Taught by renowned violinist
Eric Silberger
An internationally renowned soloist and a prize winner of the XIV Tchaikovsky Competition, tonebase's own Eric Silberger shares 19 practice tips, among which some unconventional ones that are creative additions to your practice routine! Silberger's clear and concise advice on violin playing includes examples and applications in a variety of repertoire such as the Bruch g minor concerto, Paganini Caprice no. 5, Meditation from Thais, and more. These practice tips are meant as a starting point, Silberger encourages all of us to take on a creative journey of fun exploration and experimentation, which are the basis of improvement.
Introduction
Violinist Eric Silberger inspires us with 19 ways to practice that can be applied to any piece of music we encounter. Be a mad scientist! The possibility of the art of violin is endless. It is important to stay curious and have fun along the infinite journey of exploration.
Organizing Practice
Silberger shares the importance of organized practice - while introducing a number of techniques, he points out that it is a highly personal matter and encourages individual experimentation.
Practicing Slowly
An essential technique that is not so easy to commit to on a regular basis - Silberger demonstrates with Paganini's 5th caprice to point out one of the few things to focus on during slow practice.
Open Strings
A revealing practice technique for the sound production, practicing open strings can also help with coordinations of the hands. Silberger shows us how to work on open strings practice with excerpts from Paganini's Caprice no. 5 and Meditation from Thais by Massenet.
Rhythms
With an excerpt from Saint-Saëns' Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso, Silbergers points to a couple of especially effective rhythmic patterns to incorporate in your practice - what to listen for and pay attention to.
Reverse Bowings
This technique is a good way to keep things fresh and further understanding of bowing movements. Find out how Silberger applies it to the opening of Brahms' violin sonata no. 3.
Groupings
Practice in groupings for fast 16th notes passages! With Paganini's Moto Perpetuo, Silberger breaks down the opening line with various divisions of notes and discusses the technique's subtle impact on phracing.
Drones and Intonation
Most of us have been told to practice intonation tuning to the open strings. But are we tuning to the right strings? Silberger points out common misconceptions of practicing with drones.
Practicing Without an Instrument
An highly effective way of practice when done right! Silberger points to one of the endless benefits and reasons to practice without your instrument.
Singing
Remember we are singers with our instruments! Silberger encourages us to use our voice and pay attention to breathing especially during lyrical passages.
Posture
Posture is an essential focus and the basis of technique. Silberger discusses a few common phenomena when playing with inefficient posture and how to train the body to feel at ease.
Multiples
Challenge yourself to explore the range of colors and variety of sound with the concept of practicing with the multiples!
Coordination
We often pay more attention to left and right hand coordination in fast passages and less in slower passages. Silberger demonstrates how to listen and achieve clean shimmering articulation even in legato passages such as the opening of Bruch's concerto no.1.
Shifts
What does the thumb do when we play? It plays an important guiding role for the left hand movements. Silberger shows us a few exercises to practice shifting, and what to focus on with the thumb.
Eyes
Like dancers and martial artists, where we focus our eyes also play a role in our general body moments and where tension lies in our body. Observe how people play, and experiment with where to look in your practice!
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