The Art of Effortless String Crossings | Techniques and Exercises for All Levels (Violin & Viola)

Video Description

Playing clean and smooth string crossings on the violin or viola can get very tricky! It’s easy to start overthinking about what part of the arm moves first - the arm? the hand? the elbow? how much? does everything change whether it’s a downbow or an upbow? I hope that this video helps to simplify a rather complex technique that changes based on what is demanded of the music. I intended this for all levels, starting with the very basics and progressing to more advanced exercises. Musical examples of Bach and Brahms included, and exercises of Paul Rolland, Kreutzer, Sevcik, Dounis, and Simon Fischer recommended. I go over different variables that affect string crossing and various ways of approaching it to build up a very deliberate practice toward more effortless string crossings. Books/Exercises Mentioned & Recommended: 🔹Kreutzer (imslp): https://imslp.org/wiki/%C3%89tudes_ou_caprices_(Kreutzer%2C_Rodolphe) 🔹Dounis Collection: https://amzn.to/44fxK0P 🔹Ševçik op 3 (imslp): https://imslp.org/wiki/40_Variations%2C_Op.3_(%C5%A0ev%C4%8D%C3%ADk%2C_Otakar) 🔹Simon Fischer Tone: https://amzn.to/44kMpIh 🔹Paul Rolland's 'Basic Principles': https://amzn.to/431suwO ▶️Related Videos: 🔹Essential Etudes for Mastering String Crossing: https://youtu.be/DSs4OmWJvbc?si=6Itcv5BNPMSL3RgK 🔹Simon Fischer's 'Tone': https://youtu.be/QCBQVARsq7A 🔹Dounis string crossing in scales: https://youtu.be/m3i3iUNpgs0 🔹Coordination & Dexterity: https://youtu.be/c_GoCNGzpNg 🔹Bow Hand Flexibility: https://youtu.be/71Cl2dxhW_4 TIMESTAMPS 0:00 - What part of the arm leads change of string? 1:15 - first basic exercise 1:48 - bow arm levels 2:13 - bow arm as elevator 2:50 - how a balanced body aids in string crossing 3:12 - Kreutzer Etude 2 4:15 - Bach d minor Allemanda 5:29 - variables that affect string crossing 6:06 - collar bone and shoulder blade 6:39 - bow rolling exercise 7:44 - Brahms and Bach examples 8:34 - Paul Rolland's bow rocking exercise 10:12 - challenge of combining rocking and rolling motions in repertoire 10:59 - string changes at the frog 11:25 - Dounis opus 12 Artist's Technique of Violin Playing 13:12 - Sevcik opus 3 variation 13 15:06 - bridge and contact points 15:42 - Simon Fischer's TONE, ex 12 & 13 🔸BI-MONTHLY NEWSLETTER: Subscribers get highlights of my blog & videos, and exclusive resources from time to time. FREE Practice Plan PDF upon signing up. 🎉SIGN UP HERE: ➡ https://www.violinna.live/newsletter/ WHO AM I? Inna Langerman •Violinist in NYC/tri-state region (Local 802 & 380-443) •Teacher of violin & viola (NYSUT, AFT) •Coach of Chamber Music & Orchestra •Owner/CEO of Violinna Live Academy 🔸WOULD YOU LIKE A FREE 30-MINUTE TRIAL LESSON/CONSULTATION? Email me at [email protected] or send a DM on Facebook. 🎤YOUTUBE GEAR🎤 Lavalier: https://amzn.to/3u9QEEW Blue Yeti: https://amzn.to/3t6i9O0 AT4040 Cardioid Condenser: https://amzn.to/2RcGuVa Selfie Ring Light & Phone Holder: https://amzn.to/3gTEewW 🎼MUSIC GEAR🎼 My Rosin: https://amzn.to/3te9ARH Stand Light: https://amzn.to/3e4yLl5 Pencil Holder: https://amzn.to/3323w3W Music Clips: https://amzn.to/3xBpKaX FOLLOW FOR MORE⬇️ 🔹Website: https://www.violinna.live​ 🔹Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/violinna​ 🔹Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/violinnamusic​ 🔹Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/violinna LEGAL DISCLAIMER Some links found in my video's description are affiliate links. This means that if you click and decide to make a purchase, I might make a small commission; however, it's at no extra cost to you, and it's another way you can help support me and my channel! I only ever recommend tools that I personally trust, use, and tested myself.