Practice Strategies of World-Renowned Soloist James Ehnes

[@jeremiahbroughton2946]

Minute for minute, one of the most carefully crafted sets of fundamental practice principles. I hope we see a lot more from Mr Ehnes.

[@josephtravers6721]

One of my grandfathers, a professional violinist, suffered a disastrous combination of strokes and heart attacks in his 50s. He indicated right away that if he never could play again, he did not want to live. Two weeks later, he passed away. I always think of this to find motivation for my own practicing.

[@lilyakopova1949]

Every second of this video was valuable. He put into words how I always felt but didn’t know how to describe. Unfortunately I’m guilty of “mindless practicing” but this video was so helpful, I’ll try to be more focused from now on 🙌🏻

[@michaelfelzien6765]

More please! Love Ehnes approach and sound. He's a violinists' violinist.

[@leonnoskil]

My teacher assigned this as an assignment your really cool 🤌💯🔥‼️

[@KM-om1dy]

"one thing that you can always play on the violin is more beautifully" Gold 💰

[@suzanne9581]

What a great video!! I’m going to put a photo of JE on my music stand so every time I pick up my violin I am reminded of these wise words from the very start.

[@ChingTingViolin]

1. Avoid practicing/repeating bad habits without consciousness. (Don’t injure yourself) 2. Avoid adding unnecessary tension on places where you don’t need, freeing the lower body so the upper body can be more free and relax. 3. Warming up: starting something slower, try to create the most beautiful sound you can create

[@MegaToti26]

Mr Ehnes, thank you so much for this wonderful video🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@brianasselta9237]

The teacher in my life that had the most profound impact on me was Steven Tenenbom. He was a masterful teacher. One thing he used to tell me was the first and foremost thing that will cause you to fail in your practice is number one you dont have a pencil o. Your music stand. And for me in my learning from him was that he suggested I was.playing too many hours. So to your point I was probably playing for 2 hours with only a real 30.minutrs accomplished of real work. Steve definitely taught me how to practice. Now heres the tricky bit for me and that is what you suggest as sawing away. We used to call it sort of random noodling. I believe there is to an extent value in noodling. From this point noodling allows you to play and develop a comfortableness to holding the instrument and taking you out of reading the music. I wouldnt suggest aimless noodling for more than 10 to 15.minutes. For me right now I'm working on the chaconne on violin if I find myself noodling its an indicator to me that im loosing my.ability to focus and need a break. This usually happens at least with me after about 40 to 45 minutes of real solid practice. In other words really spending time 40 or more plus minutes working out writing in bowings and fingerings. I get fatigued after about 40 or so.minutes.of that. Anyway look im a nobody but I really like this video on your practice suggestions. Ive found them to really ring true in my own life.of playing.

[@h.p.734]

1. Listen to yourself. (If it feels right, but sounds wrong, it's wrong) 2. It's not about time, it's about focus and concentration. Don't "saw away", it doesn't replicate the concert experience. - Difference between knowing something and knowing that you know it. - Bad practice not only doesn't progress your skill, it actively pushes you in the opposite direction. 3. Warming up. Some muscles take a while to warm up. 4. Don't add tension needlessly. Take the time to relax the rest of the body.

[@davidmolina5758]

These tips apply for practice in any field. Amazing video.

[@madmanno5566]

As a metal guitarist I can say - this is wonderful advice

[@우식포]

Thank you! your service for everyone!

[@danielrosen4496]

Very good video. Will think about this and try to relax when starting out.🥀

[@waterliliesbymonet7827]

I love everything about this. My friend teaches at IU. I hope I get to see you teaching at a masterclass one of these days. 🎻🙏

[@lolamas3042]

Muchas gracias por compartir tan buenos consejos! 👏👏👏👏👏 Mis pies se retuercen cuando practico violín...demasiada tensión...intentaré relajarme! 💜🎶💜🎻

[@dextrosinistral7138]

Thank you for Dropping this!

[@papagen00]

To your excellent points I would add one more -- listen to the great singers from the early days of the gramophone: Adelina Patti, Lilli Lehmann, Rosa Ponselle, Zinka Milanov, Elisabeth Rethberg, Maria Jeritza, Amelita Galli-Curci, Bidú Sayão, Jussi Bjorling, Tito Schipa, Lawrence Tibbett, Pol Plançon, Et al. Horowitz said he always tried to emulate the great singers when he played.

[@reipfvn]

It was very interesting! I totally agree practice effectively and efficiently is very important. I already regret I had mindless practice when I was young… I’m so jealous of students of Indiana University who will learn many things from you!

[@KimberlyOurlian]

i used to time myself religiously to make sure i got in 1,2 or 3 hours , always looking at the clock. now i dont do that at all, i practice till my mind and body has said ok, break time. also i record myself playing my repertoire, it really helps me to hear my mistakes

[@fortissimoX]

Well, these advices are excellent for all instruments. Thanks for reminding us!

[@CanadianDivergent]

I practice cello for 7+ hours a day. Its not mindless. I struggle to get everything in during the day. i do 1 hr scales. 1hr arpeggios. 1 hr on study 1, 1 hr on study 2. 1 hr on Duport Study. then that only leaves about 3 pieces of Bach @ 1 hr ea. I am tired at the end. how do i fit everything in, eg, doing 6 or 7 repertoire pieces? not enough time to do everything.

[@arttiraokudu2519]

I'll share what has helped me. Try to think what % of your time and focus should go towards what specific goal. For a general plan it could be 30% technique (including scales, arppegios, etudes etc) and 70% repertoire. The volume of your practice is limited. See how much you can achieve during the allocated time for each thing. Also it's okay to practice different things on different days, think a week at a time.

[@dominikn19]

So true.

[@BlackHermit]

Very good practice James.

[@OneLoneMan]

I have been playing for five months. I still have difficulty reading music and playing my major scales. Not sure what I'm doing wrong. I have an instructor but it's online.

[@MrLPO95]

Fantastic!!

[@viojoe11]

God, I love James Ehnes

[@stephend50]

Why do I think my playing it badly and his playing it badly are different?

[@lilyakopova1949]

😂😂😂

[@babolat1979]

Any else felt seen when he pointed the bow at the camera?

[@JustFiddler]

matur suksma😊🎉

[@EdwardSeymour-v7j]

♥️💕

[@saturnreturnz3]

❤

[@anuno106]

Why a violin in your hand?

[@leonardoiglesias2394]

Once someone on an audition asked me: what was wrong? Why didnt I pass the first round? And I said: well, let me see, intonation was a big problem…What????, she asked, I felt great playing….so, I said bye and left the room.

[@RichardGraham-l6f]

Excellent advice - but God awful 'Vocal Fry '!

[@valsuir]

😂😂😂Não tocou nada...😢

[@leonardoiglesias2394]

A student of mine was making jokes about me wanting him to be a perfect machine….. But he played so out of tune that he was playing not too high or too low but another notes…half tone to high, half tone to low….but he was making fun of me…oh, yeah yeah….