Handbook Of Violin Playing - Online tutorial

A Tutorial For Classical Style Violin, full online instruction.

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	THE TECHNIQUE OF VIOLIN PLAYING	25
	Holding the bow. The thumb is placed with its fleshy part close to the projection from the curved part of the nut, taking care that the middle knuckle is not bent inward, but always in an outward direction. The second joint of the index finger must rest against the stick. The middle finger is placed opposite the thumb upon the stick, whereupon the other two fingers follow, close to these. The little finger will then about rest with the lower part of its point on the stick. Position of the right hand and arm. The right hand must project somewhat forward, and above the bow, and must be suitably arched. The carriage of the arm must be light, and the elbow not promin­ently lifted. When playing on the lower strings, the position of the hand and the lower part of the arm will naturally be higher. Testing the position. Having succeeded in acquiring a firm hold of the instrument and of the bow, it is best to examine before a looking-glass the attitude of the whole body, which must be natural and unconstrained. The body and head should be held erect, the shoulders somewhat back. When beginning to draw the bow across the strings the manner of holding should be examined and corrected after every stroke before proceeding further. Bowing. The bow is placed on the string at the nut, or lower part of the bow, the stick being tilted towards the finger­board. The bow must be drawn steadily to its point,