Hey, all.

My topic title say's it all really, are there any good ways to practice or sort of practice, when your away from your violin for more than a few days. I do know, there is currently a topic on this in adult learner, but that seems to be more for the piano.

I'm asking this because I'm going away for 6 day's to a conference and will not be able to take my violin with me. I've only been playing for about 6 months,so worry that when I come back my intonation, finger frame positioning etc will have suffered greatly.
I think (well my teacher actually) I'm making great progess on the violin, so would hate for this break to halt any progress (if only temporary).

I listen to a lot of classical music, wuth the violin so will definatly listen to as much as I can while away, but is there any other way to help in this situation.

I usually practice for 45mins to 1 hour per day.

Thanks,

Kraz

Yes I hate this when I have to be away and can't practise.

You could take the music and try and practise it in your head. Sort of by imagining that you are playing and visualising where you put your fingers and how you hold the bow and what it feels like.

Or you could concentrate on the theory side of stuff and get a better understanding of where all the notes "live" on the fingerboard for example.

Any other ideas gratefully received

How awful and I know what you mean. Six months is a formative time. 6 days away isn't good but when you return do some specially slow practice, scales and pieces you use to get the intonation/bowing right. That would help you catch up I'm sure.

Otherwise, I'd go along with Janexxx. A bit of theory and aural can never hurt.

These things are sent to try us. I'd been playing about 6 months when someone knocked my violin to the (thankfully carpeted) floor but displaced the bridge. It was away at the repairers' five days being reset.

Best of luck. Hope you enjoy the conference, at least.

If at all possible, get hold of some great violin playing on CD and listen to it in your free time at the conference. (or on tape)... I'm always reading that we can only play what we can imagine or internally hear, and that our bodies are good at reproducing a sound almost unconsciously. Not that you'll necessarily turn into a virtuoso overnight, but definitely good to get some inspiration!

And on that note i recommend Maxim Vengerov!!!

Me too!!!

The Britten......get the Britten!!!!!

I knew someone would suggest him *laughs*

Thanks for all the suggestions, I'll take them on board.

I'm currently listening to Menuhin, Perlman and er Kennedy, and will definatly be listening to them while away.

I'll probably get to grips with a bit of theory too, but not until after the first day, due to my own paper presentation being then, got to focus on my research first, so I don't forget it!!!!

I just hope this break from the violin won't effect me too much.


Kraz

See if you can tell the differences in their styles. Listen really closely and you should be able to. They are 3 very different players.