We know we can't stop to fix mistakes during a performance, so why don't we ever seem to spend time in the practice room practicing how to recover? In this episode, host Laurel Thomsen shares why "recovery practice" might be the missing factor in your routine, and three ways to practice getting better at getting back on track when we do make a mistake on-stage. In the process, we may even find that we make fewer mistakes to begin with, and feel more confident when it does come time to share what we've been working so hard to prepare.

Show Notes:

Intro/outro music "Tales from the Labyrinth":

On Bandcamp https://danandlaurel.bandcamp.com/track/tales-from-the-labyrinth

On Apple Music https://music.apple.com/ca/album/tales-from-the-labyrinth/1626585646?i=1626585650

On Spotify https://open.spotify.com/track/6ITy5Zl4qDUDHH4ZQYSCBF?si=6ddf46ccb48342c8

Functional Fitness for Musicians video series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTLosOjyPE8dMbBfD2niksBZ03zUTH5Lb&si=pYA0c0lm-zH0A7iH

~~

Host Laurel Thomsen's info and links:

For more information and info about my performances, recordings, and teaching, please visit my website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.laurelthomsen.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

To check out my Violin Geek Blog, the companion to the podcast, sharing tips, insight and inspiration since 2007, please visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you have a violin, viola, fiddle, music biz, or practice related question or topic you’d like to have covered on the Violin Geek podcast or in the blog, have someone you'd like me to interview, or have a  story or insight to share, please send me an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠laurel@laurelthomsen.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Also, please reach out if you’d like to inquire about online violin, viola, or fiddle lessons with me via Skype, FaceTime, or  Zoom. You're also welcome to post your success story, comments, or suggestions to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/laurelthomsenmusic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Happy Practicing!

Beginning students, but even the more advanced among us, often struggle with pitch (intonation) and tone. Troubleshooting sounds we'd like to improve can be especially frustrating when we're having a hard time differentiating between the two. One is the domain of the left hand, while the other, the domain of the right. In this episode we explore how to identify each and steps we can take to start to improve.

Show notes:

Intro/outro music "The Rain Don't Need These Flowers/Back Down the Aisle":

on Bandcamp https://danandlaurel.bandcamp.com/track/05-the-rain-dont-need-these-flowers-back-down-the-aisle

on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/track/7lAvDqCXU1k9OSkMNVnsmu?si=a9cb6ba19a2449f2

on Apple Music https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-rain-dont-need-these-flowers-back-down-the-aisle/1105581704?i=1105582163

Sounding point video https://youtu.be/e0zdC5VdDoc?si=YmIN7Kn1a03eNFMR

Laurel's latest music video "Country Beauty Queen" https://youtu.be/ej1jFLJ0Hz0?si=KnGAwYLhn2z5woDL

Hand Framing for Better Intonation video https://youtu.be/WDQMMAW4Cew?si=HjVt2t6eN_JtPLb5

~~

Host Laurel Thomsen's info and links:

For more information and info about my performances, recordings, and teaching, please visit my website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.laurelthomsen.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

To check out my Violin Geek Blog, the companion to the podcast, sharing tips, insight and inspiration since 2007, please visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you have a violin, viola, fiddle, music biz, or practice related question or topic you’d like to have covered on the Violin Geek podcast or in the blog, have someone you'd like me to interview, or have a  story or insight to share, please send me an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠laurel@laurelthomsen.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Also, please reach out if you’d like to inquire about online violin, viola, or fiddle lessons with me via Skype, FaceTime, or  Zoom. You're also welcome to post your success story, comments, or suggestions to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/laurelthomsenmusic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Happy Practicing!

Today we speak with violinist, educator, and Violin Class podcast creator and host Julia Reddy about making time for practice. We discuss how to ramp back up after a hiatus, how to make the most out of limited time, how to effectively divide up our practice time and focus our attention for results, and how to balance our practice routine when juggling solo repertoire and technical work with orchestral or audition preparation. We hope you enjoy!

Show notes:

- Julia's website https://juliareddy.com

- The Violin Class podcast website https://www.violinclass.co

- Julia's free warmup PDF https://www.violinclass.co/warmup

- Listen to Julia's arrangement and recording of Maurice Ravel's Deux Mélodies Hébraïque for violin and guitar https://juliareddy.com/kaddish

Techniques and etudes mentioned:

Son filé exercise demonstrated https://youtu.be/WnH6EvvzCk8?si=pNCq8lvxGxveAahT

Schradieck School of Violin Technics https://imslp.org/wiki/School_of_Violin_Technics_(Schradieck%2C_Henry)

Ševčík Op. 1 https://imslp.org/wiki/School_of_Violin_Technique%2C_Op.1_(%C5%A0ev%C4%8D%C3%ADk%2C_Otakar)

~

For more information and info about her performances, recordings, and teaching, please visit host Laurel Thomsen's website ⁠https://www.laurelthomsen.com⁠

To check out Laurel's Violin Geek Blog, a companion to the podcast, please visit ⁠https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog⁠

If you have a violin, viola, fiddle, music biz, or practice related question or topic you’d like to have covered on the Violin Geek podcast or in the blog, have someone you'd like Laurel to interview, or have a story or insight to share, please send Laurel an email  at laurel@laurelthomsen.com.

Also, please reach out if you’d like to  inquire about violin, viola, or fiddle coaching or lessons with  Laurel via Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom. You're also welcome to post your success story, comments, or suggestions to ⁠https://www.facebook.com/laurelthomsenmusic⁠.

Happy Practicing!

Sure, when to practice is when you have time, but putting just a bit more thought into it can make your practices more effective. Musician/teacher Laurel Thomsen offers ideas to help you find your best practice times throughout the day and discusses the benefits of bi and tri-daily practice scheduling. For more about Laurel check out www.laurelthomsen.com

Whether renting or purchasing, no matter what your budget and playing ability is, and even before considering tone and looks, it's important to get an instrument that is playable. Follow these tips to greatly improve the likelyhood that you'll come home with a healthy violin or viola! For more about Laurel check out www.laurelthomsen.com

Practice, practice, practice... We have all (hopefully) experienced its benefits so why does it sometimes feel so hard to pick up our instrument and play? Musician/teacher Laurel Thomsen offers tips for what to do when you have limited time, don't know what to start with, or feel overwhelmed and down on yourself about not practicing enough. Learn the importance of clear practice goals and celebrating your successes along the way. Jumpstart yourself and start practicing daily, today! For more about Laurel check out www.laurelthomsen.com

Counting down to the 6 month anniversary of the podcast: Laurel's first "Strings" magazine article is published!! Also learn about a free online music theory resource, possibilities for lessons with Laurel, and an offer to podcast listeners :-) For more about Laurel check out www.laurelthomsen.com

How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, practice, practice! Tips and ideas to help you start a daily violin or viola practice routine or strengthen the one you have. Today I provide ideas for finding and setting up a practice space. Are you a "Communal Space Practicer" or a "Private Space Practicer"? Why might this matter? Troubleshoot practice area issues, get your supplies in order, and most importantly, get practicing! For more about Laurel check out www.laurelthomsen.com

Whether you're new to the violin or viola or you've just taken off the tapes you've used up until now to find your finger placements, today we practice training your ear for in tune 2nd finger placements. We'll cover all the high and low 2nd finger placements on all the strings for both violin and viola and we'll combine these pitches with our open strings to form the intervals of the major and minor 3rds and also arpeggios. For more about Laurel check out www.laurelthomsen.com

We all experience negative thoughts about ourselves from time to time. When it's frequent and leads to hopelessness and frustration it can be debilitating to our progress as a musician and have a negative impact on our self esteem. Laurel Thomsen shows us how we can transform our negative self-talk into a vehical to aid us in getting back to and meeting our true needs and desires. If you want to find joy in playing and see consistent progress, come listen. For more about Laurel check out www.laurelthomsen.com

Chromatic tuners, like the ones we can clip to our instrument's scroll, can be great tools to help us develop good intonation skills. However, they can also delay that process if we don't use them to learn why and how we need to make corrections. Get tips on how to use them effectively.
For more about Laurel check out www.laurelthomsen.com

I have just completed some supplemental worksheets to go along with the Intermediate Intonation Workout Series. Print out the PDF's at http://www.laurelthomsen.com/Podcast_downloads.html

Also, learn about a new upcoming episode series and other news about my work and the podcast.
For more about Laurel check out www.laurelthomsen.com

Train your ears for excellent intonation on your violin or viola. Laurel Thomsen helps you tune 9 basic finger patterns on the "E" string in first position. Whew! After this you'll be ready for any strange scales and keys that might come your way. For more about Laurel check out www.laurelthomsen.com

Today we chat with Grammy-nominated violinist Gabe Terracciano, who's expanding the range of the violin as a member of the Turtle Island String Quartet and the Hot Toddies Jazz Band, among other exciting projects. We hear about Gabe's transition from nearly quitting early Classical lessons to discovering and falling in love with Jazz, discuss what it's like to be a band leader in New York City, hear tracks from The Hot Toddies recently released full-length album, and gain tips for improvising for the first time and finding our own voice within whatever genre of music we play.

Show notes:

Gabe’s website https://gabeterracciano.com

The Hot Toddies Jazz Band https://www.hottoddies.band

The Hot Toddies new album and “Quarantine EP” https://www.hottoddies.band/buy

Gabe’s solo album “Three Part Invention” https://gabeterracciano.bandcamp.com/album/three-part-invention

Some Jazz and Swing artists mentioned:

Vince Giordano https://vincegiordano.com

Andy Stein https://www.andysteinmusic.com

Artie Shaw https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artie_Shaw

Woody Herman https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woody_Herman

Glenn Miller https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glenn_Miller

Stuff Smith https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stuff_Smith

Jean Luc Ponty https://www.ponty.com

Zbigniew Seifert https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zbigniew_Seifert

Other mentions:

Prohibition Productions https://www.prohibitionproductions.com

~

Laurel's new music video "New York City Sundance" https://youtu.be/CcvpvsyzGaY

For more information and info about her performances, recordings, and teaching, please visit host Laurel Thomsen's website ⁠https://www.laurelthomsen.com⁠

To check out Laurel's Violin Geek Blog, a companion to the podcast, please visit ⁠https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog⁠

If you have a violin, viola, fiddle, music biz, or practice related question or topic you’d like to have covered on the Violin Geek podcast or in the blog, have someone you'd like Laurel to interview, or have a story or insight to share, please send Laurel an email  at laurel@laurelthomsen.com.

Also, please reach out if you’d like to  inquire about violin, viola, or fiddle coaching or lessons with  Laurel via Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom. You're also welcome to post your success story, comments, or suggestions to ⁠https://www.facebook.com/laurelthomsenmusic⁠.

Happy Practicing!

Train your ears for excellent intonation on your violin or viola. Laurel Thomsen helps you tune 9 basic finger patterns on the "C" string in first position. Whew! After this you'll be ready for any strange scales and keys that might come your way. For more about Laurel check out www.laurelthomsen.com

Learn to tune your "E" string by ear from a given "E" in this "violin only" episode. For more about Laurel check out www.laurelthomsen.com

Learn to tune the "C" string by ear from a given "C" in this "viola only" episode. For more about Laurel check out www.laurelthomsen.com

Athletes have long used visualization to improve performance, and you can too! Today we use a visualization technique to develop the excellent musician in you! Come gain the inner resources you need to achieve success. For more about Laurel check out www.laurelthomsen.com

Train your ears for excellent intonation on your violin or viola. Laurel Thomsen helps you tune 9 basic finger patterns on the "G" string in first position. Whew! After this you'll be ready for any strange scales and keys that might come your way. For more about Laurel check out www.laurelthomsen.com

Learn to tune your "G" string by ear from a given "G". For more about Laurel check out www.laurelthomsen.com

Beginners and those who need a rhythm brush up - come explore whole, half, and quarter notes. We'll practice playing each of them with a metronome separately at different tempos, and combined to form various rhythms. After you're done with this workout you'll know exactly how to fit these note values to any beat. For more about Laurel check out www.laurelthomsen.com

Train your ears for excellent intonation on your violin or viola. Laurel Thomsen helps you tune 9 basic finger patterns on the "D" string in first position. Whew! After this you'll be ready for any strange scales and keys that might come your way. For more about Laurel check out www.laurelthomsen.com

Learn to tune your "D" string by ear from a given "D". For more about Laurel check out www.laurelthomsen.com

Not all listening is conscious, or honest! Developing a solid connection between what we think we sound like and what we actually sound like is pivotal to great intonation, rhythm, and personal expression. How are you listening?
For more about Laurel check out www.laurelthomsen.com

The bow is a string player's primary "tool for tone," but like any tool, sometimes we need more than one to get the job done. In this episode we speak with historical bow maker Ralph Ashmead, learning all about the differences between Baroque, Transitional, and Modern bows, the reasons why we might choose one over another, and exploring the factors that caused bow design to change over time. Having crafted bows for over 40 years, we hear Ralph's story into bow-making, and learn about his process for choosing wood and "wrestling" bows into being. Our chat concludes with tips for players looking to purchase a historical bow, and practicalities, like what to do when it comes time to re-hair your Baroque bow.

Show Notes:

Ralph Ashmead website (check out the gorgeous pictures of his bows!!): https://www.ashmeadbows.com/

Rachel Barton Pine on Baroque bows and Bach https://youtu.be/b73g8LR3zD4

~

For more information about her performances, recordings, and teaching, please visit host Laurel Thomsen's website ⁠⁠https://www.laurelthomsen.com⁠⁠

To check out Laurel's Violin Geek Blog, a companion to the podcast, sharing tips, insight, and inspiration since 2007, please visit ⁠⁠https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog⁠⁠

If you have a violin, viola, fiddle, music biz, or practice related question or topic you’d like to have covered on the Violin Geek podcast or in the blog, have someone you'd like Laurel to interview, or have a story or insight to share, please send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com. You're also welcome to post your comments, suggestions, or a success story to ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/laurelthomsenmusic⁠⁠⁠.

If you’d like to inquire about violin, viola, or fiddle lessons with Laurel via Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom, please visit the Teaching tab on her website and reach out via email at ⁠laurel@laurelthomsen.com⁠.

Happy Practicing!

Train your ears for excellent intonation on your violin or viola. Laurel Thomsen helps you tune 9 basic finger patterns on the "A" string in first position. Whew! After this you'll be ready for any strange scales and keys that might come your way. For more about Laurel check out www.laurelthomsen.com

Get the inside scoop on everything you'll need to know for success with the upcoming Intermediate Intonation Workouts. For more about Laurel check out www.laurelthomsen.com

Welcome violin, viola, and fiddle beginners! In response to a need to help students tune in my lessons studio I'm offering up this lesson to help you also learn to tune your "A" string by ear, just like you would in an orchestra. For more about Laurel check out www.laurelthomsen.com

A lot of us often wonder, where am I supposed to place my thumb on the violin (or viola) neck? What finger should it be closest to? Should it be stationary? Should it move? Is there a spot that will magically help it stop gripping and finally relax? Today we explore this question recently posed by a podcast listener. Always a frequent topic among Laurel's private students and the students in her "Complete Vibrato Mastery" course, please also check out the companion YouTube video to see all Laurel's demos in action.

Show notes:

Video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/iVl1xqZM5ek

~

For more information about her performances, recordings, and teaching, please visit host Laurel Thomsen's website ⁠⁠https://www.laurelthomsen.com⁠⁠

To check out Laurel's Violin Geek Blog, a companion to the podcast, sharing tips, insight and inspiration since 2007, please visit ⁠⁠https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog⁠⁠

If you have a violin, viola, fiddle, music biz, or practice related question or topic you’d like to have covered on the Violin Geek podcast or in the blog, have someone you'd like Laurel to interview, or have a story or insight to share, please send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com. Also, please reach out if you’d like to inquire about violin, viola, or fiddle coaching or lessons with Laurel via Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom.  You're also welcome to post your success story, comments, or suggestions to ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/laurelthomsenmusic⁠⁠.

Happy Practicing!

In this second installment of her Music Careers series, violinist/violist, teacher, and host Laurel Thomsen explores music careers and activities that require knowledge and skill in music, but not necessarily on one particular instrument. It’s rare for even very talented musicians to be able to make a living at performance alone, so piecing together a variety of activities within our career is a great way to ensure our financial security, and stay passionate about everything we're doing. And even if we’re not planning to make a career of music, we may find that being involved with music in ways beyond playing our instrument very fulfilling and supportive to our overall drive to keep music in our life. 

~

For more information and info about her performances, recordings, and teaching, please visit host Laurel Thomsen's website ⁠https://www.laurelthomsen.com⁠

To check out Laurel's Violin Geek Blog, a companion to the podcast, sharing tips, insight and inspiration since 2007, please visit ⁠https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog⁠

If you have a violin, viola, fiddle, music biz, or practice related question or topic you’d like to have covered on the Violin Geek podcast or in the blog, have someone you'd like Laurel to interview, or have a   story or insight to share, please send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com. Also, please reach out if you’d like to inquire about violin, viola, or fiddle coaching or lessons with Laurel via Skype, FaceTime, or   Zoom.  You're also welcome to post your success story, comments, or suggestions to ⁠https://www.facebook.com/laurelthomsenmusic⁠.

Happy Practicing!

In this episode, we talk to Rachael Ridge, an Indiana based violinist and violin teacher, and the creator of "The Adult Violin Academy," a self paced online, video based course geared towards adult learners and their unique needs. We discuss the strengths that adult students bring to the table, as well as common challenges, like finding enough time to practice while juggling a job and a family, as well as physical pain and/or injury. We also talk about the importance of mindset. As much as we might consider playing a musical instrument to be a physical and musical pursuit, there are also mental and even emotional components that can easily derail our progress. Even if you aren't an adult student, but a teacher, professional, a younger student, or even just a music lover, there are many helpful tips and insights for everyone in this episode!

Show notes:

Rachael Ridge https://www.rachaelridge.com/

Rachael's "Adult Violin Academy" https://www.rachaelridge.com/adult-violin-academy

The "Active Violinist" Instagram https://www.instagram.com/activeviolinist/

~

For more information and info about her performances, recordings, and teaching, please visit host Laurel Thomsen's website ⁠https://www.laurelthomsen.com⁠

To check out Laurel's Violin Geek Blog, a companion to the podcast, please visit ⁠https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog⁠

If you have a violin, viola, fiddle, music biz, or practice related question or topic you’d like to have covered on the Violin Geek podcast or in the blog, have someone you'd like Laurel to interview, or have a story or insight to share, please send Laurel an email  at laurel@laurelthomsen.com. Also, please reach out if you’d like to  inquire about violin, viola, or fiddle coaching or lessons with  Laurel via Skype, FaceTime, or  Zoom. You're also welcome to post your success story, comments, or  suggestions  to ⁠https://www.facebook.com/laurelthomsenmusic⁠.

Happy Practicing!

Whether or not we plan to make a career of music, this series will be relevant for everyone! If we keep at it, we all reach a point where we're ready to take our music beyond the practice room, but as one of Laurel's students recently asked: "What can I do with this violin besides become Hilary Hahn or TwoSet?" Thankfully, there are many more options, and hopefully something for everyone, including for those who enjoy being in the spotlight, those who prefer group dynamics, those who want to be self-employed, and those who'd prefer to not have to think too much about the business side of their musical activities. In this first installment of her Music Careers series, violinist/violist, teacher, and host Laurel Thomsen explores performance based roles that require us to be skilled on our particular instrument. In future episodes in this series, we'll explore options that will require knowledge and skill in music, but not necessarily on one particular instrument. As Laurel has found herself, piecing together a variety of activities within our career is a great way to ensure our financial security as musicians, and stay passionate about everything we're doing.

Show notes:

Laurel's new "Colfax Harbor" music video https://youtu.be/moYNxsEfBac

Angela Myles Beeching career coaching/resources https://angelabeeching.com

Berklee School of Music careers articles https://www.berklee.edu/careers

~

For more information and info about her performances, recordings, and teaching, please visit host Laurel Thomsen's website https://www.laurelthomsen.com

To check out Laurel's Violin Geek Blog, a companion to the podcast, sharing tips, insight and inspiration since 2007, please visit https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog

If you have a violin, viola, fiddle, music biz, or practice related question or topic you’d like to have covered on the Violin Geek podcast or in the blog, have someone you'd like Laurel to interview, or have a   story or insight to share, please send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com. Also, please reach out if you’d like to inquire about violin, viola, or fiddle coaching or lessons with Laurel via Skype, FaceTime, or   Zoom.  You're also welcome to post your success story, comments, or suggestions to https://www.facebook.com/laurelthomsenmusic.

Happy Practicing!

Last summer I was honored to chat with Julia Reddy of the Violin Class podcast about life, music, managing our inner critic, improving our self-esteem, and the experience of starting over with technique and getting to the other side. Julia has been on maternity leave, so the episode has just released and I hope you enjoy our conversation! It was nice to revisit what we'd discussed. Please consider subscribing to Julia's podcast for more tips and interviews geared towards helping and inspiring adult violin students.

Check out Julia Reddy's Violin Class podcast https://www.violinclass.co/

~

For more information and info about her performances, recordings, and teaching, please visit host Laurel Thomsen's website https://www.laurelthomsen.com

To check out Laurel's Violin Geek Blog, a companion to the podcast, sharing tips, insight and inspiration since 2007, please visit https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog

If you have a violin, viola, fiddle, music biz, or practice related question or topic you’d like to have covered on the Violin Geek podcast or in the blog, have someone you'd like Laurel to interview, or have a story or insight to share, please send Laurel an email  at laurel@laurelthomsen.com. Also, please reach out if you’d like to  inquire about violin, viola, or fiddle coaching or lessons with  Laurel via Skype, FaceTime, or  Zoom. You're also welcome to post your success story, comments, or  suggestions  to https://www.facebook.com/laurelthomsenmusic.

Happy Practicing!

In this fourth installment of her Intonation Mastery series, violinist/violist, teacher, and host Laurel Thomsen explores common issues within our technique that may contribute to intonation issues, as well as some considerations within our approach to tonality, and tempered versus non-tempered intonation applications (this latter topic is definitely worth a deep dive on another episode in the future!). While listening and practice, the topics covered in previous installments of this series, are probably our best tools to improve intonation, technical problems and tensions can easily hold us back.

Show notes:

Patti Kusturok GoFundMe https://www.gofundme.com/f/patti-kusturok-medical-assistance-fund

Laurel's new "Together Again" music video https://youtu.be/M4Rp1TmfCEc

Past Intonation Episodes:

Intonation Mastery #1: https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog/?id=intonation-mastery-1

Intonation Mastery #2: https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog/?id=intonation-mastery-2

Intonation Mastery #3: https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog/?id=intonation-mastery-3-avoiding-external-factors-practicing-for-better-tuning

Conscious Listening https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog/?id=conscious-listening-for-great-intonation-and-expression

Intonation Workouts: https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog/?id=intonation-workout

Past Violin Geek Blog posts about intonation:

Audiation: https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog/?id=simple-4-step-audiation-procedure-to-clean-up-intonation and https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog/?id=student-question-too-tone-deaf-to-play-the-violin

Improve Your Intonation Now: https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog/?id=improve-your-intonation-now

~

For more information and info about her performances, recordings, and teaching, please visit host Laurel Thomsen's website https://www.laurelthomsen.com

To check out Laurel's Violin Geek Blog, a companion to the podcast,     sharing tips, insight and inspiration since 2007, please visit https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog

If you have a violin, viola, fiddle, music biz, or practice related     question or topic you’d like to have covered on the Violin Geek   podcast   or in the blog, have someone you'd like Laurel to interview,   or have a   story or insight to share, please send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com.    Also, please reach out if you’d like to inquire about violin, viola,   or   fiddle coaching or lessons with Laurel via Skype, FaceTime, or   Zoom.  You're also welcome to post your success story, comments, or   suggestions  to https://www.facebook.com/laurelthomsenmusic.

Happy Practicing!

In today's episode we speak with celebrated New England based fiddler and songwriter Lissa Schneckenburger, who's been helping students increase their confidence and improve their skills through her popular ear-training workshop for years, and now as the 14-week self-paced online course, "Learning By Ear." We learn about the inspiration behind the course, why ear-training is an important skill for all musicians, not just fiddlers, and Lissa shares tips for approaching both the rhythmic and melodic challenges we might encounter when trying to learn a tune by ear. Along the way we also enjoy clips of her inspiring fiddling and heartfelt songwriting. 

Show notes:

Lissa’s website https://lissafiddle.com

Lissa's "Learning By Ear" course https://lissafiddle.com/store/learning-by-ear-video-series/

Lissa's new album pre-order and info https://lissafiddle.com/store/new-album-pre-order/

Sign up for Lissa's 100 day practice challenge https://mailchi.mp/3fc4542bc6f1/tune-a-week

Purchase "The Fair Maid by the Sea Shore" and other songs from her album "Song" https://lissafiddle.com/store/song/

Purchase "Petronella," "Lamplighter’s Hornpipe/Suffer the Child," and other songs from her album "Dance" https://lissafiddle.com/store/dance/

Purchase "When My Baby Cries" and other songs from her album "Thunder in My Arms" https://lissafiddle.com/store/thunder-in-my-arms/

About Robert M.  Childs, the maker of Lissa's fiddle and the Childsplay group https://childsplay.org/fiddles.html

~

For more information and info about her performances, recordings, and teaching, please visit host Laurel Thomsen's website https://www.laurelthomsen.com

To check out Laurel's Violin Geek Blog, a companion to the podcast, sharing tips, insight and inspiration since 2007, please visit https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog

If you have a violin, viola, fiddle, music biz, or practice related question or topic you’d like to have covered on the Violin Geek podcast or in the blog, have someone you'd like Laurel to interview, or have a story or insight to share, please send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com.  Also, please email if you’d like to inquire about online violin, viola, or fiddle coaching/lessons with Laurel via Skype or FaceTime.  You're also welcome to post your success story or comments about the episode to https://www.facebook.com/laurelthomsenmusic.

Happy Practicing!

In this episode we speak with Tokyo born, New York based Jazz violinist and composer about her new album, "Lingering," with pianist Kevin Hayes, how her conversion to Judaism has informed her life and music, her journey from Julliard to free improvisation, and how she's managed to turn labels and stereotypes into assets along her career path.

Show notes:

Meg's website https://www.megokura.com

Listen/Purchase "Lingering" https://megokurakevinhays.bandcamp.com/album/lingering

Stream "Lingering" on Apple Music https://music.apple.com/us/album/lingering/1737319248

Stream "Lingering" on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/album/26Xn8ZzKI0mzStvnSorUQ5

Scores & Parts for some of Meg's compositions https://www.megokura.com/scores-parts

~~

Host Laurel Thomsen's info and links:

For more information and info about my performances, recordings, and teaching, please visit my website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.laurelthomsen.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

To check out my Violin Geek Blog, the companion to the podcast, sharing tips, insight and inspiration since 2007, please visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you have a violin, viola, fiddle, music biz, or practice related question or topic you’d like to have covered on the Violin Geek podcast or in the blog, have someone you'd like me to interview, or have a  story or insight to share, please send me an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠laurel@laurelthomsen.com⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Also, please reach out if you’d like to inquire about online violin, viola, or fiddle lessons with me via Skype, FaceTime, or  Zoom. You're also welcome to post your success story, comments, or suggestions to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/laurelthomsenmusic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Happy Practicing!

In this episode we travel behind the scenes again, into the making of one of the songs Laurel wrote and released earlier this year, along with Canadian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Dan Frechette, on their album "After the Fire." This time, Laurel shares the origins of her hopeful and empowering song, If A Wave. We learn about the meaning behind the metaphor heavy lyrics, what factors informed the duo's arrangement choices and Laurel's approach to composing the violin lines, as well as the making of the song's music video which has just been released on YouTube. 

Watch the "If A Wave" music video https://youtu.be/B9TC0m0ZSyo

Listen to and/or download If A Wave or the entire album "After The Fire" on various platforms https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/danfrechetteandlaurelthomsen/after-the-fire

Order physical signed copies or exclusive downloads of the album "After the Fire" https://www.danandlaurel.ca/Shop/

For more about Dan Frechette, including his 100+ albums of original songwriting, please visit https://www.danfrechette.com

Visit Laurel Thomsen's website, with info about her performances, recordings, and teaching can be found at https://www.laurelthomsen.com

Please send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com if you have a violin, viola, fiddle, music biz, or practice related question you’d like answered in her Violin Geek blog or on a podcast, have a topic you'd like her to cover or someone you'd like her to interview, or have a story or insight to share. Also, get in touch if you’d like to inquire about violin, viola, or fiddle coaching or lessons with Laurel via Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom. You're also welcome to  post your success story, comments, or suggestions to www.facebook.com/laurelthomsenmusic.

Happy Practicing!

Ten years since recording the first episodes in this series, violinist/violist, teacher, and host Laurel Thomsen revisits the topic with fresh tips to help you sound more in tune on your violin, viola, cello, or bass. In this episode we cover several factors with our instrument which can affect intonation, as well as tips for how we can approach practice to better support developing good intonation. In the next episodes we'll cover specific exercises, technical concerns, and scale tuning. So enjoy this episode, and stay tuned, literally!

Show notes:

Past Intonation Episodes:

Intonation Mastery #1: https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog/?id=intonation-mastery-1

Intonation Mastery #2: https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog/?id=intonation-mastery-2

Conscious Listening https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog/?id=conscious-listening-for-great-intonation-and-expression

Intonation Workouts: https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog/?id=intonation-workout

Past Violin Geek Blog posts about intonation:

Audiation: https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog/?id=simple-4-step-audiation-procedure-to-clean-up-intonation and https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog/?id=student-question-too-tone-deaf-to-play-the-violin

Improve Your Intonation Now: https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog/?id=improve-your-intonation-now

~

For more information and info about her performances, recordings, and teaching, please visit host Laurel Thomsen's website https://www.laurelthomsen.com

To check out Laurel's Violin Geek Blog, a companion to the podcast,    sharing tips, insight and inspiration since 2007, please visit https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog

If you have a violin, viola, fiddle, music biz, or practice related    question or topic you’d like to have covered on the Violin Geek  podcast   or in the blog, have someone you'd like Laurel to interview,  or have a   story or insight to share, please send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com.   Also, please reach out if you’d like to inquire about violin, viola,  or   fiddle coaching or lessons with Laurel via Skype, FaceTime, or  Zoom.  You're also welcome to post your success story, comments, or  suggestions  to https://www.facebook.com/laurelthomsenmusic.

Happy Practicing!

In today's episode we speak with Asher Laub, a New York City based Classically trained violinist turned improvising DJ violinist, entertainer, producer, composer, and entrepreneur. We learn about how Asher has been able to chart a unique career path, making a name for himself, performing high energy stage shows across four continents. We discuss gear and the importance of having control over your sound on stage, some of the challenges you might face when transitioning from Classical music into other genres, as well as a major setback Asher experienced and how he was able to get back on his feet. We also hear samples of his song Dreaming Awake and his song Neon Dreams.

Show notes: 

Asher’s website https://www.asherlaub.com

Asher’s music video and recent single “Atlantis” http://found.asherlaub.com/atlantis1

Asher on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/5FmqE64ExrxQPuFUXtgG1H

Asher's song and music video "Gratitude" mentioned in the episode https://youtu.be/K4OKnojV1vY

Asher's Michael Jackson-Palladio Medley music video mentioned in the episode https://youtu.be/iFN7oEuGDXI

LR Baggs Preamps https://www.lrbaggs.com/acoustic-preamps-pedals

The Electric Violin Shop https://www.electricviolinshop.com

Fishman V-300 Concert Series Violin Pickup https://www.fishman.com/portfolio/v-300-concert-series-violin-pickup/

Fishman V-200 Classic Series Professional Violin Pickup https://www.fishman.com/portfolio/v-200-classic-series-professional-violin-pickup/

Fishman V-100 Classic Series Violin/Viola Pickup https://www.fishman.com/portfolio/v-100-classic-series-violin-viola-pickup/

~

For more information and info about her performances, recordings, and teaching, please visit host Laurel Thomsen's website https://www.laurelthomsen.com

To check out Laurel's Violin Geek Blog, a companion to the podcast,   sharing tips, insight and inspiration since 2007, please visit https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog

If you have a violin, viola, fiddle, music biz, or practice related   question or topic you’d like to have covered on the Violin Geek podcast   or in the blog, have someone you'd like Laurel to interview, or have a   story or insight to share, please send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com.  Also, please reach out if you’d like to inquire about violin, viola, or   fiddle coaching or lessons with Laurel via Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom.  You're also welcome to post your success story, comments, or suggestions  to https://www.facebook.com/laurelthomsenmusic.

Happy Practicing!

Note: this is a hands-on video episode. If your podcast app does not support video podcasts, while it may be possible to follow along with only the audio, please find the video here https://youtu.be/YGOs71Lu6RM 

In this supplemental video series of the Violin Geek Podcast, violinist/violist and educator Laurel Thomsen shares a variety of simple warmups, mobility exercises, and massage techniques to help musicians and non-musicians avoid tension related to playing or daily life habits, and possibly reduce or even overcome pain when it does set in.

Certified as a massage therapist, yoga teacher, level 3 Acutonics practitioner, and a Clinical Hypnotherapist, and with experience working  with a variety of additional mind-body healing modalities, including  acupressure and Trigger Point Therapy, Foundation Training, the Alexander Technique and Feldenkrais, Yoga Nidra and various meditation styles, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, EDGU, and Qi-Gong, Laurel's goal  through this series is to distill some of the techniques she's found most valuable in helping herself, her private music students, and her clients.

This video is not intended to diagnose or treat any health concern, but  to simply offer ideas for self-care. Please consult your doctor about injuries or chronic pain, and before exploring any new exercise. And ALWAYS listen to your body and its needs.

1:18 Knocking on the Door of Life - Qi Gong Warmup

3:24 Waving the Spine Side to Side - Qi Gong Warmup

5:44 The Fountain - Qi Gong Warmup

7:58 Spinal Cord Breathing - Qi Gong Warmup

9:00 Quadratus Lumborum Release - Trigger Point Massage

15:30 Glute/Hips Massage - Trigger Point & General Massage

20:09 The Founder - Yoga/Foundation Exercise 

22:52 Good Mornings - Foundation Training

If your podcast feed does not support video podcasts, or if you'd like to bookmark this episode for future watching, it's also available here https://youtu.be/YGOs71Lu6RM  Please consider sharing it with friends and family members who you think might benefit, and subscribing on YouTube to avoid missing the upcoming videos in the series.

Listen to and download the complete version of Laurel's song "Asilomar" https://laurelthomsen.bandcamp.com/track/asilomar

For more tips, inspiration, insight please check out Laurel's Violin Geek Blog: Blog https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog/ 

To learn more about Laurel, ask a question or suggest a topic for her to  cover, or to get in touch about private lessons (violin, viola, fiddle,  cello) or help overcoming general or playing-related pain and tension, visit https://www.laurelthomsen.com

For further resources and information about many of the practices and techniques mentioned, enjoy Laurel's post "Cross-training for Musicians" https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog/?id=cross-training-for-musicians

Note: this is a hands-on video episode. If your podcast app does not support video podcasts, while it may be possible to follow along with only the audio, please find the video here https://youtu.be/RWbF3jrwwdY           

In this supplemental video series of the Violin Geek Podcast, violinist/violist and educator Laurel Thomsen shares a variety of simple warmups, mobility exercises, and massage techniques to help musicians and non-musicians avoid tension related to playing or daily life habits, and possibly reduce or even overcome pain when it does set in.

Certified as a massage therapist, yoga teacher, level 3 Acutonics practitioner, and a Clinical Hypnotherapist, and with experience working  with a variety of additional mind-body healing modalities, including  acupressure and Trigger Point Therapy, Foundation Training, the Alexander Technique and Feldenkrais, Yoga Nidra and various meditation styles, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, EDGU, and Qi-Gong, Laurel's goal  through this series is to distill some of the techniques she's found most valuable in helping herself, her private music students, and her clients.

This video is not intended to diagnose or treat any health concern, but  to simply offer ideas for self-care. Please consult your doctor about injuries or chronic pain, and before exploring any new exercise. And ALWAYS listen to your body and its needs.

0:51 Shoulder Rolls - Warmup 

3:10 Trapezuis Release - Active Stretch and Trigger Point Massage 

11:07 Head/Neck Plank - Cervical Spine Reset 

15:06 Sternoceidomastoid Release - Trigger Point Massage 

17:58 Upper Back/Shoulder Squeezes - Muscle Activation Exercise 

21:00 Pinkie Knuckle Knocking - Acupressure Massage 

22:47 Full Body Shaking - Warmup/Cooldown

If your podcast feed does not support video podcasts, or if you'd like to bookmark this episode for future watching, it's also available here https://youtu.be/RWbF3jrwwdY  Please consider sharing it with friends and family members who you think might benefit, and subscribing on YouTube to avoid missing the upcoming videos in the series.

Listen to and download the complete version of Laurel's song "Asilomar" https://laurelthomsen.bandcamp.com/track/asilomar

For more tips, inspiration, insight please check out Laurel's Violin Geek Blog: Blog https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog/ 

To learn more about Laurel, ask a question or suggest a topic for her to  cover, or to get in touch about private lessons (violin, viola, fiddle,  cello) or help overcoming general or playing-related pain and tension, visit https://www.laurelthomsen.com

For further resources and information about many of the practices and techniques mentioned, enjoy Laurel's post "Cross-training for Musicians" https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog/?id=cross-training-for-musicians

People are starting to hit the road again, but what does this mean for our instruments? In this episode, violinist/violist and educator Laurel Thomsen shares tips for safely getting your instrument from point A to point B, whether by car or plane. Having averaged 150 tour dates per year pre-pandemic, Laurel also shares stories about her experiences traveling with her violin (and the what-not-to-dos she had to learn on the job). We hope you enjoy this episode, and come away feeling more confident, armed with the knowledge and tools you need to avoid any travel disasters with your precious instrument!

Links mentioned in the show:

Boveda Musical Instrument Humidity Control Packs

USA Domestic Flight Information Document - CARRIAGE OF MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

United Breaks Guitars Video 

Rachel Barton Pine - Flight Drama 

Laurel's Violin Case with backpack straps and steel reinforcement (this is a newer version, but it's essentially the same)

MusicPro Insurance 

Today's music was an original Dan Frechette & Laurel Thomsen song called "Glory in My Soul" from our 2016 album "Between the Rain." Check out the music video for the song, featuring clips around the CA Central Coast and from our travels here. To listen and/or download the track visit us on BandCamp here.

~

For more about host Laurel Thomsen, including her performance, lessons and courses, and recordings, please visit https://www.laurelthomsen.com

To check out Laurel's companion labor-of-love, the Violin Geek Blog, visit: https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog

If you have a violin, viola, fiddle, music biz, or practice related question or topic you’d like to have covered, have someone you'd like Laurel to interview, have a story or insight to share, or would like to inquire about concert booking or violin, viola, or fiddle lessons with Laurel via Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom, please send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com. 

Happy Practicing!

Note: this is a hands-on video episode. If your podcast app does not support video podcasts, while it may be possible to follow along with only the audio, please find the video here https://youtu.be/YSXoh_Fn09E

In this supplemental video series of the Violin Geek Podcast, violinist/violist and educator Laurel Thomsen shares a variety of simple warmups, mobility exercises, and massage techniques to help musicians and non-musicians avoid tension related to playing or daily life habits, and possibly reduce or even overcome pain when it does set in.   

Certified as a massage therapist, yoga teacher, level 3 Acutonics practitioner, and a Clinical Hypnotherapist, and with experience working  with a variety of additional mind-body healing modalities, including  acupressure and Trigger Point Therapy, Foundation Training, the Alexander Technique and Feldenkrais, Yoga Nidra and various meditation styles, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, EDGU, and Qi-Gong, Laurel's goal  through this series is to distill some of the techniques she's found most valuable in helping herself, her private music students, and her clients.   

This video is not intended to diagnose or treat any health concern, but  to simply offer ideas for self-care. Please consult your doctor about  injuries or chronic pain, and before exploring any new exercise. And ALWAYS listen to your body and its needs.  

0:51 Arm Drops - Warmup 

3:20 Arm Circles - Warmup 

7:57 Nerve Flossing - Stretch 

11:59 Wrist Stretches - Range of Motion Exercise 

16:20 Wrist Knocking - Acupressure 

19:02 Wrist Circles - Range of Motion Exercise 

21:08 Trigger Point Therapy - Massage 

27:30 Wrist Shaking - Warmup/Cooldown 

28:55 Effleurage - Light Lymphatic Massage  

If your podcast feed does not support video podcasts, or if you'd like to bookmark this episode for future watching, it's also available here https://youtu.be/YSXoh_Fn09E Please consider sharing it with friends and family members who you think might benefit, and subscribing on YouTube to avoid missing the upcoming videos in the series.

Listen to and download the complete version of Laurel's song "Asilomar" https://laurelthomsen.bandcamp.com/track/asilomar

For more tips, inspiration, insight please check out Laurel's Violin Geek Blog: Blog https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog/ 

To learn more about Laurel, ask a question or suggest a topic for her to  cover, or to get in touch about private lessons (violin, viola, fiddle,  cello) or help overcoming general or playing-related pain and tension, visit https://www.laurelthomsen.com  

Link to the Trigger Point Therapy Workbook mentioned https://www.amazon.com/Trigger-Point-Therapy-Workbook-Self-Treatment/dp/1572243759  

For further resources and information about many of the practices and techniques mentioned, enjoy Laurel's post "Cross-training for Musicians" https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog/?id=cross-training-for-musicians

Pain and injury related to playing a musical instrument like the violin, viola, or cello, or general pain and tension that makes practicing and performing difficult, can be common. In this episode of the Violin Geek Podcast, violinist/violist and educator Laurel Thomsen shares insight into the cause of pain and tension, and hope that it doesn't have to mean an end to our playing. But where does one start the process of finding the cause, unraveling the old habits, and getting back to a feeling of ease and joy? Tune in to find out and be sure to check out the companion video episode where Laurel demonstrates a variety of warmups, exercises, and therapies designed to target pain and tension in the arms and hands which she and her students have found helpful. Over the next few months, watch for videos focusing also on the neck, shoulders, and upper back, as well as the low back, hips, and spine. Enjoy!

Laurel's companion warmup/exercise video is available here https://youtu.be/YSXoh_Fn09E Please consider sharing it with friends and family members who you think might benefit, and subscribing to Laurel's channel on YouTube to avoid missing the upcoming videos in the series.

Show notes:

Read this episode in Laurel's Violin Geek Blog https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog/

Listen to and download Laurel's song "Asilomar" https://laurelthomsen.bandcamp.com/track/asilomar

Information about Neurogenesis https://bebrainfit.com/brain-cells-regenerate/

Information about Feldenkrais https://feldenkrais.com/

Wiki about Ed Simmons https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ed_Simons_(conductor)

Video of Issac Stern performing shortly before his passing at 81 https://www.youtube.com/embed/xZgGli6gDHE

TED Talk with Tao-Porchon Lynch, the world's oldest yoga teacher, at 95 https://www.youtube.com/embed/oTmaTD5H0iM

List of musicians who died while performing https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Musicians_who_died_on_stage

List of conductors who died on stage https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Conductors_(music)_who_died_while_conducting

Theory about the natural lifespan of humans https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/humans-could-live-up-to-150-years-new-research-suggests/

The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook https://www.amazon.com/Trigger-Point-Therapy-Workbook-Self-Treatment/dp/1572243759

Information about enzymes in the body https://youtu.be/dgJGmCmh9uI

Information about the benefits of making mistakes https://www.youcubed.org/evidence/mistakes-grow-brain/

Laurel's Improve Your Bowing Technique multi-media course https://www.laurelthomsen.com/online-courses/

Information about the benefits of smiling https://www.theguardian.com/society/2008/jul/27/mentalhealth.drugs

~

Visit Laurel's website to learn more about her performances, recordings, online courses, and private teaching https://www.laurelthomsen.com

Listen to and/or download Laurel's new album "After The Fire" https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/danfrechetteandlaurelthomsen/after-the-fire

Order physical signed copies or exclusive downloads of the new album "After the Fire"

Today we speak with Maya Lorenzen, an Israeli/German violinist who has wrestled internal and external conflict to chart a career path and rediscover her passion for making beautiful, heartfelt music. She’s now helping her students do the same. Maya's new solo album, "Back to Bach," while born out of the loneliness of the pandemic, finds fresh connection to self and soul, with Bach's 2nd Partita married with two modern works by female composers, also inspired by Bach. We learn more about Maya's inspiration for the album, enjoy a few clips, discuss her approach to practicing double stops, her research into the history of violin fingerings, and she shares tips for how to manage practice time and overcome setbacks. We also hear about her experience traveling and performing with the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra and how they are helping middle eastern countries and artists become "equal in music." Enjoy!

Learn more about Maya Lorenzen https://www.mayalorenzen.com

Listen to, download, or purchase a copy of "Back to Bach”: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/album/3mGuxqECU3vkyJ72fXB6jN?si=Z6XAAnInTpykccvIc6KcLQ Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/album/back-to-bach/1610877338

Keep up with Maya on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayalorenzenviolinist

Book a 30 minute Discovery Call with Maya: https://calendly.com/mayalorenzen/30-minute-call

Other people and organizations mentioned during the episode:

Sheet music for Missy Mazzoli’s “Dissolve, O My Heart”: https://missymazzoli.com/works/dissolve-o-my-heart

Sheet music for Jesse Montgomery’s "Rhapsody No. 1": https://www.jessiemontgomery.com/work/rhapsody-no-1-violin

West-Eastern Divan Orchestra: https://west-eastern-divan.org

~

For more information and info about her performances, recordings, and teaching, please visit host Laurel Thomsen's website https://www.laurelthomsen.com

To check out Laurel's Violin Geek Blog, a companion to the podcast,  sharing tips, insight and inspiration since 2007, please visit https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog

If you have a violin, viola, fiddle, music biz, or practice related  question or topic you’d like to have covered on the Violin Geek podcast  or in the blog, have someone you'd like Laurel to interview, or have a  story or insight to share, please send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com. Also, please reach out if you’d like to inquire about violin, viola, or  fiddle coaching or lessons with Laurel via Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom. You're also welcome to post your success story, comments, or suggestions to https://www.facebook.com/laurelthomsenmusic.

Happy Practicing!

In this episode of the Violin Geek Podcast, Laurel Thomsen chats with Dr. Cora Cooper, professor of violin, viola, chamber music, and string pedogogy at Kansas State University, and the editor of "Violin Music By Women" and "Viola Music By Women," graded anthologies of almost entirely unknown, but wonderfully inventive and enjoyable pieces by women composers. We discuss Dr. Cooper's inspiration for the project and she shares some delightful stories about her search for material and the process of compiling the volumes. We gain tips for presenting and integrating new music into the teaching studio, and insight into her approach towards helping students identify technical challenges and practice more effectively when there's less time.

Links:

Violin Music By Women website and blog, including sound files for the volumes: https://www.violinmusicbywomen.com

Purchase the anthologies plus much more at Sleepy Puppy Press: https://www.sleepypuppypress.com

Tips for integrating the first book of the violin anthology into a Suzuki method approach: https://www.violinmusicbywomen.com/blog/guest-blog-by-claire-allen-integrating-repertoire-from-violin-music-by-women-with-suzuki-books-1-2-part-1-of-3

Mary Cohen's "Violin Technique in Practice" book: https://www.fabermusic.com/news/mastering-violin-technique-with-mary-cohen05062020-1

~

For more about host Laurel Thomsen, including her performance, teaching, and recordings, please visit https://www.laurelthomsen.com

To check out Laurel's companion labor-of-love, the Violin Geek Blog, visit: https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog

If you have a violin, viola, fiddle, music biz, or practice related question or topic you’d like to have covered on the Violin Geek podcast or in the blog, have someone you'd like Laurel to interview, or have a story or insight to share, please send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com. You're also welcome to post your success story, comments, or suggestions to https://www.facebook.com/laurelthomsenmusic. Also, please reach out via email if you’d like to inquire about violin, viola, or fiddle coaching or lessons with Laurel via Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom. 

Happy Practicing!

What is shifting? How do we make our shifts more accurate and clean? If we're just beginning and not ready to learn how to shift yet, what can we do to ensure we'll be ready when the time comes? Join me as we dive deep into the nuances of shifting technique as it applies to the violin or viola, with tips also helpful for cellists, and for both beginning shifters and the more advanced among us.

Please also enjoy the video version of this episode here: https://youtu.be/64Nzrqfqc9g

~

Show Notes:

Intro/outro music: "Music Bug" by Laurel Thomsen https://laurelthomsen.bandcamp.com/track/music-bug

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For more information and info about my performances, recordings, and teaching, please visit my website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.laurelthomsen.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

To check out my Violin Geek Blog, the companion to the podcast, sharing tips, insight and inspiration since 2007, please visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you have a violin, viola, fiddle, music biz, or practice related question or topic you’d like to have covered on the Violin Geek podcast or in the blog, have someone you'd like me to interview, or have a  story or insight to share, please send me an email at ⁠⁠⁠laurel@laurelthomsen.com⁠⁠⁠.

Also, please reach out if you’d like to inquire about online violin, viola, or fiddle lessons with me via Skype, FaceTime, or  Zoom. You're also welcome to post your success story, comments, or suggestions to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/laurelthomsenmusic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Happy Practicing!

In this episode we hear from Maura Shawn Scanlin, a Boston, MA based Classical violinist and fiddler who is bridging musical worlds with incredible poise and grace. Her new album, "Counting Down the Hours," with her duo "Rakish" is a joyful exploration of Celtic, Classical, and Americana sounds. We learn more about its inception and inspiration, and enjoy a couple choice tracks from the album. We also discuss Maura's approach to performing and arranging in different genres of music, how the practice discipline of her Classical training has also helped her learn fiddle tunes, and she shares tips for how we can learn to fiddle with more stylistic accuracy. Enjoy!

Learn more about Maura Shawn Scanlin https://www.maurashawnscanlin.com

Listen to, download, or purchase a copy of "Counting Down the Hours" https://rakishmusic.bandcamp.com/album/counting-down-the-hours

Learn more about Maura's Duo "Rakish" https://www.rakishmusic.com

Learn more about Maura's String Quartet "Rasa" https://rasastringquartet.com

Other people and resources mentioned during the episode:

Other musicians featured on "Counting Down the Hours": Conor Hearn (Guitars, Bouzouki, Vocals), Seamus Egan (Tenor Banjo, Mandolin, Percussion), Dan Klingsberg (Bass).

Website for exploring Irish fiddle tunes: https://thesession.org/

Gavinies Etudes https://imslp.org/wiki/24_Matin%C3%A9es_(Gavini%C3%A8s,_Pierre)

Martin Hayes http://www.martinhayes.com

Liz Carroll https://www.lizcarroll.com

~

For more information and info about her performances, recordings, and teaching, please visit host Laurel Thomsen's website https://www.laurelthomsen.com

To check out Laurel's Violin Geek Blog, a companion to the podcast, sharing tips, insight and inspiration since 2007, please visit https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog

If you have a violin, viola, fiddle, music biz, or practice related question or topic you’d like to have covered on the Violin Geek podcast or in the blog, have someone you'd like Laurel to interview, or have a story or insight to share, please send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com. Also, please reach out if you’d like to inquire about violin, viola, or fiddle coaching or lessons with Laurel via Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom. You're also welcome to post your success story, comments, or suggestions to https://www.facebook.com/laurelthomsenmusic.

Happy Practicing!

If the metronome inspires fear, dread, or frustration in you, if you're not sure how to even use it, or if you find practicing with it is getting a bit stale, this episode is for you! Join string player and educator Laurel Thomsen as she explores the goals of metronome practice, explains the steps we need to take as we build up our metronome practice, and shares tips for becoming more confident and creative in your practice with it. 

Show Notes:

Metronome mentioned - Matrix (my MR-700 is no longer available, but this MR-800 seems quite similar): https://amzn.to/3sTODNw

Apps mentioned - Warchal Metronome: https://www.warchal.com/metronome.html Time Guru: https://avibortnick.com/time-guru/ Dr Betotte: http://www.ssworkssoftware.com/drbetottetc/drbetottetc.html

Listen to and/or download "Sure Fire Way of Taking" https://officialramblingdanfrechette.bandcamp.com/album/new-disguise-2015

Laurel's Violin Geek Blog https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog/

Visit Laurel's website to learn more about her performances, recordings, online courses, and private teaching https://www.laurelthomsen.com

Listen to and/or download Laurel's new album "After The Fire" https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/danfrechetteandlaurelthomsen/after-the-fire

Order physical signed copies or exclusive downloads of the new album "After the Fire" https://www.danandlaurel.ca/Shop/

Please email Laurel at laurel@laurelthomsen.com if you have a violin, viola, fiddle, music biz, theory, technique, or practice related question you'd like answered on a podcast or in her Violin Geek blog, have a topic you'd like her to cover or someone you'd like her to interview, or have a story or insight to share. Also, get in touch if you’d like to inquire about violin, viola, or fiddle lessons with Laurel via Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom. You're also welcome to post your success story, comments, or suggestions to www.facebook.com/laurelthomsenmusic.

Happy Practicing!

In this episode we are celebrating today's release of Laurel Thomsen's fifth album with her partner, Canadian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Dan Frechette, and travel behind the scenes into the making of one of the songs Laurel wrote for the album, "Money Shouldn't Talk That Strong." We learn about the song's origin and lyrics, the duo's recording process, particularly Dan's approach to layering guitar, bass, and drums, and Laurel's approach to composing and recording violin, viola, and cello, as well as the making of the song's music video which is also being released today. We listen to the song, as well as samples of rough tracks the duo made along the way. Enjoy!

Listen to and/or download the album "After The Fire" https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/danfrechetteandlaurelthomsen/after-the-fire

Watch the "Money Shouldn't Talk That Strong" music video https://youtu.be/Im_ZjbZ0zPc

Order physical signed copies or exclusive downloads of the album "After the Fire" https://www.danandlaurel.ca/Shop/

For more about Dan Frechette, including his 100+ albums of original songwriting, please visit https://www.danfrechette.com

Visit Laurel Thomsen's website, with info about her performances, recordings, and teaching can be found at https://www.laurelthomsen.com

Please send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com if you have a violin, viola, fiddle, music biz, or practice related  question you’d like answered in her Violin Geek blog or on a podcast,  have a topic you'd like her to cover or someone you'd like her to  interview, or have a story or insight to share. Also, get in touch if   you’d like to inquire about violin, viola, or fiddle coaching or  lessons with Laurel via Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom. You're also welcome to  post  your success story, comments, or suggestions to www.facebook.com/laurelthomsenmusic.

Happy Practicing!