Solutions for Releasing Tension
In this video, violinist John Fawcett walks us through how to release tension in the posture and left hand.
Tension can often creep into our playing without us noticing. Tension hinders sound and ease of playing.
Mentally, releasing tension can be thought of as increasing flexibility, or increasing your range of motion.
First, tension can manifest in your posture. Practice with your back and head against a wall to avoid clenching your jaw or burrowing your head. If you are a violinist, you can also think of holding the violin with your shoulder as a ship would be held by its anchor. The violin, as the ship, can move. The violin is anchored by the shoulder, which does not move.
Second, tension can manifest in your left hand. Remember, your playing is like a clock. If one part of your playing is tense, your hold playing is tense. Therefore practice releasing tension slowly, thinking about releasing each part of your arm, including the fingertips, knuckles, flexors, hand frame, wrist, elbow, forearm, and shoulder.
Notice your fingertips. Experiment with lessening the pressure of your fingertips. Place your fingertips along the natural curvature of your hand frame.
Next, relax your knuckles.
Notice your pinky and thumb flexors. While you play, do your flexors fire up or hurt?
Notice if your hand frame has a wide range of motion or seems inhibited in flexibility by underlying tension.
Identify tension in your wrist and forearm. Does either feel unnaturally gripped?
Notice your elbow. Do you feel a pinching feeling while you are playing? Experiment with lowering your elbow and keeping your arm naturally aligned.
Notice your shoulder. Is it clenched? Experiment with lowering your shoulder and thoughtfully relaxing.
Remember, stay patient! Practicing slowly and thoughtfully can be tedious, but with patience and persistent the eventual release of tension in your playing will transform every note!
Do you have practice solutions for tone quality and a resonant sound? Tag us in your video this week sharing your solutions and progress on Instagram @project.practicenotes or Youtube @PracticeNotes. Use #practicenotes and the title "Week 6" so we are sure to see your video! Videos will be featured on our website https://practicenotes.us and Instagram.
THANK YOU so much for watching and happy practicing!