Practice Tips for Keeping the Bow Straight - Violin

[@barbaracooke3718]

Thank you! I am an intermediate/advancing viola student and still struggle with crooked bows. Your tips helped a lot, especially the straws which were new to me. Keep up making videos! I'm not the only student surfing youtube for extra help.

[@marjoriemillner9961]

What I didn't understand as a beginner (20 years ago) was that the bowstroke is the critical element in playing violin. Your other hand is pressing down on the strings to shorten them in various ways, and those adjustments do need to be in tune, but the bowstroke is the most important element that determines the musicality of your playing (which is why left-handed fiddlers hold the bow in their left hand.) It took me five years to get a decent bowstroke. And I still practice with a mirror off to the side, so I can periodically check that my bowstroke is straight (I have been particularly challenged by this, but then again I am left-handed but opted to learn fiddle the "usual" way, holding the bow in my right hand.) And I also still take 1-on-1 lessons, so my teacher can nip in the bud any backsliding into bad habits. This effort has been more than worth it. I am a pianist/composer and learned violin as an adult, and it brings me great joy.

[@anthonyjones4292]

im a music teacher and ive been self learning from youtube videos and honestly this is one of the best, if not the best channel I've found for tips and tutorials. She just explains everything and shows everything so well. thank you

[@MsPea]

So glad I came across this video. I'm a self-taught beginner, and keeping a straight bow is one of my biggest challenges. All these tips are so helpful. I'm going to try them all. Thanks so much!

[@eden-ski]

The straw trick is genuis! I've been working on keeping a straight bow while doing vibrato, and this totally helped!

[@lindagalloway6029]

Thank you Katy for the wonderful tips. What a delightful person you are! 🙂

[@MrVyrtuoso]

This is the most helpful and as such my fave tip and mechanical analysis of straight bow issues I've seen yet.

[@francelavergne9926]

My kids teacher 20 years ago used two pencils and two rubber bands to help the bowing, on each sides of the « f » holes. This is much easier and far less complicated. You are a genius. Thank you so much!! A+++ Now I am playing, and all your tips are amazing. Thank you so much!!!

[@KatyAdelson]

Thank you! Straws are kind of bendy, but that can be a good thing since it’s a little more cushioned against the wood of the violin if you bump into it with the bow. 🙂

[@catherinephillips508]

That was very helpful, especially the straw technique!Thankyou because I'm finding this at 68years old very hard. Always wanted to learn to play and try to practice every day. ❤

[@russcorbett3923]

THANK YOU,,, THANK YOU,,,, THANK YOU !!!!!!! I don't know why , but ive always been like don't just tell me to do something, tell me why , and no one ever has until now !!! Some people may think that you're explaining to the point of overkill but some people,,,, like me ,, NEED that !!! I truly appreciate your help in learning how to play and becoming a better player ,,, and in the process enjoying playing more . Thank You !!!!!

[@KatyAdelson]

I know what it's like to want to know the"why" for things! I feel like I can't really understand "how" to do something when the"why" is left as a big grey area... I hope you have fun practicing! =)

[@sonjashealy8806]

thank you so much for posting this.. i am 67 and just started beginner lessons. problem is, i am right handed, but because of arthritis/old injury, i could not use left hand. teacher asked me to try left handed and i think it might work.. one of my major problems is bowing with my left to make a good sound.. thank you again for posting.. wish you were a teacher in my town..

[@floridasun7697]

Excellent point about the shoulder being back can cause the bow to be crooked and be played at an angle. Thank you for the great tips and details. They are really appreciated.

[@c-9233]

I feel this is one of the most important lessons for a beginner, especially the upper arm position for each string 5:16

[@danieldorsz1047]

What a lovely, lovely person you are ! Thank you. Subscribed

[@nanettecornwell3480]

I have been learning to play only a few months, and sliding my bow has been hard to stop. Your instruction about this has been very helpful. Thank you so much.

[@ClockworkDave]

This is a brilliant video and I found it very helpful. And now I have spent an hour rearranging my house and putting a mirror in my practice space. Today I Learned that my bowing sucks. Thank you!

[@lindareese4579]

Thank you Katie for fun and thrilled lessons on my 🎻. Thank you again!!!!

[@sbdaniel1909]

Very insightful and well explained. Beginners couldn’t foresee much their needs in the future. This video also provides insight and prepare for the future, more advanced need. Excellent practical tips. Thank you very much Katy. Found this is to be the best video on this topic.

[@Dunialu]

Thank you katy, this video is incredibly helpful, I've been playing violin for several years, and I've heard a lot of tips provided by teachers to keep a straight bow, but none of them as clear and useful as the ones you've pointed out on this video. The straw thing is just simply genius!! You are a great teacher!! everything is beautifully explained =)

[@kaikitree]

You are all kinds of awesome and as a teacher myself, you hit all the marks of a solid, thorough teacher. So following you. Thank you!

[@Billybeth]

thankyou so much! I've been learning for 4 months now, with a lesson every week and having this extra help is beyond wonderful. 🌼🌼🌼

[@ogstopper]

From across the pond - love the straws!!!! SO helpful. Thank you for posting this!

[@MacAndCheeseMasterOfficial]

I know this was made 4 years ago, but gosh! The comb, door, straws, and mirror ideas are genius!! I used to play violin for many years but sadly had to quit playing. I've missed it so much and have been wanting to play again but I am honestly a very impatient person 😅 I'm hoping with these tricks though, I can start out very slowly again. 🎻 Thank you very much for this video!! =D

[@charlessanders7619]

I like your self-deprecating style of providing your practice tips for keeping the bow straight. I promise I will use the door example and the suggestion to use a comb, pencil etc to imagine straight bowing. And when I find some flexible straws I will create that "bridge" to help me bow straight. I also PROMISE I will practice straight bowing every day....because you said "..it takes a LOT of practice." Thanks again and I will look for more videos from you in the future.

[@frederic6562]

good pratices with the wall and straws. amazing I will try tomorrow. thanks Katy

[@FeryAndrianus]

Hi Katy! Many thanks for the useful tips!

[@jenniepurton108]

Amazing! Thank you for this - it will really help me help my son who is finding this hard.

[@markheseltine8360]

timeless advice and guidance. Thank you, Katy.

[@allendecowsky3716]

I'm definitely going to use that "straw method" when practicing.

[@reneesims931]

Mirror is confusing to me too!! Going to try the straws, I need LOTS of help bowing straight

[@graceabule4980]

I need help seriously.

[@joanroco70]

What excellent suggestions. And such a pleasurable disposition ❤ You kept me watching until the end. The straw guide works quite well.

[@jerjer19]

Thank you so much for sharing these helpful tips! By far, this is the best video for "keeping a straight bow"! I'm a beginner player, and keeping the bow straight has always been an issue for me.

[@StiltFactory]

Thank you! Gawd. I've been playing for 4 months and it just was pointed out to me that I'm bowing crooked...the last week has been like starting over AND I love this idea.

[@irynasapozhnykova3558]

Katy, thank you so much for your tips! The door tip and the straw one are just the best. In general it was lovely watching and listening to you. Waiting for some new violin videos.

[@MelissaGemini]

the straw bow guide idea is AWESOME!!

[@someperson2500]

Clever trick with the straws! X'D thanks for sharing! Will definitely use this!

[@constancedeuschle6028]

I'm a new violin student at 74 yrs and I'm so interested in tips to help me. The straw idea is great and I also look in a mirror as often as possible. I am concerned about only looking at music - as my teacher doesn't want me to look at strings. I'm having trouble with thhis activity.. Thank you for your guidance about the bridge and bow.

[@guitarswiftable]

omg the straws technique haha so cool, I'll surely try it out! thanks for the lessons, greetings from Brazil :)

[@KatyAdelson]

Yay! I hope the straws help! I thought they helped me a lot when I was first learning. : D Thank you for watching! ^_^

[@guitarswiftable]

@Katy Adelson they did help! this is legit! haha subscribing now for more :D I just hope that when I take them off my arm keeps straight

[@neerajaumstudio6659]

Awesome tips, i have been fighting to bow since last 1 month .. Thank you!! !! -Neeraj Jain

[@1cleandude]

Really good lesson Katy on a very difficult topic and such an important one for producing good tone!!! Your years of practicing this way certainly shows up in your beautiful playing and tone!! Thanks again for all that you do for us the viewer!!

[@ivanisabeles7905]

OMG!! That straw thingy was sooo helpful!!!!💯💯💯💯

[@Melvorgazh]

You have a nice friendly fun-sweet voice. I like the different angles... very clear.

[@irenefriedman3529]

She must get tons of compliments about her pretty eyes and eyelashes.

[@EllaONeill-p1n]

I always have a crooked bow, and sometimes I even make my bow touch behind the bridge!!!! REAL BAD, so thank you soooo much for doing this , it helped a lot!!!

[@lutherthompson8314]

I wish someone had told me some of these tips when I first began learning (I am still learning). My father tuned the fiddle, handed me the bow, and began playing his guitar. I had to learn to keep up.

[@fransiskusxaveriusbambanga4359]

amazing....thank you for thw tips to kwep the bow straight.

[@jakekelley1470]

Thanks for the help. I really appreciate it. In my fourth week of learning the violin and your video instructions are sure to help me.

[@KatyAdelson]

+jake Kelley Hi Jake! I hope you have a lot of fun practicing! The violin is a great instrument to learn how to play! =)

[@annar8755]

Thank you so much. It was really helpful, especially the practicing ideas.

[@debbiet5130]

Definitely doing the straw thing! What a great idea! Thank you😀

[@KatyAdelson]

Yay! I hope it works for you! =) Thank you for watching! ^_^

[@Violin.yoojun.curtis]

omg. this is SUPER helpful. im going to try it with my 6 yr old tmrw!

[@kellysara9766]

That was fabulously helpful and you're just adorable! Thank you so much!

[@felipeolivos8934]

I loved the door tip 👏🏻👏🏻 thank you for you advice!

[@llllllll699]

I don't know how to really thank you your tricks are amazing and you are great and every thing..I have been playing violin for about 3 years and I wanted to give up more than one time because of this problem thanks so so much but that doesn't mean to stop thinking about giving up😂😂 But I am trying to do my best and asking god for some hope and determination Thanks alot you are genius and really generous with your tips ❤❤

[@bleepods]

you inspire me a lot and give me hope

[@KatyAdelson]

+ilove rice I'm sorry that you had such an intimidating introduction.. =S I've had a mean violin teacher once, and I know how bad experiences can make a student hate their instrument.. =( It's a really fun and rewarding instrument to practice, so I'm happy that you are considering starting again! =) It's definitely worth it! ^_^

[@alexanderjones5109]

thank you so much! i watched a video on common violin playing problems to determine my problem, and a slanted bowstring is my biggest one. my hand just wants to shake and sway all over the strings. i'm gonna work hard at applying these tips!

[@thomash.5072]

Excellent suggestions and demonstrations! Thank you very much.

[@khesbet7389]

Thank you, I had not thought to use straws in this way, gracias

[@omidzarrintaj9346]

well ...you talked so much but the straws were worth it! that was really helpful.... thank you katy!

[@arstor1]

Excellent tips from a luvly lady , Thankyou Katy !! 😁🎻

[@adorian5860]

Hi Katy I saw the tips you explained on this video for violin and I will implement the straw idea I think it is genius since I have started violin for a couple of weeks already so thank you for the ideas you explained. and by the way I just bought your book in Amazon today. have a lovely day

[@zacharysander3722]

Thank you so much right after i saw this video i went against a wall put straws in my violin and started practicing this was so helpful keep it up :D

[@coopart1]

Thank you for your videos. You are one of my favorite teachers. I have learned much from you

[@thphoto2]

Thank you very much for providing an excellent video and the suggestions. I am just starting to learn to play the violin and I really enjoy your videos and your teaching style.

[@daniellekrammel4211]

Thank you so much! My daughter just started a few months ago and this is extremely helpful. :)

[@victoriagomez9140]

Great job! Thank you so much for knowledge and awesome quick tips -will definitely try them all. !

[@asmitasingh9690]

I am at beginner level and Ur trick specially the straw one helped me..

[@aichan5713]

This is very informative. Thank you very much! I'm actually practicing while watching. 😁 Thank you!

[@lifewithjimmy4389]

You are A for adorable!!! I loved your helpful hints!! You also play beautifully!!❤️😃🤗👌🎻

[@wakingtheworld]

An outright beginner inspired by TwoSet Violin - My bowing going slightly awry now that my eyes have to be glued to the music so your straw tip will be invaluable.

[@thtphatcat23]

Thank you for the video. Also, you are the cutest person ever, and your shirt is super cute!

[@KhesedJanowski]

So Good! I'm going to go try that straw alien right now. Good job, you seemed a little nevus at first but you were still very fun to listen to. Thank you.

[@himstien]

I just started playing violin and was looking for some tips. Thanks for the tips and videos. P.S I couldn't help but notice your mannerism and looks are so similar to Alyson Hannigan as Lily in "how i met your mother".

[@iggyzorro2406]

really neat tips. thanks a lot. I like that comb one - very visual. gonna run down to the dollar store right now and buy a pink comb. lol. gonna try the straws, too.

[@LeadmareLibertad]

This is going to be so helpful. Thank you so much! You're my favorite online teacher now ❤

[@chrisebbesen5798]

THANK YOU ! KATY, WILL TRY THE STRAWS.

[@samanthatheriot8879]

Thank you very much, very easy to follow and informative for newbies !!!

[@rajansomanathan7517]

Katy you are natural teacher. Start your own online classes and I will surely join. Subscribed

[@jack002tuber]

Great video. I use a mirror. Never saw the straw trick, I like that.

[@armandonavarrete4556]

Really very very useful way to learn the students !!!!

[@peggys4191]

Thank you for this Katy. I'm a beginner at age 60 and it has been interesting to see how long it takes to get my body to do what I tell it to. My teacher seems to be running out of patience with me being able to bow straight which is how I ended up here. I'm using several of these hints and have tried the straw technique but I'm having trouble with it because the thing tilts. I probably need thicker straws but if anybody has other things they've done please let me know.

[@deadmanswife3625]

A teacher you don't need

[@theshamel99]

She looks like an older Lindsay Stirling

[@katiesinger4853]

Pense lo mismo cuando la vi!! En realidad no sabia si era una hermana de Lidsay!

[@KatyAdelson]

I wish she was my sister or something -- that would be so cool! : D I'm actually several years younger than Lindsey, but for some reason I look a lot older on camera... Everyone thinks I look 15 - 16 years old in real life, but ~30+ on KZbin. It's very strange... :o

[@raulrivasrodriguez8974]

The straw trick is awesome!! Thank you very much, it is just what I need, by the way, I think you are much more beautiful that Ms Stirling, no matter how old you are.

[@snuzar]

Shamel Qunash yeah she does!

[@1cleandude]

No! Quite the contrary; Lindsey looks like Katy Adelson!!

[@tonystokes1119]

What!! A homemade abc bow corrector?? I was going to oreder one off Amazon but f dat! Free baby. Thank you! U kick ass!

[@jds711]

Thank you! I love it! The straw is so revolutionary!

[@PeteDownes]

Thanks for this. I've been using a mirror but I'm going to try the straws. Great tip!

[@irishmusico]

Thank you very much for the advice. I am off to get my straws now. Very helpful and much appreciated.

[@DestatiXIII]

Soooooo helpful!! Will be buying straws today for sure! Thank you :)

[@scarlettnaba]

I love your videos

[@user-bd2su3qs9d]

Thank you, Katy! Very helpful video. 🙂

[@nanitaheart]

My teacher was really mean in class and I felt very defeated. Thank you for your video, I will try the straws!!! Yayy

[@petromic1947]

Awesome , thanks for the tips, sticking to the points

Thank you! It is extremely halpfull video! I just started with the violin in my very late 20s. :D

[@imb4u8debbu37]

What great tips! Thanks sooo much. I'm going to do them all.

[@BlindTom61]

Thank you for this wonderful lesson.

[@vainmoo311]

You are so adorable and helpful!!! Thank you, Ms. Katy.

[@TheFiddlingViolin]

Still share this video often to pass along the tips you shared :)

[@thenordicwatchmannetwork]

U R Awesome, thanx Katy Love you music thanks for the tips I’m just learning now at 56

[@dougnickerson]

What ? You are a great performer and a great teacher , now ? What next ? A great cook? A sailor ?

[@KatyAdelson]

+Doug Nickerson Thank you, Doug! I like cooking, but I wouldn't say I'm very good at it. lol : P I've made tons of disasters in the kitchen! xD But thank you for your comment. =) I'm nervous about posting violin tutorial videos, but if they help even a few people, then I think they are worth posting! : D

[@islandbubbletea]

​@@KatyAdelson Yes, they are worth it! ^-^ Til this video, I Ihought I exhausted all the ways to keep the bow straight but the bit where you used the straw trick and practicing bowing with a flat object was really neat. Thank you so much for sharing

[@xhotdog100]

This is golden! Thanks for sharing

[@heroldetes1341]

I enjoyed the video and your humor :) thank for sharing

[@facuredevito]

You are SO adorable! Thank you a lot, that was by far the most helpful video, thank you again ^-^