Throughout my many years of childhood violin lessons, I never once played a piece by a woman composer. And I didn’t think this was strange until returning to playing violin (and viola) as an adult and beginning to hear about and listen to pieces by women composers. I realized that there is something exceptionally antiquated…
This article is part of the Practice Lab series where I experiment with AI tools in the practice room. These articles are working experiments to provide insight into uses for AI tools in music practice and learning. In this article, I share how I used ChatGPT to plan my violin practice. Over the winter holidays, I started…
This article is part of the Practice Lab series where I experiment with AI tools in the practice room. These articles are not definitive guides, but working experiments to provide insight into uses for AI tools in music practice and learning. In this article, I share how I used NotebookLM to analyze lesson transcripts, along with ideas…
This guide assists violinists transitioning to viola by recommending accessible concertos, graded repertoire, and solo pieces. Key highlights include Telemann’s Viola Concerto, Bach’s Cello Suites, Baroque viola repertoire, and works by women composers, offering a diverse selection for skill development and recital inspiration. Suitable for beginners and intermediate players.
Finding a violin or viola teacher as an adult can be daunting, but it’s definitely achievable. There are teachers willing to instruct adults, though they may be less common. Careful research, trial lessons, and clear communication are essential in identifying the right fit to enhance your musical journey.
An Entry-Level Baroque Violin in Real-World Ensemble Playing Why I Chose a Charlie Ogle Baroque Violin After playing in a community Baroque ensemble for a while using a modern instrument strung with gut strings, I happened to come across an individual selling their Charlie Ogle Baroque violin for a great deal. I jumped on this…
Over the years, I’ve tried many methods of taking music lesson notes and keeping a music practice journal. Some of these worked for a while, or evolved into other forms of journaling or note-taking. Ultimately, I found that a straightforward, one-document weekly music lesson note structure works the best for me to remember my lessons…
Almost every violinist has a favorite violin string set, and it’s also not uncommon for violinists to do some experimentation to find the best strings for their personal instrument, as strings can behave wildly differently on different instruments. As an advanced amateur violinist I’ve done quite a bit of experimentation over the years and I…
I find Baroque music played on the viola to be exceptionally captivating. The range of the instrument is particularly suited to baroque sonorities. While it requires skill to master the art of playing baroque music, much of the repertoire is less technically demanding than music of later time periods, making it an excellent entry point…
How recordings, transcripts, and AI summaries support more intentional musical practice I’m in a violin lesson, I begin playing the piece I am currently working on and it doesn’t start off as I’d hoped. The first chord is out of tune, then, as I proceed to play, my spiccato feels unbalanced. There is a lot…