the Violin Lab Blog
Learning Violin as an Adult
-
Tuning in: A Violinist’s Guide to Increasing Body Awareness
Violin practice often focuses on what we hear and what we want to improve, while the body quietly adapts in the background. This article explores how developing greater body awareness can help us notice tension, movement, and effort—and make practice more conscious and sustainable.
-
Practice Violin Like an Expert
How Expert Musicians Actually Practice (And What It Means for You) By Beth Blackerby | ViolinLab.com When I started creating my violin Practice course in 2018, I wasn’t sure where to begin. The internet was full of videos and blogs regurgitating all the basics, like the value of slow intentional practice and “perfect practice makes…
-
How to Know When You’ve Polished a Piece of Music and Are Ready to Move On?
by Beth Blackerby Throughout my entire violin education (1968–1993), the decision about what pieces of music to play and how long to work on them was entirely dictated by my private teachers. They determined the path, and I followed their lead without question. This traditional, teacher-guided approach provided a clear structure, ensuring that each piece…
-
Small Goals for a Big Violin Year
Small, sustainable goals make a big difference in violin practice. This article explores self‑evaluation, micro‑practice strategies, and the balance between structure and intuition to help violinists build consistency, motivation, and joy throughout the year.
-
Overcoming Fear and Anxiety in Violin Practice
Discover how to reframe fear and anxiety in violin practice into confidence and growth.
-
Hidden Violin Treasures – Rare Works to Discover
Discover hidden violin treasures across cultures, genres, and even video games. Explore rare works and emotional gems.