Greetings,

I have been playing violin now for 10 years, and recently changed violin teachers. Now I have descovered a crapload of flaws and extremely bad habbits in my playing. Is there anyone that can tell me or advice on how to get rid of them perhaps? This is really getting in my way of concentrating on my performers and teachers licenciates.

(a) With my left hand, I`m gripping the violin neck in such a way, that I have put my hand out of action for hours because of it. Especially when playing difficult / intense / concentrating pieces. (The thumb 90%, its as if I put 100 newton or something on the violin)

(b) My right bowing hand is all messed up. I know that my index finger must rest with the third joint on the bow to produce quality tone, however even if I do start out like that, it only takes a few seconds to return to my hold bad-habit`ed bowing hand. My pinky also goes flat or in the air or over the bow, and my other fingers who must just relaxingly lie over the bow also go all funny. Plus the more I play, the more my hand move to the front of the bow, as well as my hand feels very uncomfortable when trying to hold it right.

(c) Chin! I tend to let the violin slip to the front letting it lie on a lot of a lower angel than it should be also grasping it with all the strength I have. And keep it in place with chin instead of holding it up with thumb/vshape of the left hand.

(d) Vibrato...I tend to do vibrato with a lot of hand-action instead of finger action...this makes vibrato one hell of an effort and continues vibrato over more than one/two notes is a mission of note. Also is a lot of strain on the left hand. It would be really nice to get some advice on how to get myself to use more of a finger-action than hand really.

(e) This might be a bit off-topic but recording a violin? I already am leader of a black-metal band (without vocals) which I have recorded quite a bit from. It`s easy because the instruments (guitars drums bass) etc sounds good when recorded from mics or pickups or whatever. However, when recording a violin it is *HORRID* I have an electrical "Yamaha Silent Violin" but `ugh, it`s not much better at all. I have pondered buying a pickup for an acoustic violin but don`t really know if it`s worth it? is it? I do have professional recording software (Cubase SX) as well as a fairly decent mixer (Peavey Unity Series 1000), could someone who`s done this *PLEASE* advise on this?

(f) I have a 16something Maginni (spelling?) violin that haven`t been played for quite some time ( a year or 2 or 3 ). Now it is starting to sound kinda sick-ish like it`s lost its sound. How long and how much playing will it take to get it back to its supposed sound?

(g) Where can I find out information (or can anyone tell me) about a "Walter Muller" violin maker and his violins?

Thank You Very Much!

Where to start! I have been playing for over ten years and I can tell you a lot of problems stem from poor posture. Practicing in front of a mirror can help, make sure your arms are not glued to your sides. A good shoulder rest helps to hold the violin in the right place. The violin neck should not be resting between your forefinger and thumb. You are not really holding up the violin with your hand, but your chin and shoulder. Check your wrist, it should not be touching the violin when in first position. This is a very common bad habbit, very hard to break. Try pretending you have a tac there. Your wrist should be straight, this will help the vibrato, also try (no instrument) placing your forearm (elbow to wrist) flat against a wall and move your hand through your wrist back and forth, this is the correct technique. I appologize, it is hard to explain without a visual. Good luck!!!