The safety move to eliminate bow shakes
There’s a problem that strikes fear into the heart of every violinist, no matter how accomplished, and that’s “the shakes”, or bow tremors. They happen when we’re nervous; caffeinated; playing an unfamiliar bow; playing a soft note; or just any time they feel like showing up! And the unfortunate thing is that once they start, they tend to hang around. They eat away at confidence, which makes them more likely to show up the next time… it’s one of those cycles we try to avoid.
So take heart! I have a “safety move” that stops the shakes in their tracks. And I’ve just posted a video that shows you exactly how to do it. Once you have this move “in your back pocket”, as I like to say, the shakes won’t bother you as much because you’ll know how to get rid of them. And once you’re not concerned with the shakes, they tend not to show up as often. Now that’s a cycle I like to perpetuate!
If you’ve watched my video on soft starts and smooth bow changes at the frog, you’ll know that tension, or muscle contraction, isn’t always a bad thing where smoothness is concerned! Don’t believe me? Put your index finger up to your screen, and see if it shakes even a little bit. Now brace it against your other hand; really push against the hand. Now see how it’s rock-steady? That’s what you’re after here. Only my safety move for bow shakes uses rotational force rather than linear. Just watch the video, and you’ll see exactly what I mean!
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I don’t know who this guy Nathan is-I have a feeling he is the guy in the Los Angeles Philharmonic that I’ve heard about. I too was in the Los Angeles Philharmonic. This is a lame ass excuse. All it creates is pressure -pressure chokes the sound. This is what you want to teach kids to get over the Jibbs. I have a feeling you mean well but this is not the way to do it
Hi Evan! Keep in mind this is just a temporary measure, to cope with those moments when the muscles won’t obey. I certainly wouldn’t advocate maintaining extra pressure past the moment when it’s useful. If folks are experiencing shakes on a regular basis, there are most likely deeper issues to look at.
Interesting video Nathan and thanks for addressing this sensitive issue. As an orchestral violinist (Rotterdam Philharmonic) I sometimes have this issue. I’ll certainly give it a try! As you point out, the bow has this tendency already built into it. The problem is that sometimes with a unexpected rush of adrenaline in a soft passage the muscles become more difficult to control. In your demonstration you were calm and not nervous. Do you find it also works in situations where you do get a rush of adrenaline?
In any case thanks for the tip. Always worth a try.
PS. Our friend Evan seems to have much better advice and techniques. I will certainly look forward to his brilliant instructional video 😉
Thanks for this encouraging lesson. As to the specific technique you present, I for one am benefiting (benefiting tremendously frankly) from applying it. Yes, it has made my week, etc. Again, very many thanks.
I was recently diagnosed with cancer and I didn’t have bow tremors until recently. Thank you for this video