Violin Forum/Message Board

Ping · Junior Member Joined: 14 Dec 2007 Posts: 4

Hello everyone Surprised

I'm new to the forum, so... Hello~
Anyways, back on topic.
I'm having a bit of trouble with Double stops.
Lots of the time I have trouble balancing the bow on two strings with double stops. The problem is, the only part of double stops that's easy for me is when the dynamic level is at forte-which is when I can press down on the strings. However, I can't seem to balance my bow when playing lightly, any suggestions? My violin teacher says the bridge is a bit too low, and that might contribute to the problem.

Also, I'm having a bit of trouble memorizing pieces. In school, it's easy for me to memorize pieces because it's like instinct, it's memorized before I know it. But in my private lessons I know I have to memorize them to get to the next level, but apparently, it's harder for me ><

Shirley · Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2007 6:52 pm Post subject:

Hi, Ping! Just to let you know, I feel your pain and frustration. When I was first learning I played two strings at a time when I didn't want to, and then when I got to double stops I was amazed to find I was playing only one string. All I can counsel is keep at it, concentratin on playing both strings. You will be able to play quiet double stops in time.

You need to memorize? I have a horrid time with it, and some people, as you say, do it in their sleep. I have no help for you here, either!

This forum is not being very active at the moment - keep trying! (Or try another forum, also.)

Good luck! Shirley

Ping · Junior Member Joined: 14 Dec 2007 Posts: 4

Well, I guess that helps. I subconsciously knew that someone would say keep at it, and that I should just practice more.
I was hoping for some magical solution that would cure it in an instant ><
But that would eliminate the challenge Razz

Anyways, Thanks for the advice, Shirley

Jack Rushing · Member Joined: 23 Mar 2007 Posts: 170

Hi Ping, As usual, Shirley said it well. Keep at it.!!!!!.

I would also suggest checking to see if your violin is properly
set up. especially the bridge, for having the right curvature and
string spacing. The flatter the curve, the easier it is to play double
stops, but harder to bow single strings. And the opposite is true.
So, get that bridge correct, and then all you have to do is practice,
practice, practice. Then out of the blue, it will suddenly come to you
someday. hopefully, this will be soon.

Shirley · Posted: Tue Dec 18, 2007 12:54 am Post subject:

Yes, Jack! I hadn't thought of that! Ping, do as the man says, and have your bridge checked!

By the way, I am always asking for advice, hoping for a miracle tip too, and guess what? Sometimes someone comes up with something. Other people know a lot, so keep on asking!

Shirley

Shirley · Posted: Tue Dec 18, 2007 12:54 am Post subject:

Yes, Jack! I hadn't thought of that! Ping, do as the man says, and have your bridge checked!

By the way, I am always asking for advice, hoping for a miracle tip too, and guess what? Sometimes someone comes up with something. Other people know a lot, so keep on asking!

Shirley

Shirley · Posted: Tue Dec 18, 2007 12:55 am Post subject:

Yes, Jack! I hadn't thought of that! Ping, do as the man says, and have your bridge checked!

By the way, I am always asking for advice, hoping for a miracle tip too, and guess what? Sometimes someone comes up with something. Other people know a lot, so keep on asking!

Shirley

Shirley · Posted: Tue Dec 18, 2007 12:59 am Post subject:

Ping and Jack, I am surely sorry for the TRIPPLE post - I kept getting an error message saying my message wasn't posted.

So, Ping, you can just REALLY take Jack's suggestion to heart, three times over!

Sorry again. Shirley

Ping · Junior Member Joined: 14 Dec 2007 Posts: 4

My violin is away with my teacher now, hopefully when I get it back it'll be a bit easier XD

Shirley · Posted: Wed Dec 19, 2007 12:17 am Post subject:

Ping - let us know!