bad habits

[diane-michaels]

“Scowling at conductors. “

I always refer to that as staring down the conductor.

[unknown-user]

Staring down conductors, yes, my dawg does that with sheep….stares them down and stamps

[Saul Davis Zlatkovski]

I agree with the above, but would add something that helped me getting back into shape after a break. I did lots of slow practise on basic exercises, and although I played slow, I brought the fingers in very fast to quicken them up again. I relaxed after each note, and exaggerated the speed of my placing. Lickety split lightening placing, but slow playing. Same with raising, I exaggerated the fall back onto the strings and placed very quick – “splat” onto the string. Chordal exercises, where you play wide chords and fall onto the strings in one block I found useful too. Also quick alternating (flat) chords with lots of wrist action away from the strings

I agree with the above, and would add that you should already be relaxed by the time your fingertips reach your palm. I don’t favor lots of wrist action in the alternating chords, just a bit, but with free lever-like movement of the lower arm. I find it gives stronger tone, and there is no wear-and-tear on the wrists.

[unknown-user]

Interesting…I’ll try that immediately…using the lower arm and less wrist. I’m always keen to add new colours to my palate..so to speak. And yes, loads of wrist tends to have a bright crystalline quality, but can be a bit light. So, thanks so much – I’ll definitely give it a burl!

[darth-mom]

Hi Kay –

My son gave me the name when I home-schooled him for a year. Poor kid worked harder than he ever had before, but then that is why I home-schooled him in the first place. He would probably tell you that I am Darth Vader’s worst nightmare.

[Author]

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