Blog
Browse the blog posts and podcast episodes to help you learn the violin as an adult.
6 violin techniques you should practice every day
In my 15 years of teaching violin, I’ve noticed a topic that is confusing for a lot of adult learners: how to structure their technique and warmup practice.
7 violin vibrato mistakes, explained
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.
5 steps to prepare to learn vibrato (even as a beginner)
Here are some things that you can start doing even as a beginner, even in your first year of violin playing to get ready to learn vibrato.
The ultimate guide to learning violin vibrato
What really goes into learning vibrato? It’s helpful to understand the steps involved before starting the technique, and that’s exactly what I’m covering in this episode.
A comprehensive guide to creating a violin scales routine
I share my personal violin scales routine, with inspiration for creating your own. I cover everything from how to approach bowings and rhythms to why it's important to practice scales regularly.
Violin Scales 101: Creative ideas to practice
Creative ideas for practicing your violin scales for beginners.
The Art of Violin Repairs, with Rozie and Jerry of OMO podcast
My guests today are luthiers Rozie and Jerry of OMO podast. We discuss: which bugs are the most dangerous to wooden instrument, Jerry’s craziest instrument repairs, his ‘cello from hell, and much more.
Overcoming burnout in your violin practice
Are you having trouble staying motivated to keep practicing violin? Here are 4 strategies to avoiding burnout when practicing as an adult beginner.
Challenges of adult beginners, with Laurel Thomsen of Violin Geek Podcast
In our conversation, you’ll first get to know Laurel, her career, and her online work— and how she met her husband through a Youtube video.
Top beginner violinist mistakes and how to fix them
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.
Ep #24: Is it me or my violin? Troubleshooting unpleasant sounds
You’re not sounding so hot in today’s violin practice session. Is it you or your violin?
A lot of the times, it’s on us, but sometimes we get lucky and something is a little off with the violin and you can make a quick adjustments and then you’re sounding much better. You’ll be able to tell which is which by listening very closely to your instrument.
Ep #23: The diverse careers of modern-day violinists, feat. Eric Mrugala of Violin Podcast
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
Ep #22: Advice from an adult violin student
Today, I talk to my violin student Julia, who has been playing the violin for a bit over a year and a half .
She shares her experience as a kid learning piano, and how things are different for her now as an adult starting violin.
Ep #21: Using active listening to improve your playing
In this episode, you’ll 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.
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.
Ep #20: The #1 thing you should be doing outside of practice to improve your playing
If you’re learning a piece of music, there’s one thing you really need to be doing outside of practice.
Ep #19: How professional orchestral auditions work, with Evalynn Tyros
Ever wondered how orchestra auditions work?
In this episode, I’m going to give you a behind-the-scene perspective into what only happens behind closed doors in the classical world: the audition process.
Musicians give their everything in these auditions, and it’s incredibly difficult and competitive to win a job. And that’s the term we use— winning a job. Because it is every bit a competition.
Ep #18: Is practicing with a tuner a good idea?
We all know that intonation is one of the biggest struggles we have as violinists. Digital tuners and tuning apps seem like a cheap and easy tool that will help you improve, but it’s not so simple.
Like everything, there are pros and cons to working with a tuner, and most violin teachers (myself included) generally don’t recommend them. That said, I think they can be a very valuable tool to some people when learned correctly.
Ep #17: How to organize your violin practice to you optimize your productivity
Tracking your progress and progress can be a great tool to keep you motivated, on track, and organized.
There’s no wrong way of keeping a practice journal, but I will give you a few ideas and suggestions to track your practice.
Ep #16: When can I learn vibrato? A violin teacher’s perspective
When should you start learning vibrato?
I answer my #1 most asked question as a violin teacher. Listen to learn what I look for before starting vibrato, how long it takes to learn, when I personally teach it, and what you can do to start preparing-- even as a beginner.
A guide to classical concerts
The classical world is a bit intimidating if you're just starting out, but attending a live concert is one of the best things to go out and see if you're learning the violin.