(I'm commenting as I listen along) During the Suite Hebraique you sound a little bit rushed, so I'd make sure to stay on the beat and keep steady. Also, your tone needs to be more grounded, so I'd recommend using more arm weight in your sound.
CampanellaDeamon is dead on. Also check out the viola book by Primrose. It's a great book that might help guide your playing. And, stop apologizing, if you mess up stay in character, ignore it until you get into a practice room, and be fearless. You have promise, but the most important thing in performing is to love it, that will give you the confidence to believe in what you're doing and give your audience something very personal and special to listen to. After that you'll be having fun.
Don't forget that the first movement of the Bloch is a "Rhapsodie" You can rhapsodize a little more I think. Don't apologize so much...mean what you do and do what you mean. You should have no regrets, just own it! :)
hi - i also play the viola and can tell that u have a good sound even though the camera is dodgy :) with the hebrew suite, u've got all the notes - it just sounds too pretty (especially at the beginning). you need more grit - don't be afraid to make scratch the sound a bit. you were getting it at moments and it was great! good luck.
a piece of advice, don't place what you want to do with your life in the opinions of others, especially on youtube!
if you truly love playing then dedicate yourself to it and never stop, of course take honest advice with a hard head and take everything which will help you improve
1.truly listen to yourself (even when we think we are we're not)
Well done! I played this piece n my final year at uni, great piece. What the end of your phrases; there is a tendency to throw it away rather than sustain the sound. I think most of the notes are under your fingers now and would love to hear a recording with more consideration to the phrasing and tonal variation to suit the phrase (though I think a lot of the sound recoding is hiding that).
I definately think you have a chance and should persue your career :)
why you screwed up on that run in the beginning is because you didn't know harmonically where you were and in what position you were; always be aware of what key you're in throughout the piece and tell yourself what position you are moving to instead of what not you are going to.
ASPIN!!!! OMG THIS IS AMAZING!!! [It's Andre' from Brevard by the way] I FREAKING LOVE AND MISS YOU GIRL!!!! You're playing is amazing. I miss you so much. =[
i liked it, it was obviously good...but what bothered me is how you never used ur full bow...now this is just me i get really bothered with it but ya...:D maybe u should memorize the song so then u can focus on other things like style and bow usage...
YES! I completely agree! I am in DIRE need of bow control work and everything with the bow. I've improved since this recording, but still, I completely agree I need to focus on this! Thank you for your comment!
In this video I played a 16 inch viola. However I am currently playing on a 16 and ~1/4 inch...perhaps a little less...it's a big instrument (for my short arms) but the neck is narrow, so it allows for my tiny hands to grasp it. I was really excited to find it, it took years of searching, and finally I struck gold. thank you for your comment!
Sure! sorry this is late but...I was in the intermediate division (I wanted to be in the high school, but I was too young) anyways, I played in the ISO (intermediate symphony orchestra) which is the top orch. in the division, and sat 2nd and 3rd chair through out the summer.
hey that's great! I didn't get to see you guys perform a whole lot, but i did see the concert with the firebird and the concerto winners, and i have to say i had no idea you guys were so good! everyone kind of told me rumors that you guys were great but you really were! haha are you returning to interlochen this summer?
Aspen, you rock on the Viola OMG! I love classical music of all types! 1 day i hope to own a violin, cello and a double bass. I have a viola but i'll need to get a C string for it Kepp on rocking girl Kolerik
I absolutely loved the Bloch. I'm thinking about Bloch as a summer piece and you have helped me GREATLY. All I can say is that you're a wonderful violist. Certainly better than I... who only practices... -cough- less than 3 hours a day.
You will definitely make it in the real world performing as a professional violist! Just keep practicing daily and yes, do as many musical activities with people outside of your friends and family. Keep it up!
Oh my gosh thank you so much. you should totally do the Bloch this summer, it's fabulous, sadly the other two movements aren;t as great but the rhapsody makes up for it. Thank you thougth for your nice comments, I have so far to go, and my self doubt only seems to increase this summer while I'm at brevard. But your words are comforting...I hope your summer goes great with the bloch! Best of luck to you!
Don't forget that professionals, including free lancers, still perform and rehearse in addition to their 3 hours (mininum, mind you) of practice a day. It takes discipline and good technique (to avoid tendonitus) but that's what it takes and you just get used to it.
ALSO, one comment, I would try to move the bow arm from the elbow more and from the shoulder less. Try leaning against a wall to practice keeping your right shoulder still. I am a pretty shoddy violist, but sometimes I know sort of what I am talking about, so I hope I can give advice to a more advanced player like yourself, and still have it taken seriously. thanks
oh of course I appreciate your advice! And I completely agree, I've had problems with my bow arm for years now and every time I think I've got it, it goes back again....I just need to send like month working on it I think and really focus on it...anyways, thank you so much!!!
sounds pretty good (well, bad quality video but i can tell you're better in real life). How long have you been playing? I play in the VT youth orchestra. We're touring China this summer, and our soloist is playing the Bloch, so your clip has me pumped. Sounds good, thanks for posting.
it is always interesting to see people play with huge violas when their arms are short(not insulting). Is that uncomfortable after a while(playing stuff like unaccompained hindemith or the bach violin music)? I ask because I play a 16 viola(its powerful for physically thin viola) and in actuality could play a 16.75 before my left arm starts to really extend.
haha, it's funny you should mention that. Actually I'm searching for a upgrade-viola at the moment and size definitely matters as we all know. To say the least, it's not easy being small. Not only do I have relitively small stature and arms, but my hands and fingers are very small. I currently play on a 16", while I really should be smaller, it's hard to find a viola that small with descent tone, but it's either that, or develope tendonitus; which I already have a touch of thanks to my 16"
i do not know if you have already upgraded violas, but i wanted to suggest tschu ho lee (in chicago) as a person to make you a viola. he makes a 15 3/4" viola that is amazing in sound. i was a student of his at his violin making school. the only problem is
that you are looking at close to $20k and about a 5 year waiting list. but worth it, i think.
(comment was too long and had to post it in parts)
but, if you want something cheaper and sooner, then i'd still recomned contacting a few local makers. you can make a 16" viola that has a shorter neck/string length that will be better for your small hands. i dont know where you live, but there is another maker in chicago, fred thompson, that i highly recommend. another teacher of mine at the violin making school.
I won't make any negative comments, because I honestly believe you that you play much better in person and that this wasn't your best playing (we have our good and bad days). I will say, however, your vibrato in both pieces in unacceptable. It needs to be faster, wider, and more intense. Not just for those pieces, but with most playing in general.
hmm I'll keep that in mind :) I'm currently rearranging the positioning of my left hand, so I think that might have had something to do with it, but I'll be sure to work on that! Thank you!!
I really enjoy how you play the Suite Hebraique. I'm playing for music contest on Sat. so it was nice to find a recording of another player with it. I am really suprised at how fast you're able to play the cadenza (no way are my fingers that fast)! I also took some ideas from your playing, the shifting at a couple of the runs really helped me. Thanks and it sound really great!
oh your most welcome! I'm so glad that I could be of assistance! I know I wish I had had a recording while I was practicing the Bloch :) As for the Cadenzas, thank you so much! The way to get them is just slow practice, over and over again, making sure each note is in tune and comes out clearly...it's tedious, and I know we all hate it...I hate it at least...but it's the only think that works ;D hope your contest went well!!
oh ok, that's pretty cool. yeah I'd still looove to go to Interlochen though ;) so which university do you plan on attending? (since you're doing music)
My dream school at the moment is New England Conservatory in Boston, but also I'm applying for Oberlin, Indiana U, Eastman, Cinncinati Con., and a few safty schools. But really I'll probably go to what ever school I a)get into, and b)offers me any scholarship...that's just kind of how it works though.
ahh I see,, well I wouldn't know, because you kinda have to rob a bank in order to go to Interlochen [lol].. so that's why I'm happy that he moved down here instead. Where is Brevard? I've never heard of it.
Haha, yeah see I went when interlochen wasn't as expensive, actually lasted longer, and I got fair scholarship. Brevard is in North Caroline near Ashville. It's not as well known, but it's been around since like 1930's (about the same as interlochen) and it's actually alot better, you just need self motivation and you've got everything you need there!
It's expensive, but they give you scholarships, and if you end up going into music, a college will see that you went to these places and say oh well so-n-so went to all these camps and did well, so they must be good, and they'll give you a scholarship-at least that's what I'hoping for:S
Oh yes of course! I didn't really word that the way I should have...I was just saying it would help not only my education in music but it does look farily good on a resume...but of course it all really comes down to the audition, which is haunting my dreams as we speak.
Right afterwards when you begin to play again you just plow right back into the music. I recently played in a master class taught by Dr. Dunham, professor of viola studies at Rice, where the idea of breathing in before I play and OUT as I begin to play was presented to me, so I suggest giving it a try. If applied to a whole note at 60 BPS both these ideas can turn a plain tone into something beautiful that leaves an audience hungry for more.
You are fantastic, no need for apologizing. I've got two suggestions for you to play with. For example, at 2:32 I think you will find if you increase your arm weight at the tip and while playing half the value of the note on the first third of your up bow, thereafter accelerating the speed of your bow while decreasing the weight used you will be able to bring out an even better viola sound. Straight speed leaves something to be desired.
Um...no I haven't gone back to Interlochen in a few years. Don't tell him, cause he was an amazing teacher and I hold nothing against him, but Interlochen has degraded so much from what I grew up hearing about from my mom. No one seems to practice anymore and it's definitely taking a toll on the quality of orchestra performances. I got so much out of Brevard this past summer, where there were weekly auditions and a college division to look up to, in addition to a staff orchestra.
You don't get any of that at Interlochen any more...in my eyes, it's spread itself too thin and become nothing more than a camp where people who happen to enjoy the arts go to...not those who wish to major in their art. It's just my opinion and I loved my lessons with Dr. Levine, but Dr. Rawls at Brevard is also amazing...i do miss interlochen though!
No it's fine. Thanks! I do use recordings in this way alot, I jsut wanted some advise from outside my own little bubble if you know what I mean! But I plan on doing this more often, it helps alot!
You might irk at the problem spots in these pieces, and yet say that you do a lot better normally, but try recording yourself more often. You might not notice it in the midst of the music that you're playing, but you'll definetly hear something when you listen back. Keep an ear out for intonation as well, not just actual wrong notes. Use the bad recordings to your advantage so that you sound great whe
About video recording. Not sure if this was your original intent but you can certainly use this video to your own advantage. Practice in front of a video camera as much possible. When you're practicing without one you can't see the intricacies of what you're doing, also sometimes you might tune out the bad spots of your practice sessions. Listening to recordings of yourself help you realize what are the more problematic spots
oo that's awesome! Yeah, he's my viola teacher! =D but I've never been to Interlochen.. though I'd love to go one day!!! he's also the conductor of my youth orchestra. that's so awesome I met one of his students!!! lol =D
Thank you, yeah I attended Interlochen Fine Arts Camp for two summers, once for 4 weeks and once for 8 weeks (the last years these were options). And I studied with Dr. Harold Levin, why do you know him :D
Dont b sorry!!! u r very musical! In Bloch u should try 2 do bigger phrases, especially in the beginning . The piece is written in a improvisating mood, so find out which motives he is playing with & follow the process of composing - structure scales while practicing so it becomes clearer - I liked the interpretation of the Hindemith very much, u understand the music! all the best 4u!
yup I'll be in the young artist division (ya-ya)...they normally tell you by the 20th-end of march...if you haven't heard anything by april email or contact them. Oh I can't wiat to go back, it's so amazing!
I noticed that you never went to the absolute frog of the bow. By avoiding the frog you also miss the opportunity to release at the change of bow.
You have a very good natural sense of musical flow and a good basic sound. Experiment with bow speed and bow distribution. I'd use much more bow at the beginning of the Rapsodie;more bow less weight.
Thank you so much! Ugh, my bowing has always been a trial for me, so yeah, I need to work on it. I'm so happy to hear that others now want to do the hindemith! It's probably the best compliment I've ever received (sadly it's a goal of mine to make people fall in love with whatever piece I play, and hindemith has been th biggest problem). But good luck! Hindemith is definitely not a piece of cake...it takes ALOT of patience, and intonation (although it doesn't sound like it) is key!
Thanks! yeah, I practice a total of 3 or more hours a day solo, plus all I do with my quartets and orchestra...but I'm still not sure it's enough, lol. But thank you so much!
i asked a professional violinist and she advised me to practise at least 3/4 hours a day :S oh and join as many youth orchestras as you can NOW cos u'll need all the experiance you can get ... this excludes the school orchestra ... i joined a youth fife orchestra and found the music was more challenging etc... but yeah... thats all i can think... personally i think your a very nice player ! well done! :D
omg WELL DONE !!! I play violin too im kinda jealous how fast you can play :) im grade 7 / 8 inbetween. if i had any advice for you if you want to go professional is PRACTICE ALOT LOL cos i wanted to professional but i didnt think i was gd enough so i never applied to music school.
(I'm commenting as I listen along) During the Suite Hebraique you sound a little bit rushed, so I'd make sure to stay on the beat and keep steady. Also, your tone needs to be more grounded, so I'd recommend using more arm weight in your sound.
BratscheLover 1 year ago
Very nice. What size Viola are you playing?
sherom 2 years ago
CampanellaDeamon is dead on. Also check out the viola book by Primrose. It's a great book that might help guide your playing. And, stop apologizing, if you mess up stay in character, ignore it until you get into a practice room, and be fearless. You have promise, but the most important thing in performing is to love it, that will give you the confidence to believe in what you're doing and give your audience something very personal and special to listen to. After that you'll be having fun.
MrBathTub 3 years ago
Don't forget that the first movement of the Bloch is a "Rhapsodie" You can rhapsodize a little more I think. Don't apologize so much...mean what you do and do what you mean. You should have no regrets, just own it! :)
omgjaredscold 3 years ago
Not bad at all kiddo. Keep it up!
Your voice sounds a bit like a chipmunk at times, so don't sing.
hillaroo666 3 years ago
hi - i also play the viola and can tell that u have a good sound even though the camera is dodgy :) with the hebrew suite, u've got all the notes - it just sounds too pretty (especially at the beginning). you need more grit - don't be afraid to make scratch the sound a bit. you were getting it at moments and it was great! good luck.
liv4aco 3 years ago
a piece of advice, don't place what you want to do with your life in the opinions of others, especially on youtube!
if you truly love playing then dedicate yourself to it and never stop, of course take honest advice with a hard head and take everything which will help you improve
1.truly listen to yourself (even when we think we are we're not)
CampanellaDaemon 3 years ago
Well done! I played this piece n my final year at uni, great piece. What the end of your phrases; there is a tendency to throw it away rather than sustain the sound. I think most of the notes are under your fingers now and would love to hear a recording with more consideration to the phrasing and tonal variation to suit the phrase (though I think a lot of the sound recoding is hiding that).
I definately think you have a chance and should persue your career :)
nimuroji 3 years ago
camera makes the viola sound like crap
I'm in sure that viola makes beautiful sound
you are a good violist nonetheless
i would recommend a different piece though
sum30guy 3 years ago
thanks phoenix125, yeah I've heard that idea before, and I agree, I definitely should incoorporate it into my playing.
Lol, thanks everyone else as well!
AspenM 3 years ago
why you screwed up on that run in the beginning is because you didn't know harmonically where you were and in what position you were; always be aware of what key you're in throughout the piece and tell yourself what position you are moving to instead of what not you are going to.
phoenix125 4 years ago
to tell you the truth when I was watching this I was jealous of your recording equipment it's much better than anything I have
susannaplaysviola 4 years ago
ASPIN!!!! OMG THIS IS AMAZING!!! [It's Andre' from Brevard by the way] I FREAKING LOVE AND MISS YOU GIRL!!!! You're playing is amazing. I miss you so much. =[
andreapwns 4 years ago
i liked it, it was obviously good...but what bothered me is how you never used ur full bow...now this is just me i get really bothered with it but ya...:D maybe u should memorize the song so then u can focus on other things like style and bow usage...
101greenroses 4 years ago
YES! I completely agree! I am in DIRE need of bow control work and everything with the bow. I've improved since this recording, but still, I completely agree I need to focus on this! Thank you for your comment!
AspenM 3 years ago
Heyy!!! I forgot to ask you what size you use. :/ Such nice sound from your instrument.
y3nd0 4 years ago
In this video I played a 16 inch viola. However I am currently playing on a 16 and ~1/4 inch...perhaps a little less...it's a big instrument (for my short arms) but the neck is narrow, so it allows for my tiny hands to grasp it. I was really excited to find it, it took years of searching, and finally I struck gold. thank you for your comment!
AspenM 3 years ago
Lovely playing.
You're gonne be succesfull...just go on !!
Duendeflamenco 4 years ago
thank you! truly thank you, I'm so nervous, but your vote of confidence is reassuring :)
AspenM 3 years ago
Gorgeous. Good job!
jman8016 4 years ago
thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
AspenM 3 years ago
my i ask what you played at interlochen? (which orchestra.. which chair)
pianomatteo 4 years ago
Sure! sorry this is late but...I was in the intermediate division (I wanted to be in the high school, but I was too young) anyways, I played in the ISO (intermediate symphony orchestra) which is the top orch. in the division, and sat 2nd and 3rd chair through out the summer.
AspenM 3 years ago
hey that's great! I didn't get to see you guys perform a whole lot, but i did see the concert with the firebird and the concerto winners, and i have to say i had no idea you guys were so good! everyone kind of told me rumors that you guys were great but you really were! haha are you returning to interlochen this summer?
pianomatteo 3 years ago
It's my best friend Aspen! You didn't tell me you were on Youtube!
OClover4ever 4 years ago
Aspen i think you sound wonderful
you could most def get into a good school
you should post more :)
eddydadanca2 4 years ago
thank you so much! I'm going to try and post some more. thank you for your reassurance, it means the world to me!
AspenM 3 years ago
Aspen, you rock on the Viola OMG! I love classical music of all types! 1 day i hope to own a violin, cello and a double bass. I have a viola but i'll need to get a C string for it Kepp on rocking girl Kolerik
KolerikRocks 9 months ago
Magnífico Hindemith!!! Please do not say sorry. Thank you very much for sharing this videos. It sounded great. Congratulations.
rodriguesviola 4 years ago
you sound quite lovely in lots of places, but speed the video up - the music stand is falling throughout the thing! it's quite an amusing addition :)
violalin 4 years ago
I absolutely loved the Bloch. I'm thinking about Bloch as a summer piece and you have helped me GREATLY. All I can say is that you're a wonderful violist. Certainly better than I... who only practices... -cough- less than 3 hours a day.
You will definitely make it in the real world performing as a professional violist! Just keep practicing daily and yes, do as many musical activities with people outside of your friends and family. Keep it up!
y3nd0 4 years ago
Oh my gosh thank you so much. you should totally do the Bloch this summer, it's fabulous, sadly the other two movements aren;t as great but the rhapsody makes up for it. Thank you thougth for your nice comments, I have so far to go, and my self doubt only seems to increase this summer while I'm at brevard. But your words are comforting...I hope your summer goes great with the bloch! Best of luck to you!
AspenM 4 years ago
I don't know Bloch, but it sounds deep, I like it.
By the way, 3 hours practicing is a lot already
Atheis01 4 years ago
That's how much professionals practice a day. And I agree with you, it's plain insane.
y3nd0 4 years ago
Don't forget that professionals, including free lancers, still perform and rehearse in addition to their 3 hours (mininum, mind you) of practice a day. It takes discipline and good technique (to avoid tendonitus) but that's what it takes and you just get used to it.
ohdannyb0i 4 years ago
ALSO, one comment, I would try to move the bow arm from the elbow more and from the shoulder less. Try leaning against a wall to practice keeping your right shoulder still. I am a pretty shoddy violist, but sometimes I know sort of what I am talking about, so I hope I can give advice to a more advanced player like yourself, and still have it taken seriously. thanks
spunkybelle1127 4 years ago
oh of course I appreciate your advice! And I completely agree, I've had problems with my bow arm for years now and every time I think I've got it, it goes back again....I just need to send like month working on it I think and really focus on it...anyways, thank you so much!!!
AspenM 4 years ago
sounds pretty good (well, bad quality video but i can tell you're better in real life). How long have you been playing? I play in the VT youth orchestra. We're touring China this summer, and our soloist is playing the Bloch, so your clip has me pumped. Sounds good, thanks for posting.
spunkybelle1127 4 years ago
You should play without notes
bampirom 4 years ago
it is always interesting to see people play with huge violas when their arms are short(not insulting). Is that uncomfortable after a while(playing stuff like unaccompained hindemith or the bach violin music)? I ask because I play a 16 viola(its powerful for physically thin viola) and in actuality could play a 16.75 before my left arm starts to really extend.
violabrain 4 years ago
haha, it's funny you should mention that. Actually I'm searching for a upgrade-viola at the moment and size definitely matters as we all know. To say the least, it's not easy being small. Not only do I have relitively small stature and arms, but my hands and fingers are very small. I currently play on a 16", while I really should be smaller, it's hard to find a viola that small with descent tone, but it's either that, or develope tendonitus; which I already have a touch of thanks to my 16"
AspenM 4 years ago
i do not know if you have already upgraded violas, but i wanted to suggest tschu ho lee (in chicago) as a person to make you a viola. he makes a 15 3/4" viola that is amazing in sound. i was a student of his at his violin making school. the only problem is
that you are looking at close to $20k and about a 5 year waiting list. but worth it, i think.
mapleleafgal 4 years ago
(comment was too long and had to post it in parts)
but, if you want something cheaper and sooner, then i'd still recomned contacting a few local makers. you can make a 16" viola that has a shorter neck/string length that will be better for your small hands. i dont know where you live, but there is another maker in chicago, fred thompson, that i highly recommend. another teacher of mine at the violin making school.
mapleleafgal 4 years ago
I won't make any negative comments, because I honestly believe you that you play much better in person and that this wasn't your best playing (we have our good and bad days). I will say, however, your vibrato in both pieces in unacceptable. It needs to be faster, wider, and more intense. Not just for those pieces, but with most playing in general.
AbsoluteZ3R0 4 years ago
hmm I'll keep that in mind :) I'm currently rearranging the positioning of my left hand, so I think that might have had something to do with it, but I'll be sure to work on that! Thank you!!
AspenM 4 years ago
guess what?! I got accepted at Brevard! yay! >.< so i guess i'll be seeing you there.
QuincyMW 5 years ago
Oh Congrats!! I can't wait until this summer! I'll see you there!
AspenM 4 years ago
I really enjoy how you play the Suite Hebraique. I'm playing for music contest on Sat. so it was nice to find a recording of another player with it. I am really suprised at how fast you're able to play the cadenza (no way are my fingers that fast)! I also took some ideas from your playing, the shifting at a couple of the runs really helped me. Thanks and it sound really great!
phhs07 5 years ago
oh your most welcome! I'm so glad that I could be of assistance! I know I wish I had had a recording while I was practicing the Bloch :) As for the Cadenzas, thank you so much! The way to get them is just slow practice, over and over again, making sure each note is in tune and comes out clearly...it's tedious, and I know we all hate it...I hate it at least...but it's the only think that works ;D hope your contest went well!!
AspenM 4 years ago
oh ok, that's pretty cool. yeah I'd still looove to go to Interlochen though ;) so which university do you plan on attending? (since you're doing music)
IhaveaCstring 5 years ago
My dream school at the moment is New England Conservatory in Boston, but also I'm applying for Oberlin, Indiana U, Eastman, Cinncinati Con., and a few safty schools. But really I'll probably go to what ever school I a)get into, and b)offers me any scholarship...that's just kind of how it works though.
AspenM 4 years ago
ahh I see,, well I wouldn't know, because you kinda have to rob a bank in order to go to Interlochen [lol].. so that's why I'm happy that he moved down here instead. Where is Brevard? I've never heard of it.
IhaveaCstring 5 years ago
Haha, yeah see I went when interlochen wasn't as expensive, actually lasted longer, and I got fair scholarship. Brevard is in North Caroline near Ashville. It's not as well known, but it's been around since like 1930's (about the same as interlochen) and it's actually alot better, you just need self motivation and you've got everything you need there!
AspenM 5 years ago
It's expensive, but they give you scholarships, and if you end up going into music, a college will see that you went to these places and say oh well so-n-so went to all these camps and did well, so they must be good, and they'll give you a scholarship-at least that's what I'hoping for:S
AspenM 5 years ago
Partly true. The audition is still the most important part of going into music at the collegiate level, more-so than your background.
ohdannyb0i 5 years ago
Oh yes of course! I didn't really word that the way I should have...I was just saying it would help not only my education in music but it does look farily good on a resume...but of course it all really comes down to the audition, which is haunting my dreams as we speak.
AspenM 4 years ago
Right afterwards when you begin to play again you just plow right back into the music. I recently played in a master class taught by Dr. Dunham, professor of viola studies at Rice, where the idea of breathing in before I play and OUT as I begin to play was presented to me, so I suggest giving it a try. If applied to a whole note at 60 BPS both these ideas can turn a plain tone into something beautiful that leaves an audience hungry for more.
sturmherooflance 5 years ago
You are fantastic, no need for apologizing. I've got two suggestions for you to play with. For example, at 2:32 I think you will find if you increase your arm weight at the tip and while playing half the value of the note on the first third of your up bow, thereafter accelerating the speed of your bow while decreasing the weight used you will be able to bring out an even better viola sound. Straight speed leaves something to be desired.
sturmherooflance 5 years ago
hey ok! I won't be seeing him for about 2 weeks though because he'll be out of town. are you going back to interlochen this year?
IhaveaCstring 5 years ago
Um...no I haven't gone back to Interlochen in a few years. Don't tell him, cause he was an amazing teacher and I hold nothing against him, but Interlochen has degraded so much from what I grew up hearing about from my mom. No one seems to practice anymore and it's definitely taking a toll on the quality of orchestra performances. I got so much out of Brevard this past summer, where there were weekly auditions and a college division to look up to, in addition to a staff orchestra.
AspenM 5 years ago
You don't get any of that at Interlochen any more...in my eyes, it's spread itself too thin and become nothing more than a camp where people who happen to enjoy the arts go to...not those who wish to major in their art. It's just my opinion and I loved my lessons with Dr. Levine, but Dr. Rawls at Brevard is also amazing...i do miss interlochen though!
AspenM 5 years ago
Sorry bout the double posts, it didn't show my original message so I retyped it thinking that it didn't go through.
ohdannyb0i 5 years ago
No it's fine. Thanks! I do use recordings in this way alot, I jsut wanted some advise from outside my own little bubble if you know what I mean! But I plan on doing this more often, it helps alot!
AspenM 5 years ago
You might irk at the problem spots in these pieces, and yet say that you do a lot better normally, but try recording yourself more often. You might not notice it in the midst of the music that you're playing, but you'll definetly hear something when you listen back. Keep an ear out for intonation as well, not just actual wrong notes. Use the bad recordings to your advantage so that you sound great whe
ohdannyb0i 5 years ago
About video recording. Not sure if this was your original intent but you can certainly use this video to your own advantage. Practice in front of a video camera as much possible. When you're practicing without one you can't see the intricacies of what you're doing, also sometimes you might tune out the bad spots of your practice sessions. Listening to recordings of yourself help you realize what are the more problematic spots
ohdannyb0i 5 years ago
Just out of curiosity, the Hindemith, is that a sonata or for just viola alone, and what number is it and from what Opus?
noxiousnote 5 years ago
Yes it's for solo viola (Bratch. allen) and the number is 1 opus 25...hope this helps, and good luck with it!
AspenM 5 years ago
oo that's awesome! Yeah, he's my viola teacher! =D but I've never been to Interlochen.. though I'd love to go one day!!! he's also the conductor of my youth orchestra. that's so awesome I met one of his students!!! lol =D
IhaveaCstring 5 years ago
Oh that's SOOO cool! Tell him I said hi! I loved him as a teacher! He was great!
AspenM 5 years ago
very nice I really like it... I like the Hebraique. So you've been to Interlochen? do you know the viola professor? comment back please! =]
IhaveaCstring 5 years ago
Thank you, yeah I attended Interlochen Fine Arts Camp for two summers, once for 4 weeks and once for 8 weeks (the last years these were options). And I studied with Dr. Harold Levin, why do you know him :D
AspenM 5 years ago
and for the big question: yes, I do think you have a chance! a littel more concentration and self-confidence will do!! :D
susanneviolin 5 years ago
Dont b sorry!!! u r very musical! In Bloch u should try 2 do bigger phrases, especially in the beginning . The piece is written in a improvisating mood, so find out which motives he is playing with & follow the process of composing - structure scales while practicing so it becomes clearer - I liked the interpretation of the Hindemith very much, u understand the music! all the best 4u!
susanneviolin 5 years ago
I'm playing this now. I like your interpetation. Are you going to go to Brevard this summer, because I am.
QuincyMW 5 years ago
Yes I am! I loved Brevard last year and can't wait to go back this upcoming. Maybe I'll see you there!
AspenM 5 years ago
yay!! By when do they usually tell if we made it or not? And will you be in the youth division, or whatever it is called?
QuincyMW 5 years ago
yup I'll be in the young artist division (ya-ya)...they normally tell you by the 20th-end of march...if you haven't heard anything by april email or contact them. Oh I can't wiat to go back, it's so amazing!
AspenM 5 years ago
I noticed that you never went to the absolute frog of the bow. By avoiding the frog you also miss the opportunity to release at the change of bow.
You have a very good natural sense of musical flow and a good basic sound. Experiment with bow speed and bow distribution. I'd use much more bow at the beginning of the Rapsodie;more bow less weight.
Fiddlerfrank 5 years ago
Oh yes...bowing...I have alot to work on as far as bowing is concerned, thank you for your observation, I'll try to get back to the frog more...
AspenM 5 years ago
I'm not very familiar with these pieces, though I did notice somethings that you have done that I have a tendency to do.
~Beware of the body beat. It can cause your arm to give you an added umph that isn't needed.
~Try to use more weight in your arm rather than your shoulder for a better tone.
Thank you for recording these pieces. I'm probably going to buy the Hindemith now. Keep practicing and I hope to hear you in the future!
noxiousnote 5 years ago
Thank you so much! Ugh, my bowing has always been a trial for me, so yeah, I need to work on it. I'm so happy to hear that others now want to do the hindemith! It's probably the best compliment I've ever received (sadly it's a goal of mine to make people fall in love with whatever piece I play, and hindemith has been th biggest problem). But good luck! Hindemith is definitely not a piece of cake...it takes ALOT of patience, and intonation (although it doesn't sound like it) is key!
AspenM 5 years ago
whoops just noticed you attended many outside orchestras... so yeah lol. i think you have a very gd chance at professional violining!!! go for it!!!
mentalproblems 5 years ago
Thanks! yeah, I practice a total of 3 or more hours a day solo, plus all I do with my quartets and orchestra...but I'm still not sure it's enough, lol. But thank you so much!
AspenM 5 years ago
i asked a professional violinist and she advised me to practise at least 3/4 hours a day :S oh and join as many youth orchestras as you can NOW cos u'll need all the experiance you can get ... this excludes the school orchestra ... i joined a youth fife orchestra and found the music was more challenging etc... but yeah... thats all i can think... personally i think your a very nice player ! well done! :D
mentalproblems 5 years ago
omg WELL DONE !!! I play violin too im kinda jealous how fast you can play :) im grade 7 / 8 inbetween. if i had any advice for you if you want to go professional is PRACTICE ALOT LOL cos i wanted to professional but i didnt think i was gd enough so i never applied to music school.
mentalproblems 5 years ago
verri goeddd
vioolman 5 years ago
OMG, Penny, you amaze me! You are awesome!
AshleySully :)
myimmortal329 5 years ago
i love playing in the nosebleed range(thats why i like my jargar light(: )
violabrain 5 years ago
I'm still on the hovannes and bach... your playing makes me want to play more of the 20th century standard repetoire
violabrain 5 years ago
Not bad, I wish I could play that good.
mjwynne01 5 years ago