theviolinlady.blog

Tag: For the Love of Music

  • Debating on Color

    Photo by Umutcan Günüç on Unsplash

    I’ve been looking at colors I could use for violins. There are old-school traditionalists saying a violin should be oil-stained and polished. Some talk about thin layers of varnish. I get it. The sound can be affected by a heavy finish. The traditionalist comes from a world where classical must remain classical.

    But I’m new at this violin stuff and I’m an artist. So, I have been thinking red, yellow, and blue. Of course, from there I can mix any color I want. Thing is, I don’t want to buck tradition and be ostracized, but I think my target audience is more open to something new. I think the audience is fun, passionate about playing, and wants to stand out from the crowd.

    What do you think?

    I haven’t any plans to paint an entire violin with dragons, bedazzle it with rhinestones, and cover it in race cars. I just want to take classical and enhance it enough to stand out and bring a sense of joy to owning a violin.

    I’ve mentioned before that the most important thing to me is how it sounds and feels to play. So, full color or accents, or both. I need some help deciding. Would you buy a blue violin? What about one with a gradation of color?

    Photo by Umutcan Günüç on Unsplash

    I mean, is this even playable?

  • Violins Make My Heart Sing

    Photo by Robert Ruggiero on Unsplash

    I never thought I’d love something more than figure sculpture, but admittedly I do. Violin playing sparks something in my heart that I can’t explain. I even liked violin when I didn’t know the difference between a C-natural and a C-sharp. I’d screech out sounds that hurt my ears as I prayed anyone listening would be okay. I’d get the occasional, “Keep practicing.”

    Today’s comments are much more encouraging. I’m feeling more confident—sometimes. If you asked me why I play I’d have difficulty explaining because it’s a mystery. It’s as though I was being led by a supernatural force that wells up deep from within. I’m not trying to be poetic it just is.

    Hitting the Right Note

    I used to be obsessed with golf, though I can no longer play due to being disabled. Hitting the ball perfectly made me love to play. There was a ping sound when the perfect swing connected with the ball. Watching the ball fly exactly as planned made every other crazy shot worth it. I went to the driving range several times a week and played every weekend—always at pace with the guys.

    Golf is extremely technical to play. There are lots of pieces to put together to play the game. My left and right brain appreciates the complexity. Playing violin is the same for me. Hitting the right note with perfect intonation feels like hitting that golf ball just right.

  • Violin-Playing Wisdom

    We all need wisdom in at least one area of our lives. So, I ask for wisdom often. I ask for wisdom about relationships, finances, friendships, and life. Why not ask how to play the violin?

    There are many religions and many gods. And a popular acceptance of the “Universe” for many characterizes the indescribable power of life. Don’t worry, I’m not trying to recruit or change your belief system. But I want to share this:

    I asked God how to play the violin after beginning lessons. God told me, “There’s time for every note and every note has passion.”

    Then, just last week, I heard, “Intonation is a choice for every note you play.”

    Wisdom is Truth

    Time seems to slow down when I play ever since hearing those words. I take every note seriously before it becomes part of who I am. I work on what notes I need to play, the rhythm, bowing, and dynamics (thanks to my amazing instructor, Jinette). And finally, I feel the music in my heart. The emotions of the music, especially when I play something I write. The music wells up from deep within my being. I feel the music in every cell of my body, as though I were made to play.

    I believe in the power of asking wisdom questions. I won’t stop now. And maybe, just maybe, I will play with passion and meaningful intonation for others. Why? Because I want everyone to experience the beautiful mystery of music. Music that soothes the soul.

  • This Violin is Ready for Sound

    “Amber” Violin Ready for Music

    Let’s Talk Sound Post

    The history of the Sound Post is a bit murky, but it may have been placed inside the violin originally to support the top plate as the instrument is played. The Sound Post is a small dowel rod creating resonance between the top and bottom plates of the violin. Positioned perfectly behind the bridge inside the body of the instrument, the Sound Post supports balance and tone, while making it playable. Changing the position of the Sound Post significantly alters its tone.

    The kicker is that the Sound Post is placed by entering the f-holes with specific tools. Yes, those thin f-shaped holes. The only thing holding the Sound Post in place are angled ends wedged vertically between the instrument’s top and bottom plates.

    Sound Post and Position Inside

    I’ve tried it and I can’t do it yet.

    So, I send my violins off to our local Luthier, Alex, to insert the Sound Post and ensure the instrument is perfectly playable. Alex adds small black dots under each string on the fingerboard where the fingers should be in the First Position. As a beginner, I love that.

    Once I get this violin back from Alex, I will shoot a video of it being played by myself and maybe my violin instructor. It’s so satisfying to complete violins and hear the result of all the hard work and dedication it takes to finish and assemble one. Plus, I’m finding that merging my music and art makes my heart sing. The joy is undeniable.