Soft starts at the frog (video)
I just posted a video on YouTube that shows my “safety move” for soft starts at the frog. This move can also help with bow changes at the frog, particularly at quiet dynamics. Once you learn this technique, you’ll never worry about playing quietly at the frog again!
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Thank you for the great tip…it makes sense and I’ll be practicing this tonight.
I am usually pretty shaky which results in crunchy sounds when I try to go soft.
Susan
OK great, hope this helps! It may “break the ice” so to speak, leading to more confidence and other adjustments that you won’t even need to be conscious of.
Very interesting. I’m going to have to try that on my cello.
Thanks Nathan. I’ve usually tried to achieve this same move with breathing but I think you’re right to shift to thinking in terms of actual (up) motion of the violin. Quiet sound is easier to achieve from a pre-existing motion rather than a held breath or frozen position. Thanks for the thought!