Hilary Hahn: chinrests and shoulder rests

[@cellokid5104]

She was 31 back then, she looks like 20

[@Minuey]

She looks 16 lol

[@finalform4971]

beauty never age!

[@189Blake]

She still looks 20 today. I was surprised to discover she is 40.

[@betultunca5418]

I thought she was 16 here

[@Albert_Lecter03]

「CELLO KID」 just surprises me how some can maintain there skin and physical appearance though and some to the point where looks are deceiving from when they see it.

[@bagler101]

Wow, thanks for taking the time to post this helpful, thorough advice! My niece will likely find this useful.

[@violiavimal4213]

I am a beginner viola and violin player and i found no shoulder rest just a little sponge held in place by a rubber band, was the way to go for me it feels so free and unrestricted and if you pay attention to you body posture eg. lifting shoulders etc.. you will not injure yourself . I also really like my adjustable Rainer Wilfer chin rest. Thanks for sharing and your inspiration.

[@muckypup-riot]

amen

[@kathyalmuller5143]

Please find out if you might be allergic to some fabric dyes that could exist in washcloths. If you are on the road please bring your own, tested washcloths. Hotel laundry systems must use some harsh chemicals since they don't know the variety of uses of how the washcloths are used and varying amounts of chlorine in the water could be an issue.

[@EJsacasa]

Hilary Hanh has youtube channel?? I feel like every top violinist is now starting youtube. Even Itzhak Perlman has a channel. It's pretty awesome. I don't mention Lindsey Stirling cause she of course makes her living off of youtube.

[@b1000days]

the reflections make her look like she has cat eyes :O

[@usuitakumi8179]

Where can I order some percentages of her talent? Can't find anything on Amazon or Ebay

[@gentil8838]

Usui Takumi you can order some at the "Practice" store, they have a very long delivery time though, it might take a lifetime to arrive, but you won't be disappointed with the result

[@Rabbittavo]

@@gentil8838 I don't know you but I love you both.

[@gavrilyaselletheyoungfiddl786]

Haha me too so sad 😭

[@mrmathh3680]

At the LingLing store, you spend 40 hours every day...

[@adamskayneh9125]

Whats ur favourite piece for her?

[@DaytakTV]

If I had a second life I would have started playing violin as early as possible with Hilary as my teacher :)

[@thirstyanddrinking]

Lmao I wish she was my teacher now 😂

[@goatlps]

Come on, even Hilary Hahn wishes she was a pianist LOL. She is the best violinist though.

[@janeroth8511]

Oh me too and I wish I have practised more

[@josephdickson673]

Nvr too late to learn violin. Music is for everyone. :)

[@MegaToti26]

Mee too!!!

[@agulucovas9197]

Unintentional ASMR Hilary talkin about anything..

[@Canto28]

I could watch closeups of Hilary Hahn talk at length about grass growing.

[@eppiehemsley6556]

Who couldn't?

[@trampslikeus3575]

Hilary could you just read the phone book.

[@Canto28]

Or how about just "War And Peace"?

[@justwarren]

Ms. Hahn is one of the few famous people who is just impossible not to like! She is, in addition to being an exquisite violinist, a very bright, genuine, thoughtful and helpful person. This is a wonderful video, packed with useful information! Thanks Hilary!

[@brucetonkin9032]

:)

[@fro_oo_oo]

How clever and humble is this woman. Great performer (Oo)

[@avandesande]

In Stradivarius time the average height was a little more than 5 feet. I am over 6 feet and have ZERO chance to hold on to a violin without a shoulder rest.

[@JazzBear]

When I was a child I didn't use a shoulder rest. Many years later I developed some issues with my neck because of it. Once I started using shoulder rests I tried many different ones. At this point I have settled on the Wolf Shoulder rest. It seems to work best for my personal anatomy. But I think what you are saying about each person having to experiment is exactly right. None of us are built exactly alike. And you have to discover what works for your personal anatomy.

[@shanel7707]

I'm not a violinist, but I'm really touched by the little story of her father noticing the bruise and whittled the chinrest. Lovely memory of a father's love and sacrifice.

[@oldvlc]

I am a cellist, so I look at this from a different perspective. It seems to me a shoulder rest would be necessary if you have a long neck. For comments about the great violinists who never use them, perhaps they were short in stature with short necks? And for those who say a shoulder rest dampens sound, can anyone here say she does not project? or Janine Jansen does not project? Obviously they do.

[@goldslinger]

oldvlc yea, he's talking a time when average height was well under 6 foot.

[@brandonchoi5598]

true mozart was pretty short

[@paulmartinez594]

baroque violin hahaha :v

[@expression3639]

At the end of the day... it's probably more important to have a healthy back and neck than to project 1% more.

[@ILikeBirds]

Violinist Anne Sophie Mutter uses a tall chinrest

[@MarianaxBarreto]

thanks for taking some minutes from your precious time to help us ! I was your fan because of your playing , now I am also a fan because of the nice person that you are !

[@kickpublishing]

My advice, buy a viola, smash it up and use the piece to fashion a good chin rest

[@fredericktrabonpa5327]

Lmao, good one

[@xephyr417]

her eyes... they stare into my soul...

[@adamskayneh9125]

Whats ur favourite piece for her?

[@kayceefitzsimmons]

They were "lucky" enough to be born with a very short neck, (among many other things...) Hilary Hahn and so many others have longer necks, in which case I believe a shoulder rest is necessary...

[@skatesanity]

She's so beautiful!

[@Yowzoe]

...and genuine. That's unusual and a happy thing :)

[@2ndviolinist]

Sexist! We must all be careful these days.

[@cellokid5104]

@@2ndviolinist what the fuck is sexist about finding someone beautiful?

[@belgianvanbeethoven]

@@cellokid5104 I think he was trying to be sarcastic

[@Minuey]

@@belgianvanbeethoven definitely not

[@zeuszeus00]

Hilary, you are a wonderful role model for young girls! And, you are one of the best living violinists. Thank you for making so many sacrifices for us all so that we can hear the music of the great composers. When I listen to you, I am stuck by your unusual calmness. I too love Bach!

[@h3djaz]

the girl who practices 40h each day.

[@simonsteindl8781]

You? :)

[@samlevi4744]

Plot twist: she is Ling Ling.

[@josephhapp9]

Excellent tips for violin ergonomics. Love your violin sound.

[@TECstudioSuzukiViolin]

Much Thanks for your brave, transparent and genuin revelation on this controvercial issue among string players. My students will appreciate knowing that they are not the only ones using Dr. Scholls pads on their chinrests. As a Suzuki teacher I have used everything from craft foam to rubber shelf liner to address the short comings of violin hardware.

[@lbsaltzman]

And for viola players, everything she says works and is even more necessary for a bigger, heavier instrument than the violin.

[@mariodisarli1022]

+Larry Saltzman Berliner Zeitung 12.08.2006 von Wolfgang Fuhrmann "Ein neuer Typus hält Einzug ins Klassik - Gewerbe: junge Musiker mit verstärktem Niedlichkeitsfaktor" .... "Die Vermarktungsmethoden, mit denen die Klassikfirmen heute aus ihrer Talsohle herauszukommen versuchen, orientieren sich offener an den glänzenden Oberflächen des Mainstream-Popgeschäfts. Dabei geht es nicht so sehr um den Sex-Sells-Faktor, wie er etwa bei Anna Netrebko eingesetzt wird, wenn deren schwarze Mähne so wild ums Haupt fliegt, dass man förmlich den Praktikanten in den Kulissen mit dem Hochleistungsventilator hantieren sieht. Die neue Strategie der Plattenvermarktung setzt vielmehr auf das Prinzip Schnuckelklassik: eher Knuffigkeitsfaktor als Erotik (was ja auch immer etwas mit Distanz zu tun hat), eher Kylie Minogue und Britney Spears als Christina Aguileira oder Madonna. Noch ist Schnuckelklassik kein Begriff - Google kennt keine Einträge. Aber wir werden um das Wort nicht herumkommen, um diese Marketing-Strategie zu beschreiben. Stars müssen nicht nur so jung sein wie das ersehnte Zielpublikum, sie müssen auch so niedlich und knuddelig wirken, dass man sie am liebsten als Stofftiere mit ins Bett nehmen würde. Dafür dürfen sie auch ruhig Beethoven oder Bartók spielen - und tun es in den meisten Fällen nicht einmal schlecht. Der Glaube, klassische Musiker müssten sich mit Crossover-Projekten für die Pophörer profilieren, ist ein wenig geschwunden. Ruppiger Spätpunker-Charme wie bei Nigel Kennedy und allzu offensive asiatische Sinnlichkeit wie bei Vanessa Mae sind jedenfalls passé. Angestaubt wirken diese beiden Vertreter der 90er-Jahre vor allem auch durch ihre ständigen popmusikalischen Anbiederungen (Elektrogeige und dergleichen). Heute, da der Klassikleiter der Universal Music Group Deutschland, Christian Kellersmann, als Credo verkündet: "Klassik ist die neue Popmusik", hat sich die Beweislast eher umgekehrt, und so wird demnächst Sting ein Album mit Liedern des elisabethanischen Lautenisten John Dowland aufnehmen. Nicht zufällig bei der Deutschen Grammophon (DG), die zu Universal gehört. Und nicht zufällig kommen auch die meisten Schnuckelklassiker bei diesem altehrwürdigen Klassik-Label groß raus. Das ist auch historisch nicht unverständlich. Denn sollte je eine Geschichte der Schnuckelklassik geschrieben werden, würde der Geigerin Anne-Sophie Mutter, Karajan-Zögling und DG-Star, darin gewiss die Rolle der Ahnherrin zukommen - auch wenn sie dem pausbäckigen Wunderkinddasein längst ent- und in die schulterfreie Abendrobe hineingewachsen ist. So ist es nur folgerichtig, dass der Typus des Schnuckelklassikers derzeit in Reinkultur vor allem bei jungen Geigerinnen auftritt. Man denke nur an die Amerikanerin Hilary Hahn, deren immer ein wenig von Jungmädchen-Ernsthaftigkeit geprägtes Antlitz beim Betrachter unwillkürlich den Eindruck entstehen lässt, hier mache sich jemand ganz doll Gedanken über den Zustand der Welt. Im Gespräch kann sie zurückhaltend bis zum Nichtssagenden sein. Tatsächlich aber ist Hahn durchaus - und sehr amerikanisch - offen für allerlei volksnahen Unfug; auf ihrer Internet-Seite findet sich wunderbare "Fan Art"; Selbstgemaltes von Bewunderern (wir empfehlen das lustige Sonnenbild!), außerdem gibt es "Itty Bitty News" (zum Beispiel eine Todesanzeige ihres Meerschweinchens Psyche: "starb am 30. Juli 2004 mit zweieinhalb Jahren an einer rätselhaften Verdauungsstörung") und ein regelmäßig geführtes Reisetagebuch. Die Seite enthält auch Tipps, wie man alleine Zeit in einem Hotelzimmer verbringen kann: zum Beispiel mit "Lesen", "Auf dem Bett auf und ab springen", "Bügeln", "Fernsehen (Filme, ausländische Sendungen, Tierrettungsshows, Sport oder verrückte amerikanische Sendungen, wenn jemand Amerikaner ist und Heimweh hat)", "Alle Möbel umstellen (eine meiner Lieblingsbeschäftigungen)" und so weiter. Außerdem führt Hahn gerne mit Mitmusikern Interviews, wobei immer dieselben Fragen gestellt werden: "Ist Schokolade eine Droge?" - "Lieblingstiere?" - "Was halten Sie von Bach?" - "Schnittblumen?" und so fort. Dass man sie auf ihren Fotos kaum je lachen sieht, ist also erstaunlich; da sie diese Fotos aber selbst auswählt, vielleicht auch erklärbar. Sie sieht sich, wie so manche junge Dame, wohl nicht gern selbst beim Lachen zu. Ein richtiger Wonneproppen hingegen ist Hahns niederländische Kollegin Janine Jansen: Sie strahlt am liebsten von einem Ohr zum anderen. Jansen ist sich auch nicht zu fein, auf ihrer Homepage mit einer Fotogalerie von nicht weniger als fünfzehn Bildern zu prunken, während ihre lettische Konkurrentin Baiba Skride sich gerade mal sechs gestattet. Und wo Skride auf dem Cover zu ihrem Solo-Recital in Jeansanzug vor einem Bretterzaun street credibility einforderte, da sieht man Frau Jansen in abendgerechten Tüll- und Seidenträumen, aber auch im kleinen Schwarzen oder schlichten weißen Hosenanzug. Kurz: eine Frau fürs zarte Geigendiner, wo Skride eher den Typ zum Pferdeausreißen gibt. Die schnuckelklassischste aller Photogalerien aber hat die Berlinerin Caroline Fischer aufzuweisen. Auf ihrer Website präsentiert sich die "Pianistin aus Leidenschaft" auf neunzehn (Rekord!) Bildern in allen Lebenslagen: sinnlich schmollend, verschmust lächelnd, kühn viel nacktes Bein von sich spreizend. Man meint, plötzlich in die Bewerbungsmappe für eine Teenie-Modelagentur geraten zu sein, so ungehemmt trägt Fischer hier ihr Aussehen zu Markte. Und Klavier spielen kann sie auch noch! Die Herren spielen bei der Schnuckelklassik vorläufig noch die zweite Geige. Rolando Villazón, an dessen Charme nichts zu rütteln ist, hat große haarige Raupen statt Augenbrauen, und der junge griechische Geiger Leonidas Kavakos besteht überhaupt nur aus Behaarung. Das mag für Teddybären angehen - die Bedingungen der Schnuckelklassik erfüllt ein freundlicher Klavierknuddel mit lustiger Igelfrisur aber doch besser. Der Mann heißt Lang Lang und hat schon hartgesottene Politik-Redakteurinnen dieser Zeitung in Verzückung versetzt. Und ein ganz heißer Kandidat als erster Schnuckelklassik-Dirigent ist Gustavo Dudamel. Lockenköpfig, liebenswürdig, enthusiastisch wie ein Welpe, laut der Tageszeitung "El Universal" einer der schönsten Menschen Venezuelas - und ein wunderbarer Musiker, der demnächst, so ein Zufall, groß bei der DG rauskommen wird. Herzigkeit sells! Und Klassik ist die neue Schnuckelmusik. ------------------------------ Fotos (5) : Caroline Fischer So entspannt sich die "Pianistin aus Leidenschaft" (siehe www.carolinefischer. com), wenn sie gerade mal nicht in die Tasten greift. Anne-Sophie Mutter Überaus stürmisch geigte die Ahnfrau der Schnuckelklassik schon in jungen Jahren (....). Janine Jansen In französischen Fauteuils ist gut fläzen. Die Geigerin wählt dazu einen duftigen Tüll-und-Seiden-Traum (....). Lang Lang liegt flach im Sand: der chinesische Pianist bei einer Dehnübung. Gleich wird er wieder im Rachmaninow wüten (....). Hilary Hahn Wenn sie mal nicht ihre Geige in Schach halten muss, springt sie gern kontemplativ in Hotelbetten auf und ab (....). Ein neuer Typus hält Einzug ins Klassik-Gewerbe: junge Musiker mit verstärktem Niedlichkeitsfaktor: Schnuckelklassik!!!

[@naseerahvj]

The shoulder rest she used is popular among violests

[@VolknerBat]

After watching this and her performances, I changed my setup to violin + pad (with hairband) + shoulder rest (the one with a hook) + wash cloth; it's soooo stable yet comfortable, perfect for people with long neck and a flat chest, all alignment is perfect and it even absorbs sweat

[@Lemon77UG]

My head is spinning, my eyes are watering and I can't stop smiling. She reminds me very much of a girl I loved.

[@SculptyWorks]

You're so wonderful, Hilary! ❤ Thank you for mentioning luthiers making custom chinrests, I have in fact made several! A comfortable chinrest makes a huge difference!

[@pafcook]

Wonderful video. I'm a 64 year old amateur, still trying to find a comfortable setup. I have been too timid to carve up a chinrest. Maybe it's time to be bold. Not all of us have such a fear of sharp objects though (I shave with a straight razor). Then again, after hearing about Nadia Salerno Sonnenberg's experience, I'd agree one should keep away from sharp edges unless you REALLY know what you are doing!

[@reallettuceforlunch2192]

I love seeing adult beginners. It's never too late to learn anything.

[@irapuacorreia6203]

Que pessoa maravilhosa! Responde o que me pergunto: Quanto de sacrifício tem na genialidade...na perfeição? Admiro tanto o virtuosismo quanto a caminhada.

[@artistknownasssilas]

So great to watch Hilary wiggle her nose. ♥

[@nychi7007]

Artistknownass Silas she's a witch

[@Violinist265]

What a lovely voice 😍❤

[@sirsidfosse1313]

Paganinni could reach into the deepest parts of your soul. So can She.

[@goatlps]

I remember #NigelKennedy having to have a big cyst or #lipoma #excised from under his chin.

[@lizaustinlc]

This is incredibly helpful. I just turned 29 in Feb (2021) and got a violin for my birthday (I’ve always wanted to learn, but we couldn’t afford it growing up)... I have osteoarthritis in my neck and spine, as well as two bones fused together, so figuring out how to hold the violin properly BUT comfortably has been a bit of a struggle..

[@yealloww]

feeling lucking because the teacher i like is a *god*

[@GodOfStrategy]

If she wasnt such a good violinist Id think her advice is crazy

[@100crowns6]

Always best to sound well and being comfortable in the process. Never mind the prissy prejudices of others

[@exavierdotnet]

What about your neck? Take care Hillary, you are so very precious 🙏

[@utopiandesign]

Thank you Hilary! In my Meadowmount days, my dear Australian friend, Dean Olding had to give up the violin due to his neck infection that would not go away, even with surgery. To have personal knowledge of your tremendous experience w/o charging $150 an hour is wonderfully unselfish of you. You are also to be commended for your contribution to create the next level of artistry on the violin, and with the skills to carry it out. Your hands are blessed of heaven, and I am so grateful to listen.

[@2Violins100]

Hilary , que tal hola soy de Guatemala, y me gustaría si no es mucha molestia, si pudieras escribir lo que hablaste en el vídeo, ya que así lo podría traducir al español y entender acerca del shoulder rest and chin rest. thanks.

[@sethneumeyer1167]

Thanks for helping, I’m 6’ 6” and I can never find a shoulder rest.

[@1unvailableusername]

omg, i have no idea what you just said ... you need to do these videos with sunglasses because your eyes ... omg, amazing

[@StephanieHughesDesign]

Just love HH demeanor, artistry and information.

[@MegaToti26]

She is so lovely and soft well spoken! And always trying to help. Wish I could see her girls playing violín one day! Thank you so much Hilary. I remind you, you are the best! And these words come from a lady who has always been a great fan of Perlman whom I deeply respect. A chacun son tour.

[@jacktrainer4387]

I've been holding the damn thing wrong! That's why high positions are sow tough -- my left hand is partially holding up the instrument, my shoulder is jacked up, & head tilted! 🤦‍♂️

[@rogermaidensalloriginalmus6035]

I’ve done advanced CrainoSacral therapy on violinist, and other players. Hilarys info is excellent

[@farmertice7064]

Eugene Fodor had a long neck but disdained the shoulder rest, which is often referred to as a "crutch". Heifetz would never allow his students to use them, & some of his students had necks like a giraffe's. Paganini had a very long neck yet he never used one. During the first half of the 20th century most violinists played without them. Now, it's the other way around. I don't believe Perlman & Zukerman use a crutch. There may be a few others. I'd love to know who they are.

[@tomato1040]

Hillary Hahn is the Cutest Queen Khan of the Catwoman Strings of the Orchestral True Goddess' Things!

[@treatb09]

Im a guitarist mainly. Violin is so difficult to hold properly. The yehudi menuhin lessons teach to rest the neck on your thumb. Idk how the hell you people do that and play well

[@metalheadlass]

Best posture/chinrest advices!! She actually KNOWS what violinists go through.

[@dasteufelhund]

Barry Tuckwell used a garden hose and made music out of it. Just sayin'...

[@fibran3597]

Ahh Yes 10 Years Ago

[@vuvietdung1996]

She should write it down cz its very hard to focus :) n my listening skills is so bad. I n my mom have some problems w my shoulder too, tho we arent violinists :)

[@ariwahjoedi]

Thanks Hilary, I will start searching for the brown wash cloth like the one you used in one of your concerts...

[@jessedelaney2386]

This is great information and much can be learned from your feet! I am an avid walker and the most important thing I have learned is to change shoes regularly and insoles. Sometimes I change insoles between pairs of shoes too. In this way, by variation, you avoid repetative injury to your body. This principle would also apply to avoiding "violin chin". Change things up!

[@airwolf-i6d]

for years we carry a chinrest to avoid problems like this. Regards Robert Wolf

[@natashavernon9828]

Hilary , you deserve like 7 billion subscribers ( ok not that much but you get the picture right ) I'm often surprised you have 17,462 subscribers and you deserve waaaaayyyyy more than that . I hope can be like you one day . ♥♡♥♡ :-D

[@natashavernon9828]

Spherical yeah and not even one video for 2016 ..... probably because she is a very busy (and awesome) violin soloist

[@frayneashley1477]

Thank you Hilary. you have given the best advice I've ever come across. always loved your playing.

[@Thetruepianoman]

Can I request all new information be told to me by Hilary in this format. everything

[@violionalan335]

I've heard you playing Paganini Caprice 24 in both versions:No words can match the way she's playing with gorgeous and Marvelous expression. This way of perfectionism is extremely rare! WELL DONE

[@jeremiahwaller1283]

I miss when youtube was like this.

[@mypham2788]

My teacher did not allow shoulder rest and I kind of appreciate it.

[@TaeThei]

Im a short girl but I cant hold a violin properly without shoulder rest

[@adolforosado]

By God, the music continues even when you remove the violin!

[@ryanbilly3434]

So she’s the violin empress! I got a violin recently because of 2sets and her! 🍻🙏🏻

[@aquatronic2]

I really respect her. She is Natural , clever , talented , kind and beautiful. Be happy , peacefull and healthy till end of your life..

[@anikaxmeisel]

I'm so excited to see you perform in Seattle when you come! you're an amazing violinist! (that's an understatement).

[@anikaxmeisel]

p.s. I'm auditioning for Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra. any tips?

[@johndeer4250]

such beautiful eyes on this beautiful young lady

[@thestringdreams]

FYI: We have begun to use Arnica cream for my daughter's neck and it has helped, almost to the point of clearing completely!! Also divided practice into mini sessions in between homeschool classes.

[@studentoftheword6115]

Please record with a LOUDER VOLUMN because I have everything way up and I can't hear you well.

[@ILikeBirds]

Wdym? She only has 2 vuillaumes and she’s been using the louder one for the past 2 years

[@banjotramp1]

After ~30 years of playing (folk, not classical) I was shown how to hold the instrument by Yaula Hertz. That took her about 30 seconds. No shoulder rest, just a make-up sponge for friction. That one small change opened up whole new worlds for me. But the thing you said about keeping a natural alignment is really the key, no matter how you manage to get there. Keeping relaxed even while trying to tame this impossible instrument and not injuring yourself in the process is critical. Thanks

[@riccardotrombetti6663]

You are both an amazing musican and a beautiful girl

[@radiationoncology]

You are amazing! If every violinist heard from their first classes this tips, they would probably be better players! Thank you!

[@armandosaura6222]

GOSTEI DE SUA MUSICAOK

[@ninabucknor322]

Wow, very helpful. Thank you!

[@epicyea3168]

just play the violin like a cello on your lap lol

[@alexism.1701]

I do that in class 😂😂

[@sams3416]

Hilary , where are you? I miss you.

[@georgio1979]

I'm in love !!!

[@jytte47]

Having read almost all arguments about shoulderrest and great violonists I am stunned. To me a great violonist plays so well that you are emotionally moved. Whether or not he or she playes with a shoulderrest is totally irrelevant.

[@hollyzhang1418]

MY GAWDDDD SHE LOOKS SO YOUNGGG

[@claudiuoroian3911]

Time will not forgive anyone :(

[@raymondpaenga9027]

Thank you Hillary I definitely know this has helped me free information bonus mind-blowing

[@zi.a]

happy I saw you have a video on this, this might have been posted years ago but remains to be very insightful, I was having issues with my shoulder rest and was struggling to adjust what I might need to do so thank you Hilary as always.

[@issammerdaci8956]

your video is very very beautiful

[@mikaelpetersson8647]

Hot and smart even in blurr

[@o0oooo0o0o9]

recommended..... Hwo else ?😐

[@Michael1963bass]

Have someone else whitle the chin rest... solid advice:)

[@unitedstatesdale]

Precious. A jewel of our country.

[@deenibeeniable]

How nice of her to make this video!

[@charliep3]

Encouraging young players, good. How about performing and commentinig on some of the traditional beginner-beginner peices. When I was learning guitar I found some virtuoso recordings of beginner guitar peices, which demonstrated they could be beautiful music as well as good training, which persuaded me they were worth working on and perfecting.

[@benderrodrigues277]

u got a lovelly chin

[@AnderCryp]

Como anhelo a ver vivido en tu tiempo para poder casarme contigo uu eres mi platonico hilary uu

[@bloodandviolins715]

When I began learning I had so much trouble finding a chin rest and shoulder rest combination that worked for me. I ended up carving my own chin rest to fit my anatomy. Very affirming to hear that I’m not the only one who has had to play around a lot with their gear.

[@pacificnorthwestpilots6050]

Those eyes, wow.

[@peterkaman6454]

Hillary, I love you and I love your playing!! (I've actually played with you many times). But you should try my new invention. It's called "THE CHINREST LIP". The Chinrest Lip is the evolutionary development which supports a principle that many of the greatest violinist of all time knew already---that playing without a shoulder rest is vital to playing at the highest level. And it allows even a great player like you to hold the violin lower on the body, and puts the instrument in such a proper position that you don't have to loose the natural weight of your arm, thus making it much easier to produce a natural unforced tone without pinching the bow into the string. (to compensate for the lack of arm weight which occurs because one raises the bow arm too high to the higher string height caused by the shoulder rest). If you want to learn more, just go to our website at: www.thechinrestlip.com and read the TUTORIAL page. It will explain everything. And thank you so much for your gorgeous playing!!

[@banjotramp1]

I play w/o a shoulder rest. Life is easier...for me. I would recommend it. But I am only a violinist 3rd or 4th class. A lot of the 1st class folks I admire and have had the opportunity to learn from play without. But in the end, good is as good does. If shoulder rest helps her play as well as she does, it it 100% correct. Feel free to criticize when you can play half as well.

[@poseuresque]

Prosthetics for the instrument have been around for a long time. I don't believe it's true--as stated in a comment below-- that it's only been 100 years or so. Auer derided their use and believed they were a crutch and a mute for the instrument. Personally, I can't play with them. I found that when I was making the effort to adjust to them, early in my development, that the tone I tended to create was much different than when using the shoulder rest; and while the free reign of the vibrations when using the shoulder rest produced a pretty, clean, and singing tone, it wasn't mine-- the instrument seemed to sing of its own accord. So I surely heard the ideal sound of the instrument without relation to the body of the violinist; but as this is only half of what it means to play, and as I already produced a clean, open, singing tone with the instrument held lightly to my body, I didn't see anything to gain in the use of the shoulder rest. In fact, I think it stands to reason that the use of the prosthetic subtracts from the individual variations in tone from violinist to vioinist, causing these differences to exist in phrasing alone. The bygone days of Francescatti, Tibor Varga, Toscha Seidel (whose playing was noted as appearing like an accordion, expanding and contracting intimately into the violin)-- a tone, an individuality lost to technical progress. Le sigh