Technique Tips

Ghastly Ghostly Position Changes

Halloween is here, and so are the ghosts - very useful companions for achieving good position changes on the violin. Here a mini...

7/8 accompaniment on the violin

I love accompanying on the violin, either myself when singing or other musicians. It's very satisfying, and also gives you better...

Balkan Turns without Finger Twists

Here a Mini Tutorial to practice another ornament frequently used in Balkan and Eastern European Music - Turns :-) Soft ones, accented...

Do your String Changes RIGHT with the LEFT

Today's Monday Magic Violin video gives a few tips to improve string changes - left hand tips, as most of us are so focussed on getting...

Magic Balkan Ornament 2

Another small ornament this time with a groovy effect. It does need coordination and elastic fingers :-) Watch - Learn - Practice - Have...

Super-bouncy Fingers

This newest Monday Magic Violin video introduces a little exercise to free up your left hand and make your fingers stronger at the same...

Play with Ridiculously Free Shoulders

Today I'm sharing a bowing exercise, or rather a game with you, that, as the name already expresses, is slightly ridiculous, great fun,...

Magic Balkan Ornament 1

The basic melodies of Eastern European and Balkan tunes are mostly simple, they come alive, get their charisma and vibrance, and also...

Tiny Balkan Tutorial: Balkan Hijaz with 'Busy Bees' ornaments

This is probably my all-time-favourite ornament. I only can do it when I'm in a regular practicing mode, and my fingers are 'tuned'. And...