3 would apply). This helps working those octaves and most importantly you can check if you're in tone or not. I'm not too sure I'll be able to play it as fast as it is in this clip. What matters for me today is the correct intonation. I like the way this study is approached in the following clip.

Sticking to 1 Teacher

I'm writing this and hoping that my teachers won't read me! This statement is actually not true; I have nothing against the teachers I've had in the past and the ones I have in the present. This also includes coaches that do a great job coaching some of the ensembles I play in. As for conductors, despite their indirect role with the strings or "me" as a player, they played a great role in my music learning especially in amateur orchestras workshops where they took the time to share their ideas around interpretation. I feel sometimes that musicians don't listen too carefully to them when they talk about a passage and how to approach it.

Everyone brought something very positive to my violinistic learning. I believe what is important for every player is to know what exactly he/she wishes to learn. I was for a while in an exploration period where I've taken lessons in Irish fiddling, gypsy music, baroque focused lessons, some romantic repertoire, etc. I noticed the following:

• A teacher will not impose a repertoire but the choices made will influence directly the style you'll be playing in. E.g. If you play baroque most of the time, the way you'll hold the bow will just not be the same as if you play romantic.
• Every teacher will give you tips that other teachers don't have.
• Some teachers could be strong in one area and less strong in others.

There's this discussion to "stick" to one teacher and I'm not too sure it's the right thing to do; probably I'm wrong. I believe consistency is important and a teacher can be a fit for regular lessons but exploration should also be taken in consideration through other teachers, coaches, etc.

Violin Teachers Hate Adult Learners

Do violin teachers hate adult learners?

• Probably some do but they won't say it!


• The main reason could be that they don't take us too seriously: "He's 40, he want to start studying the violin now... He should GET A LIFE A WIFE, not a violin!"


• Maybe others like the challenge: "Let's see how this old man will do comparing to the 11 years old genius I teach!"


• And others may think:"An adult brain understands the concepts and I like that... But the body is a no go!"


• And my favorite:"They won't progress; they're spending their money for nothing while I'm making a profit... I know they'll come back next week!"

Assumptions, assumptions... However, I believe there is a bit of truce in the above. No matter how you turn it, studying a violin takes a lifetime and you don't want the violin to become a mid-life crisis.

On the other hand, I think I think I think...

• You need to choose a teacher that is willing to give lessons to an adult learner.


• Explain your level and what you are willing to achieve beforehand to create some credibility. If it's "for fun", mention it... If it's an "exploration", say it... If you're just bored and you're not too sure what to do with your life, don't say anything!


• Since lessons don't come cheap, plan a bit what you wish to achieve and set some expectations for yourself and your teacher. The goal, even if you're an adult learner, is essential.


• Frame your work and practice regularly (I bet you've heard that one before).


• Choose a good teacher... What I mean by that, don't choose someone who plays well to show you how to play (at least in a classical approach of the violin) but someone who's job is "to teach".


• Honesty is also an important element; be honest with yourself, your teacher, your potential, your violin and the maximum you can get from the whole thing.

We all need to be loved... Even by our violin teachers!

A blog? Yes or maybe Not!

I was quiet hesitant of starting a new blog. I have quiet a few of them but I use them mostly as a work area for the music ensembles I play with: announcing next concerts, sharing some free sheet music online, etc.

I decided this time to take my personal blogging to the next level by creating a blog related to music and most importantly, related to music study from an adult learner's perspective where I would share my thoughts, challenges and wins. It's probably a self-reflection that will help me do a self-analysis on a learning curve I'm trying to trace and follow.

I said to myself: "Why not sharing it with some friends and the general public!". I've read blogs and watched videos related to violin technique for instance and learned a lot from them. So probably through my reflections, I will be able to share some of my experiences that can benefit others or you may find yourself quickly falling into boredom (I hope not!).

Welcome to Violin Expressions ;--)