Joining me on Violin Class this week is violin teacher Rachael Ridge, with whom I’ll be discussing: Body awarenessHow to relax and release tension as an adult learner.The importance of singingProper posture on violinAs well as her own journey with arthritis and how she’s been able to practice to avoid pain. For lesson inquiries, contact me at violinclass.co/contact or [email protected]. Violin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiries

Vibrato Series 1/3.  Did you know that certain styles of vibrato can be controversial? This episodes explores the most common mistakes violinists make at every level of their playing. In this episode, you’ll learn about what issues are most prevalent when violinists are learning vibrato in beginner, intermediate, and advanced stages of their studies. Links: Vibrato Masterclass - Live online class April 13th Free vibrato ebook Accompanying blog post | video version Violin Class...

Vibrato series 2/3 Learning vibrato is such an important rite of passage when it comes to learning the violin.  It's something that every violin student strives for and something that sometimes feels impossible to learn. However, vibrato is not a beginner technique, and I completely understand the frustration when it comes to wanting to play with a beautiful sound but not having vibrato in your toolbox. Here are some things that you can start doing even as a beginner, even in your first year...

Vibrato Series 1/3.  Learning vibrato is a long process, but there is a method to it. With the right guidance, a lot of practice and a whole lot of patience, you can learn vibrato and add it to your playing. In this episode, you’ll learn about: What vibrato is and how it worksArm vs. wrist vibratoThe 4 stages of learning vibratoExamples of different styles of vibratoLinks: Vibrato Masterclass - Live online class April 13th: Free vibrato ebook Accompanying blog post | video version Violin...

So much to practice and so little time: I think this is a feeling that a lot of us can relate to. I'm going to show you how you can continue to progress on the violin even if you're limited by your schedule. In this episode, I discuss:  - The 2 keys to practicing with limited time - How to fit more violin practice time into your day - How to approach practicing during busy seasons of life - My 3-template practice plan system For lesson inquiries, contact me at violinclass.co/contact or...

This week, I’m sharing a conversation with my private student Lisa, who has been playing the violin for 2 years. She shares her advice for beginners and how she makes music a meaningful part of her life. Join the Violin Class newsletter for more bonus content with each new episode & violin tips: violinclass.co/newsletter Free warmups ebook: violinclass.co/warmups violinclass.co For lesson inquiries, contact me at violinclass.co/contact or [email protected]. violinclass.co

They say the best way of learning a language quickly and completely is total immersion, and the same is true for violin. In this episode, I walk you through a day-in-the-life of a conservatory student and give you ideas for creating an immersive experience of your own.  For lesson inquiries, email me at [email protected]. Join the Violin Class newsletter for extra tidbits with each episode: violinclass.co/newsletter For links and examples mentioned in this episode, see the...

I delve into nitty-gritty of playing the violin faster, and share the steps to building up speed while maintaining clarity. For lesson inquiries, email me at [email protected]. Join the Violin Class newsletter for extra tidbits with each episode: violinclass.co/newsletter For links and examples mentioned in this episode, see the accompanying blog post at violinclass.co/episodes/36 violinclass.co violinclass.co

I share some advice to adult violin learners who are just starting, including setting realistic goals, the importance of regular practice, choosing the right resources, when to start lessons, and the benefits of active listening.  Join the Violin Class newsletter for extra tidbits with each episode: violinclass.co/newsletter For links mentioned in this episode, see the accompanying blog post at violinclass.co/episodes/36 For lesson inquiries, you can email me at...

I dive into some of the common mistakes I run into as a violin teacher, and some of the solutions (sometimes quick, sometimes less quick) to fix them.

To read the full show notes and extra tidbits, join the Violin Class newsletter here: violinclass.co/newsletter

This week, I’m sharing a conversation with my former student, who has been playing the violin for 3 years. We discuss how she was able to join a band and performed a live show after playing violin for a few month, and how she makes time for practice with a busy schedule. Join the Violin Class newsletter for more bonus content with each new episode & violin tips: violinclass.co/newsletter Free warmups ebook: violinclass.co/warmups Instagram: @violinclassco

I walk you through my routine for practicing my scales, including slow and acceleration scales, different bowing patterns, and arpeggios.  To read the full show notes and extra tidbits, join the Violin Class newsletter here: violinclass.co/newsletter

Sign up for the Creative Scales Workshop/ violinclass.co/events/scales Saturday, April 29th at 2pm (Eastern Time) Scales should be fun! In this live workshop, you'll learn:  New ideas and creative ways to practice your violin scalesHow to use scales to play violin more expressively  How to get a great technical workout without getting boredHope to see you there!

Although we mainly stick with classical violin here on Violin Class, I have a lot of jazz-curious listeners. That's why I’ve invited Matt Holborn of the Jazz Violin podcast to join me. Join the Violin Class newsletter for more bonus content with each new episode: violinclass.co/newsletter. Read the corresponding blog post, featuring the 10 jazz violinists you should listen to here. Matt Holborn is an improvising violinist based in London. He performs with The London Django Collective,...

I'm joined by  luthiers Rozie Deloach and Jerry Lynn of OMO podcast: The Romance & Reality of violin makers.  Join the Violin Class newsletter for more bonus content with each new episode: violinclass.co/newsletter Free warmups ebook: violinclass.co/warmups Where you can find team OMO: Listen to OMO podcast Learn more about Rozie and Jerry Caraway Strings JHL Violins Sign up for the Creative Scales Workshop Saturday, April 29th at 2pm (Eastern Time) Scales can be fun!In this live...

Four strategies for avoiding burnout when practicing the violin, including cutting down on practice time, mixing up your routine, taking short breaks, and giving yourself space. Resources mentioned: Free download: Violin Warmups: The Complete Guide for Adult Beginners Join newsletter for bonus content with each new episode Blog post: Where you can find me: Website: violinclass.co Instagram: instagram.com/violinclassco Email: [email protected] Like the show? Leave a rating or...

To read the full show notes and extra tidbits, join the Violin Class newsletter here: violinclass.co/newsletter Check out Laurel Thomsen - The Violin Geek Podcast.

In this episode, we’re going to look at one of the first things I want my private violin students to learn how to do— diagnosing these errors on your own and having the tools to fix them.  This is part 2/2 of troubleshooting unpleasant sounds on the violin. To read the full show notes and extra tidbits, join the Violin Class newsletter here: violinclass.co/newsletter If you want to keep this podcast running, please consider showing your support by buying me a...

You’re not sounding so hot in today’s violin practice session. Is it you or your violin?  To read the full show notes and extra tidbits, join the Violin Class newsletter here: violinclass.co/newsletter

I'm joined by Eric Mrugala, a violinist and host of the Violin Podcast. We’re discussing the state of the career of a modern-day violinist, how that has changed with the rise of social media, and what we think is missing in music schools to prepare violinists for the realities of modern-day violinists’ careers. You can check out our other collaborative episode on his show here: https://www.violinpodcast.com/43-julia-reddy-host-of-violin-class-podcast/ ---  To read the full show notes and...

I talk to my violin student Julia, who has been playing the violin for a bit over a year and a half and is what I would consider an example of a dedicated student of violin. Julia gives her advice to others learning the violin, her perspective on overcoming all the mental hurdles that come with learning a complex skill, and how sometimes you need to step away from your goals to stay on track. Other topics we touch on is how she fits violin and classical music into her daily life, and just...

Active listening: a vital skill for all violinists. Learn how to source good recordings, which to avoid, whether it makes a difference to listen with video or audio, and then, the most important part, how to listen.  To read the full show notes, recordings, and bonus material, join the Violin Class newsletter here: violinclass.co/newsletter I’m going to walk you through this using several recordings of the same piece, and we’re going to listen and analyze them together. Lastly, you’ll hear...

If you’re learning a piece of music, there’s one thing you really need to be doing outside of practice. Part 1/2 To read the full show notes and extra tidbits, join the Violin Class newsletter here: violinclass.co/newsletter