Back to Basics with Your Violin Playing

As an intermediate or advanced violinist, it’s easy to become captivated by learning new pieces and techniques.

However, it’s essential to remember that going back to basics with your violin playing is key to continued growth and improvement.

In this article, we’ll explore the significance of revisiting the fundamentals of violin playing, even for accomplished musicians.

Why Go Back to the Basics?

Lays the Groundwork

Revisiting the basics helps solidify the foundational skills you learned when you first started playing the violin.

These fundamental skills create a robust base for all advanced techniques.

Ensuring these basics are well-ingrained provides a stable platform for future growth and allows you to tackle more complex pieces confidently.

Polishes Technique

Focusing on basic exercises and études can refine your technique by addressing any weaknesses or inconsistencies in your playing.

This process helps to smooth out rough edges and ensures that your playing is precise and controlled.

By continually polishing your basic skills, you maintain a high level of technical proficiency that supports more advanced playing.

Enhances Musicality

By revisiting the basics, you develop a deeper understanding of music theory, phrasing, dynamics, and expression.

These elements are crucial for enriching your musicianship.

Understanding the nuances of how music is constructed and expressed allows you to play with greater emotion and sensitivity, elevating your performance.

Reduces Frustration

When faced with challenging pieces or new techniques, it can be easy to become frustrated.

Returning to first principles helps restore confidence by reminding you of your foundational skills.

This approach can provide a sense of accomplishment and reassurance, reducing frustration and enabling you to tackle difficult pieces with renewed vigour.

Streamlines Your Practise

Mastering the basics makes your practice routine more efficient.

With a solid grasp of fundamental techniques, you can focus more effectively on learning new pieces and advanced skills.

This efficiency frees up time in your practice sessions, allowing you to concentrate on a more complex repertoire and making your overall practice more productive.

Tips for Going Back to Basics

Start with Simple Exercises

Begin with fundamental exercises like scales, arpeggios, and long tones to re-familiarise yourself with proper bowing and finger placement.

These exercises are the building blocks of good technique and help reinforce the muscle memory required for precise playing.

Simple exercises are not necessarily easy to play well! Listen to your sound, and make sure you do not skimp on the fundamentals of good technique. Practice slowly and go for that perfect golden sound!

Practise at a Leisurely Pace and REALLY Listen to Your Sound!

Take the time to practise at a slow tempo, focusing on precision and control rather than speed.

Slow practice lets you pay attention to the finer details of your playing, ensuring that each note is played correctly and with the desired expression.

Utilise Technology

Leverage apps, online resources, or digital tools to help track your progress and provide feedback on your playing.

These tools can offer valuable insights and help you stay motivated by showing tangible improvements over time.

You can also download a simple recording device from your smartphone, record your playing, and listen to what you are doing. This can be a big lesson in itself!

Break It Down

Break down complex techniques or passages into smaller sections, focusing on one area at a time.

This methodical approach allows you to master each element before putting them together, ensuring a thorough understanding and execution of the technique.

Make it Enjoyable

Incorporate games, exercises, or improvisation into your practice routine to keep it engaging and enjoyable.

Finding ways to make practice fun can help maintain your interest and motivation, making it easier to stick with your routine.

Specific Exercises to Return to

Scales

Practise scales in different keys and positions to improve finger strength, dexterity, and intonation. Scales are fundamental to building technical skills and enhancing your understanding of different key signatures.

Arpeggios

Focus on arpeggios in different inversions and keys to develop finger independence and improve your understanding of harmony. Arpeggios help you navigate the fingerboard with ease and play chords more fluidly.

Long Tones

Practise long tones to work on tone production, dynamics, and phrasing. Long tones help you control your bowing and produce a rich, consistent sound essential for expressive playing.

Chromatic Scales

Practise chromatic scales to improve finger dexterity and strengthen your fingers. Chromatic scales require precise finger placement and can help enhance your overall agility on the instrument.

Simple Etudes

Work on simple études by composers like Kreutzer or Paganini to develop technique and musicality. These études are designed to target specific technical challenges and are invaluable for improving your overall playing skills.

Conclusion

Returning to first principles is an essential aspect of any violinist’s journey.

By revisiting fundamental exercises and techniques, you reinforce your foundation, improve your musicianship, and become a more efficient practitioner.

Remember to start slowly, focus on precision and control, and make it enjoyable!

Remember, the basics are the foundations; the more profound the foundations, the taller the building can stand!

Make sure you look after the foundations of your violin playing!