Basics of Violin Playing (e-book edition) Copyright © 2011-2013 by Virtual Sheet Music Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this e-book shall be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise - without written permission from the publisher. No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the information contained herein. Although every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this e-book, the publisher and authors assume no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein. Trademarks All terms mentioned in this e-book that are known to be trademarks or service marks have been appropriately capitalized. Publisher cannot attest to the accuracy of this information. Use of a term in this e-book should not be regarded as affecting the validity of any trademark or service mark. Virtual Sheet Music® and Classical Sheet Music Downloads® are registered trademarks in USA and other countries. Warning and Disclaimer Every effort has been made to make this e-book as complete and as accurate as possible, but no warranty or fitness is implied. The information provided is on an “as is” basis. The authors and the publisher shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damages arising from the information contained in this e-book. The Book’s Website Find out more, contact the author and discuss this e-book at: http://www.virtualsheetmusic.com/books/violinbasics/
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[email protected] Website: www.virtualsheetmusic.com ISBN 978-0-9831899-0-9 www.virtualsheetmusic.com
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Basics of Violin Playing (e-book edition)
Table of Contents Introduction
5
About the author
5
Acknowledgments
5
The Violin
6
The Bow
6
Accessories
7
Holding the Violin
9
Children
9
Adults
11
Holding the Bow
12
Children
12
Adults
14
Tuning the Violin
15
Caring for your Violin
16
Music Notation Basics
17
The Notes
17
The Rhythm
18
Accidentals
23
Playing the Violin
24
Open Strings
24
Playing Pizzicato
24
Playing with the Bow
26
Having fun with Open Strings
28
Fingerings
30
Place the 1st finger on the G string
30
Place the 1st finger on the other strings (D, A and E)
32
Place the 2nd finger on the G string
34
Place the 2nd finger on the D string
36
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Basics of Violin Playing (e-book edition) Place the 2nd finger on the A string
38
Place the 2nd finger on the E string
39
Review the 1st and 2nd finger on all the strings
41
Place the 3rd finger on the G string
43
Place the 3rd finger on the D string
45
Place the 3rd finger on the A string
48
Place the 3rd finger on the E string
51
Miscellaneous songs with 1st, 2nd and 3rd fingers
52
Shifting fingers to create new notes
56
Shift the 1st finger on the G string
56
Move the 2nd finger on the G string
60
Move the 3rd finger on the G string and introduce the 4th finger
63
Placing the 4th and last finger
67
Place the 4th finger on the E string
67
Appendix
69
Using the 4th finger instead of open strings
69
Dynamics
70
Tuplets
72
Music Ornaments
74
Double, Triple and Quadruple Stops
77
Bowing techniques
79
Sciolto or Détaché
79
Staccato, Martelé (or Martellato)
79
Accentato
80
Spiccato or Balzato
80
Saltellato or Sautillé
81
Legato and Slurs
81
Legato-Portato
81
Legato-Staccato
82
Legato-Balzato
82
Picchettato
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Basics of Violin Playing (e-book edition) Gettato or Jeté
84
Col Legno
84
Tremolo or Tremolato
85
Introducing other positions
86
How to know when to change position
A peek to advanced techniques
90
93
Harmonics
93
Left Hand Finger Extensions
97
Vibrato
99
Left Hand Pizzicato
101
Special Effects
103
Physical Exercises and Relaxation
106
Before practicing
106
During practicing
111
After practicing
117
1st Position Chart
121
Key Signatures Chart
122
Glossary
123
References and Resources
128
On the web
128
Books
129
Index
130
Notes
136
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Basics of Violin Playing (e-book edition)
Introduction Thank you for your interest in Basics of Violin Playing. Your decision to start discovering and learning to play the violin is a very clear demonstration of your commitment to great music and we applaud your efforts. This e-book may be read step-by-step starting from the first page, or it may be used as a reference manual, it’s up to you. If you are a beginner, we suggest you start from the very beginning, i.e. learn and discover about the instrument and its parts, how to handle it and how to start playing. You will be surprised how much you will be capable of once you have reached the last page! Enjoy your learning!
About the author Fabrizio Ferrari is the Founder and President of Virtual Sheet Music Inc. an innovative American web publishing company, established in 1999, which provides products and services for musicians. Fabrizio began studying the violin at the age of 8, earning a master degree in Violin Performance at the Milan Conservatory in Italy. Between 1992 and 2003 he had a very intense professional career, performing in the most prestigious opera theaters and symphonic venues in Italy and in other countries, among those Teatro alla Scala in Milan. Between 2000 and 2001 he obtained master degrees in Music Composition and Electro-acoustic Composition. In 2004 he moved permanently to the United States where he is currently involved in the development of many projects such as the Musicians Page website and community, a social network for professional musicians, and in the research and development of new products and services for musicians worldwide. He lives in Orange County, California, with his wife Laura and their two children Sofia and Edward.
Acknowledgments This e-book could not have been written without the unwavering and tireless support of my wonderful wife, Laura, also a violinist, who helped me assemble and organize the educational material and who worked with me to shoot some of the pictures you see in this e-book. Many thanks also to my sweet daughter Sofia who has been amazingly indulgent during the photo shoots, and to my son Edward who patiently waited for his sister downstairs. Finally, I wish to express a special thank you to my long time friend, Orlando B. Manta, as well as Janet Teas who helped me with the final proofreading of the e-book.
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Basics of Violin Playing (e-book edition)
The Violin Scroll Peg Box Pegs
Nut
Neck
Fingerboard Upper Bout
Waist (C-Bout) F-Holes Bridge
Tailpiece
Lower Bout
Chinrest
End Button
Fine Tuner
The Bow Winding (or Pad)
Stick
Adjusting Screw
Frog
Ferrule
Bow Hair
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Tip
Basics of Violin Playing (e-book edition)
Accessories Shoulder Rest
A shoulder rest is often needed to help hold the violin more comfortably. For children, it is usually better to use a soft pad or a sponge. The shoulder rest attaches to the underside of the violin.
Rosin
The rosin (also known as colophony or colophonia resina, or “pece greca” in Italian) must be applied to the bow hair every time you feel the bow is “slippery.” Of course, the more you play your violin the more often you will need to apply the rosin. To apply rosin to the bow air, just rub it gently from the bow ferrule to the bow tip while being careful not to slide it over the ferrule or the tip. Usually 4-5 rubs are enough for 5-10 hours of playing. Rosins come in a variety of colors, from nearly transparent, to red, to black. Darker rosins usually have a stronger friction effect, but they are also harder and can break more easily.
Mute Some music pieces require a “mute” to create a softer, quieter sound. You can also use the mute just to make your violin sound “quieter.” The mute is placed on your violin bridge and comes in different shapes, models and materials, from wood (the one shown above) to rubber, metal or even leather. The most common models are the Tourte Mute, the Heifetz Mute and the “Heavy Practice” mute in metal, which allows you to almost completely mute your violin sound for practice purposes.
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Basics of Violin Playing (e-book edition)
Tuning Fork
Electronic Tuner
A tuner is necessary to correctly tune your violin. There are several different kinds of tuners, from traditional tuning forks, to sophisticated electronic tuners. You can of course use a piano or keyboard.
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Basics of Violin Playing (e-book edition)
Holding the Violin Children
A correct posture is paramount for both adults and children.
For children it may be a challenge to keep the correct position for an extended period of time. This picture shows the correct beginning position. www.virtualsheetmusic.com
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