The Role of Thumb in the Violin Bow Hold for Best Results

[@HeatherKaye]

Take your violin tone to the next level with "4 Pillars to Gorgeous Tone" Get it free here: heatherkayeviolin.com/4-pillars-to-gorgeous-tone-roadmap/

[@sheilaclarke3692]

Dear Heather, thank you for explaining so well the role of the thumb in our bow hold. I have started using a baroque bow which is lighter than my conventional bow. This has helped relieve tension in my bow arm, but l do get carried away with the music when playing and need reminders like yours to prevent injury. Thank you! From Sheila in Yorkshire, England ❤❤❤

[@paalu84]

I am a beginner, thanks for helping me.

[@wilburdauz]

This is a big help for me, I just started to learn the violin at age 50 a month ago. Thanks

[@HeatherKaye]

How are you doing? Are you working with a teacher? I specialize working with adult violinists to have the fastest progress by instilling a solid and natural foundation.

[@prashantinerellapalli]

very helpful. thank you!

[@binahdelille724]

Hello Heather. Thank you for this this video. You are very patient to explain the role of the thumb. I have a question regarding the fourth and third finger in the half step pattern when we go down a scale . Do we have to put the two fingers in the same time ?

[@HeatherKaye]

No and it is better not too. Right before your 3 needs to be played, feel it slide down the inside of your 4th finger angling in snug to the tip of the 4th finger. This topic is discussed in finger pattern 3 of my course "Strengthening Exercises for First Postion." You can learn more about it here: payhip.com/b/2yfGl

[@bradykelso8682]

Outstanding video. Thank you!🎉

[@HeatherKaye]

You are most welcome.

[@amezcuaist]

In 1953 my teacher passed his Gagliano violin and his bow to me. I was distracted by the very soft and sticky bow grip .In that year the grip must have been natural rubber .I have sent for some natural latex rubber tubing on ebay to see if it will become soft and sticky . I bet you would hate that . But what about Snakeskin Leather ? In the Albert Hall a lady violinist was practising a very gentle bow grip and her bow slid out of her hand. She did look embarrased . What you show here is exactly what I have always done. A bit of stick and a bit of frog.

[@PBXVIILY]

True I’m teaching in a school the students can only play on little parts of the bow the thumbs are all flat. No protruding thumb very stiff.

[@HeatherKaye]

Excellent! Glad you are teaching a proper technique. They are blessed to have you as a teacher.

[@sakeoishi1177]

Where did you study?

[@HeatherKaye]

I started in Wisconsin where I was born as a violinist and pianist. My teacher was a German immigrant on the piano and weekly I studied music theory with him. In high school I studied with David Becker in Milwaukee and took advanced University courses for Music theory while I was still in High School I then went on to study at the University of Colorado where I studied with William Starr, Ozzie Lehnert and David Whippler, retired concertmaster of Colorado symphony at the time but more importantly the teacher of Eugene Fodor who was the first American to place in the Tchaikovsky competition in Russia. After that I studied with Rachel Barton Pine for 6 years. My lineage of violin playing is filtered through Eugene Ysaye and Leopod Auer. I have performed internationally in Bulgaria as a chamber orchestrant and soloist for 12 years and was a guest concertmaster in Italy.