While practicing, I have to do a series of warm-up exercises to work on my left hand. These warm-ups consist of 'walking fingers', 'tonalization', 'scales', and playing 'lullaby' to work on my vibrato. Galamian says "The left hand is concerned with two basic problems: (1) the fingering of the notes and (2) the vibrato, (12)." The finger-placement is important. Players with short arms and fingers have to bring the elbow farther to the right. The players with longer arms and fingers have to bring the elbow farther to the left, (Galamian; 14). The first warming up exercise, 'waking fingers' is used for two reasons. The first is to get the fingers warm and ready to play the next songs, the second reason is so that you know your finger placement is correct. Galamian says this about the wrist "The wrist... should be held in such a way that there is approximately a straight alignment of the hand with the forearm, (15)."
The movement of the left hand are, (1) the vertical movements of the fingers, (2) the horizontal movement of the fingers within one position, (3) the crossing of strings, (4) the sliding of the fingers and hand together for changing of positions, and lastly, (5) the vibrato movements. (Galamian; 18-19). Every movement of the left hand is important, if even one movement is incorrect you could be out of tune. For example, when you shift vertically you could shift to high and be out of tune or go one note to high. Another example could be the horizontal movement of the fingers. When moving your fingers horizontally your basically moving your finger between strings and as you do that you could accidentally move your fingers to high or not move them over enough and be out of tune on that string. This is also a problem with your elbow when moving horizontally not only do your fingers need to move over but your elbow needs to move also. Galamian says "there are two main categories of shifts; they will be termed the complete shift and the half shift, (23)." The complete shift consists of both the hand and the thumb moving to the new position.
Galamian says "there are three fundamental types of shifts: (1) The same finger plays the note preceding and the note following the shift, (2) the shift is performed by the fingers that is on the string when the shift starts, but a new finger plays the arrival note, (3) The shift is performed by the finger that will play the arrival note, (25)." I believe what Galamian is trying to say is although the left hand is a lot of work it all adds up to make a beautiful song and an amazing violinist.
What techniques do you use to warm-up your left hand? What do you think is important to focus on with your left hand?
Galamian, Ivan. Principles of Violin: Playing & Teaching. Mineola, New York: Dover Publications, Inc., 2013. Print.
I play the cello and I have found that a pencil is a very valuable warm up tool. It is helpful to practice quick fingering patterns and finger stretches. The pencil is also helpful for practicing vibrato and good thumb position. That's what I use and I hope it will be helpful as you dig deeper into the teachings of Galamian. Mr. Couch will be proud!
ReplyDeleteVery much like you Calista I also use a pencil. Not only for my left hand but also for my bow hold. Vibrato and good thumb position is very important. I too believe Mr. Couch would be proud. THANKS!
DeleteFor my warmups I like to use something like a ruler because I can practice the movement of shifting between strings. However, I like to use a pencil to strengthen my little finger which tends to collapse. Keep up the hard work!
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