Violin Tutorial | Puzzle Plank Galaxy (Super Mario Galaxy 2)

 Here is a song from Super Mario Galaxy 2. I didn't know this song, but one of my students brought this song to learn, so I made a tutorial for it. Hope you'll enjoy!

I strongly believe that learning and playing the music you are enjoying listening to is one of the most effective way to get better and stay motivated for violin playing. It doesn't always have to be violin music, either. When you listen to music with the intention of wanting to play it on the violin requires your a lot of imagination. And it strengthen your musicality and gives you deeper understanding of music. 

Irish Jig bow exercise

 St. Patrick's Day is coming up. Here is a tutorial of how to play "Irish Washer Woman" Part 1 of 2.

 

Jig has 6 eighths notes per measure. 

To get a good feel, this warmup bow exercise will help to get ready for learning the melody with the Part 2 video.

Have fun jigging!

Easy straight bow exercise. Good-bye sliding bows!

 

 

 [written version] 

When we run, we swing our arms and keep our elbows more like a square shape. 

We feel more comfortable to keep that way. 

When you just started playing the violin, a teacher would say “Keep the bow straight.” 

But at first, almost everyone struggles to move the bow in a straight line. 

The most common issue is the bow is moving in a reversed C shape. 

Because the elbow is keeping the square shape. And the bow slides over the string and you cannot make a good sound. 

In order to move the bow straight, we need to open our elbow around the middle of the bow to the tip. 

But even knowing these facts, moving the bow straight might be pretty challenging at the beginning. 

Also, in general, “straight lines” don’t feel so natural to our body. 

 So, the next exercise might help you if you’re having the issue. 

Imagine to draw a C shape, instead of the reversed C. 

And see if the bow is more straight. 

 I hope this exercise helps you. 

Happy practicing!

How to tune with fine tuners and troubleshooting for beginner violinists

 I often get a question on how to tune the violin at home, so finally made a video about it. I hope this helps to have a smooth tuning experience for beginner violinists!