Opening the bow without strain in proper form.

We indeed got off to a good start this week.   One of the tips that I seemed to be giving a lot in lessons was one concerning opening the bow arm.  Here it is summarized.  Do this as an exercise:   The upper part of the bow arm is basically at rest hanging from the right shoulder when the bow is at the frog on the string.  Let's choose D string.  The bow hand ( including the thumb!) is relaxed and loose.  Start tapping your foot establishing a beat and part your lips slightly to ensure that you are breathing normally...always be aware of this.  Start the bow above the string anticipating the motion and coming in for a landing moving in the air from left to right on your way to the string.  Relax as you touch the string and continue to bow. ( breath!:)   When you approach the point along the bow that is just before mid bow or even a tad earlier, raise your right elbow but do not pull upper arm to the right while doing so.  Just lift the elbow as if you're pointing with it to something in front of you or waving "hi" with it.  Explore what is too low and what is too high in terms of ease of the forearm continuing to pull.    All the while you are pulling the bow.  (Importantly, the right shoulder should not in any way prevent you from raising the upper arm as described above). In fact it is part of the upper arm and should feel free.  Think of the butterfly stroke in swimming.  As you continue to mid/upper half of the  bow the elbow continues to open but the upper arm is still "available" to move slightly as needed.  At the far UH of bow and tip, the entire arm and shoulder will do a subtle rotation to the left ( arm is high now and elbow has been opening during the second half of bow) positioning the index finger in the perfect place for a powerful and free up bow.   During down and up bow your concerns should be: Balance of form, the lines of power, no angles, breathing, no resistance, good sound, mid contact point, and searching for a basically ( distilled ) circular loop.  And as Starker says of the bow stroke "nothing stops!"   More on the lines of power next week.   

Happy practicing.  

What a great way to start the fall. My favorite cello concerto!

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Sunday, September 5, 2009

Hello,

This year at cellochan things are evolving in new and exciting ways. The CelloChanWoods retreat/camp website will go live at the end of September. We have a full class of 30 cellists this coming year consisting of all ages including seven very bright and interesting adults. The high school section is coming along very well and the talent there is something to see.

This past year and summer I have been doing some work with Janos Starker. He, as most everyone knows, is a consumate teacher as well as being one of the greatest players of all time. In my view he seems to be a wonderful combination of humor, intelligence, courage, and compassion. He gives his all when teaching the many incoming cellists that consult his advice calling them "kids." I remember quaking at the thought of playing for him long ago because of his reputation for being "direct." He doesn't mince words so to speak. However, the Starker today is accessible, full of light, as sharp as ever, and still doesn't mince words!!

I will be writing every Sunday this year, unlike other years. cellochan is busy, but our blog needs attention! You'll read things about technique, student stories, my thoughts about Zen and how it might be connected to better playing. There is lots to talk about. In the future I will open up the comments but only after we've put in some regular posting under our belt.

Have a great year with your cello/s! And remember--"practice is the goal." Master Sheng Yen.

Suzanne

Janos Starker playing the Dvorak Concerto Mvt 1