My teacher said I often moved my shoulder not the elbow when playing violin especially for the fast movements, and it would make the sound no good. I find it hard to correct this habit. Any way to fix it?

I know exactly what u mean i had he same problem! i would use my whole arm to move the bow. Can't remember exactly what my teacher said but try to imagine ur arm as shapes, so when you bow downwards start off with ur arm in a 'square' shape and then just move ur elbow not the whole arm. likewise, when doing upbows ur arm becomes a 'triangle' shape. sorry i know this sounds like a load of rubbish but its as best as i can explain in words! hope it helps tho.
jess

Apparently I use just my lower arm from the elbow which is fine but now my teacher wants me to try a kind of bowing using just my wrist and fingers- and I can't do it....

I used to have similar problem too. Is the matter of getting use to it ( drawing more from lower arm).

One suggestion is to lean your upper arm against the wall, very close to it and start practising.

I felt that studies/etudies does help. Eg, Wolhfahrt Op 45's No 1, 31 Kayser Op 20's No 1, No 19...

QUOTE (cecilia @ Sep 2 2004, 04:21 PM)

Apparently I use just my lower arm from the elbow which is fine but now my teacher wants me to try a kind of bowing using just my wrist and fingers- and I can't do it....  :angry:  :angry:  :angry:  :lol:

I run an orchestra for adult beginners (and people coming back to neglected instruments) and no-one is allowed to say "I can't do that". They can say "I can't do that YET!". It's now a running joke.

QUOTE

I run an orchestra for adult beginners (and people coming back to neglected instruments) and no-one is allowed to say "I can't do that". They can say "I can't do that YET!". It's now a running joke.

Hmm... my friend's violin teacher says that and she's always complaining about it!

Ok, I give in... I can't do it YET...

Try using a mirror, my teacher suggested this as I had the same problem. You should get used to how it feels.