How To Play Without a Shoulder Rest | Transitioning to a New Setup on Violin or Viola

Finding the right setup on violin or viola isn't always a straight path. It's common for many players to undergo a change of setup multiple times in life. We need to adapt the instrument to fit the body more ideally that will allow more freedom in playing and prevent injuries. Our bodies change continuously, so it's no surprise that more and more players opt to experiment playing with different setup options. For the full setup we need to consider the width of the instrument, the height, location, and shape of the chinrest, and what support (if any) will be added underneath. In this video, I talk about how to play without a shoulder rest, share a bit of my own journey, and go over steps to take to make this transition safe, effective, and injury-free. I also talk about how left hand technique will need to adapt to the new setup.
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 - Intro
2:33 - Setup variations for violin/viola including chinrest and overall height
4:02 - Aiming for freedom of the head and neck
4:47 - Shoulder pads, Sponges, Anti-slips
6:13 - Bodymapping! Thank you, Claire Stefani!
7:26 - Freedom to adjust instrument angle
9:18 - Role of the thumb & understanding arm structure
11:15 - Vibrato tips without shoulder rest
13:38 - Shifting without shoulder rest
15:01 - Neutral head position
16:23 - Involvement of larger muscles to prevent injuries
MENTIONED ITEMS
Magic Pad: amzn.to/3IDhpKV
Chin Rest Cover: amzn.to/45wdKsc
Berber Chinrest: amzn.to/3oo7Gl4
RECOMMENDED READING
"What Every Violinist Needs to Know About the Body" by Jennifer Johnson: amzn.to/45nclnX
🔸BI-MONTHLY NEWSLETTER: Subscribers get highlights of my blog & videos, and exclusive resources from time to time. FREE Practice Plan PDF upon signing up.
🎉SIGN UP HERE: ➡ www.violinna.live/newsletter/
WHO AM I?
Inna Langerman
•Violinist in NYC/tri-state region (Local 802 & 380-443)
•Teacher of violin & viola (NYSUT, AFT)
•Coach of Chamber Music & Orchestra
•Owner/CEO of Violinna Live Academy
🔸WOULD YOU LIKE A FREE 30-MINUTE TRIAL LESSON/CONSULTATION?
Email me at [e-mail] or send a DM on Facebook.
🎤KZbin GEAR🎤
Lavalier: amzn.to/3u9QEEW
Blue Yeti: amzn.to/3t6i9O0
AT4040 Cardioid Condenser: amzn.to/2RcGuVa
Selfie Ring Light & Phone Holder: amzn.to/3gTEewW
🎼MUSIC GEAR🎼
My Rosin: amzn.to/3te9ARH
Stand Light: amzn.to/3e4yLl5
Pencil Holder: amzn.to/3323w3W
Music Clips: amzn.to/3xBpKaX
FOLLOW FOR MORE⬇️
🔹Website: www.violinna.live​
🔹Subscribe: / violinna​
🔹Facebook: / violinnamusic​
🔹Instagram: / violinna
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
Some links found in my video's description are affiliate links. This means that if you click and decide to make a purchase, I might make a small commission; however, it's at no extra cost to you, and it's another way you can help support me and my channel! I only ever recommend tools that I personally trust, use, and tested myself.

[@johnbat6743]

This was nice to listen to. I used to play without a shoulder rest and can identify with a lot of what you described. However my new teacher has tweaked my playing to now use a rest because my left hand thumb joint collapses and it was both causing me pain and making vibrato very difficult. It was very useful for playing without a rest however. I'm wondering if now my thumb has learnt not to collapse while I play I could go back to playing without a rest but I'd need to swap my whole set up back again. Perhaps two violins is a nice idea 😅 (excellent idea IMO lol) BTW the magic pad is a great tip. I'll have to invest in one of those I think!

[@ViolinHobby]

Well said... balanced and educational.👏👏👏👍

[@Violinna]

Thank you very much! =)

[@jessieoberreuter4755]

Just discovered your videos. They are fantastic! Thank you!

[@Violinna]

You're very welcome! Thank you for watching & subscribing!

[@patfiddles]

Very good, objective advice. I especially liked how you lifted the violin up at the end to get the back muscles to engage. Shoulder rests are nice, but it feels like you lock and load the instrument onto your body. My hesitancy to remove my shoulder rest has been with not knowing how long it would take to rework the fundamental skills. I think the freer the violin, the easier it is to work out individual limitations and needs. For me, I liken the shoulder rest to a crutch that had its purpose, but now it's time to put it aside and try and get my body to take this on from here. Thanks again.

[@Violinna]

Thank you for your very thoughtful comment and you made some great observations!

[@AprilClaytonflute]

Very interesting to hear some thoughts and opinions about shoulder rests!

[@Violinna]

Thank you! =)

[@saea58]

Thank you Inna! This gives me so much to think about! 😊

[@Violinna]

Glad it was helpful!😊

[@sureshkumar-wc9jp]

Awesome ❤

[@Violinna]

😊❤️

[@KevlarZero]

Thank you for this video. Do you keep the magic pad on at all times? Does it stay on? Have you noticed any damage on your varnish? Thanks!!

[@Violinna]

No varnish damage on my end! Magic pad stays on/I keep it on so it doesn't lose its place. Case still closes easily. If it stops sticking, a tiny bit of water makes it sticky again.

[@oracantos]

In earlier times violinists probably did not use shoulder rest

[@Violinna]

Nor chinrests...

[@davidcrosier2761]

​@@Violinnanor Magic pads😊