Rozanna's Blog

The challenge for many string players is to play comfortably and shifting can present a particular challenge. Especially when shifting beyond the 3rd position, one must ‘get around’ the instrument, which causes strain in the hand and fingers for many.  But the real problem is not the distance that needs to be covered but the ability […]

Circular motion and warming up back muscles The following movements incorporate circular movements in back and arm. Circling the arm enables one to bring the weight of the arm around and up, then down onto the string, producing a rich beautiful sound. While the movements we are doing exaggerate the actual movement required to play […]

Rosin is actually ‘resin,’ a sap which comes from trees like pine and conifer. Some students will be surprised when first trying to play their violin if there is no rosin on the bow because the violin will not make a sound! Rosin has a tacky feel, causing the bow hair to ‘stick’ to the […]

Dear guitarists, This may be a loaded question because no one likes to hear bad news but still – I’d like to hear what you think about Guitar Decals. We’d like to think they will enable players to make the most of their creative edge, by personalizing their instrument. Thanks, R Advertisements

For many violists and violinists playing beyond the third position is challenging because it feels like such a ‘reach’. But think about it, if one were to try bringing the arm around without the instrument, to touch one’s nose with the index finger, for example, which is actually a greater distance than playing in the […]