Free violin practice tips and resources
Practice. You know you have to do it. But you’re a busy person with limited time and space. That’s why it is so important to learn to really make your practice time count.
You see, practicing the violin is kind of like running on the beach. It’s beautiful and the payoffs are awesome, but if you run on the loose sand, you spend twice the effort to cover half the distance.
The resources you see here are all about helping you avoid the loose sand. These documents, articles, and videos will show you how to bring efficiency and focus to your practice time so that you make maximum progress for the effort you put in.
Enjoy! (And make sure to scroll down to see all the great content.)
Free downloads and other goodies >>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Get your Ultimate Practice Guide
If you haven’t already, make sure you download your Ultimate Practice Guide. It’s a 30-page PDF that is brimming with tips and printable resources to help make your practice time as productive as possible.
Join My Practice Tips Email Series
You are currently receiving the “Free Membership” email series.
I HIGHLY recommend that you sign up to receive my “Practice Tips” emails as well. They are new, and well, awesome.
Click here to update your preferences. Select Practice Tips and anything else you are interested in.
Play alongs and other videos
Did you know that many of the playalong videos for my Suzuki violin courses are available to everyone? Click here to play along with me.
All of my courses feature detailed Practice Coach videos to help you get the most from your practice time. Sample a practice coach here
Look through these videos to find some that are useful to you.
This practice skill is MAGICAL
This practice method has proven very effective for my students and in my own playing. I call it “practicing in rhythms.”
Watch this video to get the foundation
Watch this demo to see it in action
Blog posts and articles
Why Scales Are Essential for Violinists
Scales as our secret antidote to poor intonation. Although Lora provides some good ideas on how to practice scales, it is liberating to know that the most important thing is to just do it! Practice your scales in any way you can. You will discover your inner Jedi!
10 ways to boost your musical confidence
Try these 10 tips to help boost your confidence in musical situations.
Good Days and Bad Days on Violin: Why?
We all have good days and bad days on the violin. When you pay attention to the factors that affect your practice time, you can learn to stack the odds in your favor.
How to Keep Your Violin Bow Straight
These exercises will help keep your violin bow straight.
Shortcut to Violin Intonation
Violin intonation (playing in tune) does not have to be hard. Learn about what I call “ringy notes” and it could revolutionize your intonation.
Practicing Priorities for Fiddle
Violin students crossing over to fiddle need to know these practice priorities for fiddle. They are different from practice priorities for classical violin.
Listening in Violin Practice
Two main things separate truly professional musicians from dabblers: the way they listen and the way they practice. And guess what? The two are inseparable. Obviously, dabblers practice and they listen, but when you closely observe a professional practicing and...
How to Practice Violin Effectively
We all know violin practice is important, but we aren’t born knowing how to practice effectively. Here are the tips that I have taught hundreds of students.
How To Develop a Good Sautille’ Bow Stroke
The Sautille bow stroke can be difficult. Did you know there are three layers to it, and once you master them, it’s just a matter of practice? Learn what they are.
Is this common problem hurting your violin vibrato?
Whether you are working with an in-person teacher to learn vibrato, or are trying to learn violin vibrato online, watch out for this common problem.
Review Ideas for little kids and big kids alike!
Repertoire review is critical for anyone learning to play the violin. Learn why and how you can make it fun for yourself or your youngster.
Practice Tip: How Do I Stop Making the Same Mistake?
You can stop making the same mistake in your violin practice through smart, targeted repetition. This post shows you how.
Quick Tips for Re-Taking Your Down Bows (Bow Circles)
Learn some tricks to stop your bow from bouncing on the down bows in your violin practice.
How to Play Violin Faster
Want to play cleaner, faster, and with greater dexterity? Download these exercises and watch the video to learn how to build these skills.
How to Practice Violin While Traveling
Make good use of time on the road to sharpen some violin skills.
How to Play Violin with Big Fingers
Yes, you can play the violin with large fingers. Here are some tips.