Poll - shoulder rest or no shoulder rest? Options

[ffliwt]

When i used to play with a shoulder rest, i never really noticed anyone playing without one, therefore never tried to.
Last month i had a consultation lesson with my teacher for music college in september, and to my surprise he told me i don't need a s/r. I'd never considered playing without one. I did play with a folded up cloth but now i use nothing at all, and i can't imagine going back to one... even though at first it was like learning to play all over again.
All of my friends at orchestra etc. don't understand how i can play without one and claim they physically can't do it themselves.

I think there's many people out there relying on s/r's when they dont actually need one - mine was causing me so many technique problems which are now well en route to being fixed now the rest is gone (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) But when i used a rest, i genuinelly thought i wasnt physically able to play without it.

I was just wondering how many people on here use one, and if they've tried to learn to play without one.

(No this isn't an anti-shoulder rest post! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blush.gif) )


Oh dear - i don't think my poll worked (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[Flossie]

I know that I 'should' be able to play without a shoulder rest, but I don't seem to be able to. I'm fine with a shoulder rest, but get neck pain and shoulder pain without the shoulder rest and then end up with a sore arm/wrist. I keep trying every couple of weeks because I know that people are supposed to play without one, but I really don't seem to be able to. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wacko.gif) My teacher doesn't have a problem with me using a shoulder rest, thinks my set up is fine and has told me not to worry about it - but I know that it's something everyone is meant to be able to do... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

[viola-mad]

... I know that people are supposed to play without one

Perhaps some well-meaning person has misled you. Everyone's physical structure is different. Shoulder rests suit some people but not others. Chin rest setup is possibly even more important, and yet is often overlooked completely. I agree with Jojo - don't try to play without a shoulder rest if you're happy and comfortable with one, as you might end up giving yourself problems.

As for me, I use a shoulder rest, have always done so, and I like it. Besides, if I didn't have a shoulder rest in my case I'd have to find some other means of keeping my pencils from rattling round inside.

[jojo]

Besides, if I didn't have a shoulder rest in my case I'd have to find some other means of keeping my pencils from rattling round inside.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ph34r.gif)

[viola-mad]

Besides, if I didn't have a shoulder rest in my case I'd have to find some other means of keeping my pencils from rattling round inside.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ph34r.gif)

My case is not that roomy. I have to wedge the shoulder rest right up against one side of it which creates a nice snug spot for my pencil. The pocket at the end is only big enough for my rosin, practice mute and a few pegs.