Just like with athletes, it is a requirement for musicians to do some warm-up exercises before a practice session or performance, especially when playing string instruments such as the violin.
It requires a lot of physical movements and without warming up, there’s a huge chance of getting injured.
Before you start playing the violin, here are some steps you need to do:
- Prepare your instrument. Take it from its case to make sure it is warm and have adjusted well to the surroundings before you start.
- Tune-up your violin and wipe the strings with a microfiber cloth starting from the G string, working its way up to the last string. Be careful not to hit the violin bridge.
- Draw a sound by slowly bowing the G-string right by the bridge. Making the strings vibrate on the bridge will help in settling the entire strings.
- Then, gently reduce the pitch before bringing it back to its final tuning.
To improve flexibility and avoid musculoskeletal injuries, you must incorporate effective warm-up exercises to your routine.
-
Long Open Strings
This exercise is done to improve violin bow handling and coordination. It enhances your skill in playing with a consistent intonation. To do this, make sure to maintain a proper bow grip. Draw a sound across the string and focus on the consistency of the tone. You may do this in front of a mirror to check if you’re doing it right. Repeat this a few times before transitioning on the next string.
-
Finger Placement
Proper finger placement is essential for every musician. One can start by playing simple notes in the first position. The first position includes the first five notes that you can play on each violin string. Practicing the correct finger placement and repetitively doing it will help you develop muscle memory. Place and play each note slowly and separately until you can recognize the correct positioning on the fingerboard.
-
Fourth Finger Practice
The primary key to effectively practice your fourth finger is to maintain proper posture. See if your knuckle is as parallel as possible to the neck of the violin. Failing to do so will cause extra effort for your finger to stretch just to reach the note you are trying to play. If you’re struggling or have shorter fourth fingers, it is recommended to practice finger placement for it first and find the most comfortable position for it, check if it’s in tune, and set down the other remaining fingers.
One good strengthening exercise for the fourth finger is to tap a string like a hammer. Make sure it is placed on the right string. The focus of this exercise is to maintain the position of the finger with great speed without tension. Another exercise is the left-hand pizzicato where you strum the string using the fourth finger.
Always do some hand and finger stretching before practicing. Stretch the knuckles and palm of your hands, and improve blood circulation. Lastly, do some stretching with your arms, shoulders, head, and neck.
