OK I`ve only been playing a couple of weeks so, I`m not too worried but...

I can just aboutbow on open strings and get a reasonable sound but when I start to finger my bow starts to waver all over the place. I know the answer is practice but a starting place would help.

I`m guessing ...

Make sure your bow is still moving at the same speed when you put fingers on. I think you`ll find it`s just a matter of not being able to concentrate on two new things at once (remember how it was when you were learning to drive?)

Liz

I assumed it would be something like that and was merely waiting the confirmation that I was sure you would send.

I can`t even blame the violin since you sold it to me.

) It played well for me

Seriously, violin is not the easiest instrument in the world, to put it mildly. When i was teaching I always dreaded the second lesson. The first was never as bad as you would think, but by the time the pupil had had a week at home and came back expecting to move on and still sounding dire, well, it was bad ....

Liz

Dire isn`t the word for it, and there was I expecting to play the second movement of the Mendelsson by week three. I know it will take time and although it screeches and scratches I can hear something there, for instance I`m beginning to find the notes.

The local instrument maker (I went ot get strings for my mandolin which I hope will help with fingering) had a harp on display and played a few arrpegios.

"Of course, sir, it`s much easier than the violin." NOW HE TELLS ME.

I was always under the impression that the harp was really difficult! That`s interesting that he said it was easier...

-Tim

It`s a lot more expensive, that`s for sure!!

Liz

Are u playing seperate bows or slurred when u fingered yr notes? Do plenty of open strings bowing ex. Don`t move on until bowing is comfortable and not so self conscious. If not some slight co-ordination problems will occur when u hop to the next stage. Do the same thing for yr fingered notes. Play only 1 note per bow. IE: A string...B ( finger 1) down bow, then same note and finger, upbow. make sure it`s even and secure, then move onto finger2 and so on. Then move onto the next string. Do not start to play alot of repertoires when yr bowing is not secure. Thank You.

Many thanks. I know I am trying to run before I can walk but I can play the guitar, the banjo (a bit) and the mandolin so it gets very frustrating. I have found for myself and my teacher has reiterated that careful and slower bowing works wonders.

Actually, the thing is this...slower and secure bowing develops better muscles control and stronger arms. So do lots of slow, even full bow practice for a start. Happy praticing.

There`s a joke about the harp:

What`s a violist`s dream instrument?
The harp---open string pizzicato!

If it was in 6/8 I`d still have trouble.

My teacher has given me a simple Welsh jig to learn. I can do the clip-ity clop clip-ity clop. I can do the Laa-la laa-la laa-la la-la-la and the fingering ain`t too bad but, combining the two...

Why couldn`t the Welsh stick to their perceived non-conformist, dour image and keep their music in common time?

But, per ardua ad astra. I shall persevere.

Oh , a Jig u say? And in 6/8 moreover? Ah, I used to have trouble with em alot. In fact, I dread em. I get terrible head splitting sound tryin to play em evenly. The trick lies in dividing yr bow propotionately. Trust me. It`s not just yr fingers or co-ordination. It`s the length and emphasis of some stronger notes in a jig like that. And trying to maintain this stupid rhythm throught consistently can be quite tedious. :0