Scan 28
Chats to violin students on how to study the violin, 1895
4 lines. Read by computer on 3 September 2026. Printed page 12. See the scan on archive.org.
1duced at first. These must be carefully avoided and a clear, pure tone aimed at. To obtain this one should practise carefully and for a long time drawing the bow across the strings in a straight line—parallel to the bridge. It is well to stand opposite a looking glass to see if this position is maintained whilst drawing the bow up and down. Then the amount of pressure which is required for each string and how much this pressure must be varied when the bowing increases in rapidity (this depending on the thickness of the strings in a great measure) are points on which the student must use his judgment according to his ear. As much time is lost in practising when not under supervision it is extremely important to have a master to see that things are going right. So many mistakes, which grow into bad habits difficult to get rid of, are easily obviated if corrected at first and not allowed to grow. Though he may have every good intention a student cannot possibly find all that out and avoid the pitfalls unaided. To undo what is wrong in the method and style of a student who has been badly taught or has studied without proper supervision takes (or wastes) valuable time and tries both master and pupil.
3Of course the formation of each note by the left hand on the strings (which is included in the few words I have said on correct intonation) cannot have sufficient sensible patience devoted to it—and only after security in the above particulars is obtained should the student aim at further difficulties to be overcome. From my long experience one can be a student all one's life.
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