Posture Violin

man playing violin on park bench.

the violin played either seated or standing up. solo players (whether playing alone, piano or orchestra) play standing (unless prevented physical disability such in case of itzhak perlman), while in orchestra , in chamber music played seated. in 2000s , 2010s, orchestras performing baroque music (such freiburg baroque orchestra) have had of violins , violas, solo , ensemble, perform standing up.

the standard way of holding violin left side of jaw resting on chinrest of violin, , supported left shoulder, assisted shoulder rest (or sponge , elastic band younger players struggle shoulder rests). jaw , shoulder must hold violin firmly enough allow remain stable when left hand goes high position (a high pitched note far on fingerboard) low 1 (nearer pegbox). (in indian posture stability of violin guaranteed scroll resting on side of foot).

while teachers point out vital importance of posture both sake of quality of playing , reduce chance of repetitive strain injury, advice posture , how achieve differs in details. insist on importance of natural relaxed position without tension or rigidity. things universally recommended keeping left wrist straight (or so) allow fingers of left hand move freely , reduce chance of injury , keeping either shoulder in natural relaxed position , avoiding raising either of them in exaggerated manner. this, other unwarranted tension, limit freedom of motion, , increase risk of injury.