Simple fact: Optical illusion on the bow angle

Today, I want to share a simple fact about the bow angle. Have you had the experience trying to put the bow perfectly straight to the bridge, yet, the bow still seems to be crooked and sliding.

Here is a simple fact. 

From your point of view, when the bow makes perfect 90 degrees to the string, the bow will be slightly crooked to the bridge (too far out).

When the bow is perfectly parallel to the bridge, the angle of the bow and the string from your point of view is less than 90 degrees.

This illusion is so slight that some players don't notice and still plays fine.

Also, the degree varies depending on how you position your violin. Some people position the violin more to the left towards the left shoulder. More left the violin, sharper the degree gets (more illusion effect).



Here are two examples:

Above photo is when he sees 90 degrees bow angle to the string. Notice how the bow is crooked, too far out.

And the 2nd photo is when the bow angle is corrected and parallel to the bridge. But he is seeing the bow angle less than 90 degrees to the string.

So, if you are struggling with putting the bow parallel to the bridge, you can consider this simple fact.

You can put the bow less than 90 degrees to the string and watch the mirror and make sure the bow is parallel to the bridge. And remember the angle, so that you can do it without the mirror, too.

It might change your bowing dramatically!



Happy playing,



NOTE:
There are some occasion that you want to have varieties in bow angle. For example, when you want to change the sounding point, you can make the bow angled in or out so that you can go either closer or further from the bridge as you move the bow.

Boxing throw movement for smooth bowing

I recently discover the common practice in bowing and the boxing throw. So, I wanted to share it with you today.

Not so interested in boxing? Well, I'm not so much, either and am not going to suggest you to practice boxing..! But I found that very fascinating to see how similar the movements are.
So, keep on reading!


First of all, both the bowing in violin playing and the boxing throw have same goals:
To have fully controlled, powerful and most natural arm movement.


Watch this video and notice how he rotates his right arm.


Yes, the rotation of the right arm. This is the key point!

This method can be applied well in the upper strokes (from the mid to the tip of the bow).



Experiment:
Bend your right arm and extend it in front of your body with or without rotating the arm.

Did you notice the difference?
Rotating the arm makes your arm move much more smoothly and effortlessly, doesn't it? Because your arms are designed to move that way naturally.

Also experiment:
Make a fist and as you squeeze the fist, slowly extend your arm.
Make a fist and loosen up the fist, then slowly extend your arm.

Did you notice that when your fist is tight, you can't really extend your arm smootly?
This can be apply to keep your right hand relaxed when you hold the bow.


Here are common tips for boxing:

• Rotate Your Arm: Another method to increase the power of your jab is to rotate your arm mid-way through throwing it. You should start with your palm facing inwards towards your face and once the jab is thrown, rotate your arm so that your elbow is pointing outside and your fist rotates also, so your palm ends up facing downwards.
• Keep fist relaxed throughout this movement, until just before the point of contact when it is fully clenched.
• Your knees should be bent every time you throw a punch [...] If you stand straight up, you’re more liable to get caught with a punch and you’ll also produce less power.

(Quoted from http://www.mightyfighter.com and http://boxingbeginners.com/how_to_box_punches.php)

That applies to string players as:

• Rotate your right arm for smooth bowing.
• Keep your right hand relaxed
•  Keep your knees bent slightly at all times. 

*As you rotate, you might touch the lower string. Try avoiding it by bending your body slightly backwards. The violin will tilt toward the left slightly.


Hope this method helps you for smooth bowing.