The Violin Geek Podcast
By Laurel Thomsen
The Violin Geek PodcastApr 25, 2010
Making Time for Music: a chat with violinist Julia Reddy
Today we speak with violinist, educator, and Violin Class podcast creator and host Julia Reddy about making time for practice. We discuss how to ramp back up after a hiatus, how to make the most out of limited time, how to effectively divide up our practice time and focus our attention for results, and how to balance our practice routine when juggling solo repertoire and technical work with orchestral or audition preparation. We hope you enjoy!
Show notes:
- Julia's website https://juliareddy.com
- The Violin Class podcast website https://www.violinclass.co
- Julia's free warmup PDF https://www.violinclass.co/warmup
- Listen to Julia's arrangement and recording of Maurice Ravel's Deux Mélodies Hébraïque for violin and guitar https://juliareddy.com/kaddish
Techniques and etudes mentioned:
Son filé exercise demonstrated https://youtu.be/WnH6EvvzCk8?si=pNCq8lvxGxveAahT
Schradieck School of Violin Technics https://imslp.org/wiki/School_of_Violin_Technics_(Schradieck%2C_Henry)
Ševčík Op. 1 https://imslp.org/wiki/School_of_Violin_Technique%2C_Op.1_(%C5%A0ev%C4%8D%C3%ADk%2C_Otakar)
~
For more information and info about her performances, recordings, and teaching, please visit host Laurel Thomsen's website https://www.laurelthomsen.com
To check out Laurel's Violin Geek Blog, a companion to the podcast, please visit https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog
If you have a violin, viola, fiddle, music biz, or practice related question or topic you’d like to have covered on the Violin Geek podcast or in the blog, have someone you'd like Laurel to interview, or have a story or insight to share, please send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com.
Also, please reach out if you’d like to inquire about violin, viola, or fiddle coaching or lessons with Laurel via Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom. You're also welcome to post your success story, comments, or suggestions to https://www.facebook.com/laurelthomsenmusic.
Happy Practicing!
Finding our voice, from Classical strings to Hot Jazz - A chat with violinist Gabe Terracciano
Today we chat with Grammy-nominated violinist Gabe Terracciano, who's expanding the range of the violin as a member of the Turtle Island String Quartet and the Hot Toddies Jazz Band, among other exciting projects. We hear about Gabe's transition from nearly quitting early Classical lessons to discovering and falling in love with Jazz, discuss what it's like to be a band leader in New York City, hear tracks from The Hot Toddies recently released full-length album, and gain tips for improvising for the first time and finding our own voice within whatever genre of music we play.
Show notes:
Gabe’s website https://gabeterracciano.com
The Hot Toddies Jazz Band https://www.hottoddies.band
The Hot Toddies new album and “Quarantine EP” https://www.hottoddies.band/buy
Gabe’s solo album “Three Part Invention” https://gabeterracciano.bandcamp.com/album/three-part-invention
Some Jazz and Swing artists mentioned:
Vince Giordano https://vincegiordano.com
Andy Stein https://www.andysteinmusic.com
Artie Shaw https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artie_Shaw
Woody Herman https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woody_Herman
Glenn Miller https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glenn_Miller
Stuff Smith https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stuff_Smith
Jean Luc Ponty https://www.ponty.com
Zbigniew Seifert https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zbigniew_Seifert
Other mentions:
Prohibition Productions https://www.prohibitionproductions.com
~
Laurel's new music video "New York City Sundance" https://youtu.be/CcvpvsyzGaY
For more information and info about her performances, recordings, and teaching, please visit host Laurel Thomsen's website https://www.laurelthomsen.com
To check out Laurel's Violin Geek Blog, a companion to the podcast, please visit https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog
If you have a violin, viola, fiddle, music biz, or practice related question or topic you’d like to have covered on the Violin Geek podcast or in the blog, have someone you'd like Laurel to interview, or have a story or insight to share, please send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com.
Also, please reach out if you’d like to inquire about violin, viola, or fiddle coaching or lessons with Laurel via Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom. You're also welcome to post your success story, comments, or suggestions to https://www.facebook.com/laurelthomsenmusic.
Happy Practicing!
Rediscovering Baroque Bows - a chat with historical bowmaker Ralph Ashmead
The bow is a string player's primary "tool for tone," but like any tool, sometimes we need more than one to get the job done. In this episode we speak with historical bow maker Ralph Ashmead, learning all about the differences between Baroque, Transitional, and Modern bows, the reasons why we might choose one over another, and exploring the factors that caused bow design to change over time. Having crafted bows for over 40 years, we hear Ralph's story into bow-making, and learn about his process for choosing wood and "wrestling" bows into being. Our chat concludes with tips for players looking to purchase a historical bow, and practicalities, like what to do when it comes time to re-hair your Baroque bow.
Show Notes:
Ralph Ashmead website (check out the gorgeous pictures of his bows!!): https://www.ashmeadbows.com/
Rachel Barton Pine on Baroque bows and Bach https://youtu.be/b73g8LR3zD4
~
For more information about her performances, recordings, and teaching, please visit host Laurel Thomsen's website https://www.laurelthomsen.com
To check out Laurel's Violin Geek Blog, a companion to the podcast, sharing tips, insight, and inspiration since 2007, please visit https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog
If you have a violin, viola, fiddle, music biz, or practice related question or topic you’d like to have covered on the Violin Geek podcast or in the blog, have someone you'd like Laurel to interview, or have a story or insight to share, please send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com. You're also welcome to post your comments, suggestions, or a success story to https://www.facebook.com/laurelthomsenmusic.
If you’d like to inquire about violin, viola, or fiddle lessons with Laurel via Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom, please visit the Teaching tab on her website and reach out via email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com.
Happy Practicing!
Where am I supposed to put my thumb on the violin neck? Principles and considerations.
A lot of us often wonder, where am I supposed to place my thumb on the violin (or viola) neck? What finger should it be closest to? Should it be stationary? Should it move? Is there a spot that will magically help it stop gripping and finally relax? Today we explore this question recently posed by a podcast listener. Always a frequent topic among Laurel's private students and the students in her "Complete Vibrato Mastery" course, please also check out the companion YouTube video to see all Laurel's demos in action.
Show notes:
Video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/iVl1xqZM5ek
~
For more information about her performances, recordings, and teaching, please visit host Laurel Thomsen's website https://www.laurelthomsen.com
To check out Laurel's Violin Geek Blog, a companion to the podcast, sharing tips, insight and inspiration since 2007, please visit https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog
If you have a violin, viola, fiddle, music biz, or practice related question or topic you’d like to have covered on the Violin Geek podcast or in the blog, have someone you'd like Laurel to interview, or have a story or insight to share, please send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com. Also, please reach out if you’d like to inquire about violin, viola, or fiddle coaching or lessons with Laurel via Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom. You're also welcome to post your success story, comments, or suggestions to https://www.facebook.com/laurelthomsenmusic.
Happy Practicing!
Music Careers, Part 2
In this second installment of her Music Careers series, violinist/violist, teacher, and host Laurel Thomsen explores music careers and activities that require knowledge and skill in music, but not necessarily on one particular instrument. It’s rare for even very talented musicians to be able to make a living at performance alone, so piecing together a variety of activities within our career is a great way to ensure our financial security, and stay passionate about everything we're doing. And even if we’re not planning to make a career of music, we may find that being involved with music in ways beyond playing our instrument very fulfilling and supportive to our overall drive to keep music in our life.
~
For more information and info about her performances, recordings, and teaching, please visit host Laurel Thomsen's website https://www.laurelthomsen.com
To check out Laurel's Violin Geek Blog, a companion to the podcast, sharing tips, insight and inspiration since 2007, please visit https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog
If you have a violin, viola, fiddle, music biz, or practice related question or topic you’d like to have covered on the Violin Geek podcast or in the blog, have someone you'd like Laurel to interview, or have a story or insight to share, please send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com. Also, please reach out if you’d like to inquire about violin, viola, or fiddle coaching or lessons with Laurel via Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom. You're also welcome to post your success story, comments, or suggestions to https://www.facebook.com/laurelthomsenmusic.
Happy Practicing!
Strengths and Challenges of Adult Learners - an interview with Rachael Ridge of "The Adult Violin Academy"
In this episode, we talk to Rachael Ridge, an Indiana based violinist and violin teacher, and the creator of "The Adult Violin Academy," a self paced online, video based course geared towards adult learners and their unique needs. We discuss the strengths that adult students bring to the table, as well as common challenges, like finding enough time to practice while juggling a job and a family, as well as physical pain and/or injury. We also talk about the importance of mindset. As much as we might consider playing a musical instrument to be a physical and musical pursuit, there are also mental and even emotional components that can easily derail our progress. Even if you aren't an adult student, but a teacher, professional, a younger student, or even just a music lover, there are many helpful tips and insights for everyone in this episode!
Show notes:
Rachael Ridge https://www.rachaelridge.com/
Rachael's "Adult Violin Academy" https://www.rachaelridge.com/adult-violin-academy
The "Active Violinist" Instagram https://www.instagram.com/activeviolinist/
~
For more information and info about her performances, recordings, and teaching, please visit host Laurel Thomsen's website https://www.laurelthomsen.com
To check out Laurel's Violin Geek Blog, a companion to the podcast, please visit https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog
If you have a violin, viola, fiddle, music biz, or practice related question or topic you’d like to have covered on the Violin Geek podcast or in the blog, have someone you'd like Laurel to interview, or have a story or insight to share, please send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com. Also, please reach out if you’d like to inquire about violin, viola, or fiddle coaching or lessons with Laurel via Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom. You're also welcome to post your success story, comments, or suggestions to https://www.facebook.com/laurelthomsenmusic.
Happy Practicing!
Music Careers, Part 1
Whether or not we plan to make a career of music, this series will be relevant for everyone! If we keep at it, we all reach a point where we're ready to take our music beyond the practice room, but as one of Laurel's students recently asked: "What can I do with this violin besides become Hilary Hahn or TwoSet?" Thankfully, there are many more options, and hopefully something for everyone, including for those who enjoy being in the spotlight, those who prefer group dynamics, those who want to be self-employed, and those who'd prefer to not have to think too much about the business side of their musical activities. In this first installment of her Music Careers series, violinist/violist, teacher, and host Laurel Thomsen explores performance based roles that require us to be skilled on our particular instrument. In future episodes in this series, we'll explore options that will require knowledge and skill in music, but not necessarily on one particular instrument. As Laurel has found herself, piecing together a variety of activities within our career is a great way to ensure our financial security as musicians, and stay passionate about everything we're doing.
Show notes:
Laurel's new "Colfax Harbor" music video https://youtu.be/moYNxsEfBac
Angela Myles Beeching career coaching/resources https://angelabeeching.com
Berklee School of Music careers articles https://www.berklee.edu/careers
~
For more information and info about her performances, recordings, and teaching, please visit host Laurel Thomsen's website https://www.laurelthomsen.com
To check out Laurel's Violin Geek Blog, a companion to the podcast, sharing tips, insight and inspiration since 2007, please visit https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog
If you have a violin, viola, fiddle, music biz, or practice related question or topic you’d like to have covered on the Violin Geek podcast or in the blog, have someone you'd like Laurel to interview, or have a story or insight to share, please send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com. Also, please reach out if you’d like to inquire about violin, viola, or fiddle coaching or lessons with Laurel via Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom. You're also welcome to post your success story, comments, or suggestions to https://www.facebook.com/laurelthomsenmusic.
Happy Practicing!
Challenges of the Adult Beginner Violinist: Laurel's interview on the Violin Class Podcast
Last summer I was honored to chat with Julia Reddy of the Violin Class podcast about life, music, managing our inner critic, improving our self-esteem, and the experience of starting over with technique and getting to the other side. Julia has been on maternity leave, so the episode has just released and I hope you enjoy our conversation! It was nice to revisit what we'd discussed. Please consider subscribing to Julia's podcast for more tips and interviews geared towards helping and inspiring adult violin students.
Check out Julia Reddy's Violin Class podcast https://www.violinclass.co/
~
For more information and info about her performances, recordings, and teaching, please visit host Laurel Thomsen's website https://www.laurelthomsen.com
To check out Laurel's Violin Geek Blog, a companion to the podcast, sharing tips, insight and inspiration since 2007, please visit https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog
If you have a violin, viola, fiddle, music biz, or practice related question or topic you’d like to have covered on the Violin Geek podcast or in the blog, have someone you'd like Laurel to interview, or have a story or insight to share, please send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com. Also, please reach out if you’d like to inquire about violin, viola, or fiddle coaching or lessons with Laurel via Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom. You're also welcome to post your success story, comments, or suggestions to https://www.facebook.com/laurelthomsenmusic.
Happy Practicing!
Intonation Mastery #4: Issues within our Technique and Approach
In this fourth installment of her Intonation Mastery series, violinist/violist, teacher, and host Laurel Thomsen explores common issues within our technique that may contribute to intonation issues, as well as some considerations within our approach to tonality, and tempered versus non-tempered intonation applications (this latter topic is definitely worth a deep dive on another episode in the future!). While listening and practice, the topics covered in previous installments of this series, are probably our best tools to improve intonation, technical problems and tensions can easily hold us back.
Show notes:
Patti Kusturok GoFundMe https://www.gofundme.com/f/patti-kusturok-medical-assistance-fund
Laurel's new "Together Again" music video https://youtu.be/M4Rp1TmfCEc
Past Intonation Episodes:
Intonation Mastery #1: https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog/?id=intonation-mastery-1
Intonation Mastery #2: https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog/?id=intonation-mastery-2
Intonation Mastery #3: https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog/?id=intonation-mastery-3-avoiding-external-factors-practicing-for-better-tuning
Conscious Listening https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog/?id=conscious-listening-for-great-intonation-and-expression
Intonation Workouts: https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog/?id=intonation-workout
Past Violin Geek Blog posts about intonation:
Audiation: https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog/?id=simple-4-step-audiation-procedure-to-clean-up-intonation and https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog/?id=student-question-too-tone-deaf-to-play-the-violin
Improve Your Intonation Now: https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog/?id=improve-your-intonation-now
~
For more information and info about her performances, recordings, and teaching, please visit host Laurel Thomsen's website https://www.laurelthomsen.com
To check out Laurel's Violin Geek Blog, a companion to the podcast, sharing tips, insight and inspiration since 2007, please visit https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog
If you have a violin, viola, fiddle, music biz, or practice related question or topic you’d like to have covered on the Violin Geek podcast or in the blog, have someone you'd like Laurel to interview, or have a story or insight to share, please send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com. Also, please reach out if you’d like to inquire about violin, viola, or fiddle coaching or lessons with Laurel via Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom. You're also welcome to post your success story, comments, or suggestions to https://www.facebook.com/laurelthomsenmusic.
Happy Practicing!
"Learning By Ear" - a chat with fiddler Lissa Schneckenburger
In today's episode we speak with celebrated New England based fiddler and songwriter Lissa Schneckenburger, who's been helping students increase their confidence and improve their skills through her popular ear-training workshop for years, and now as the 14-week self-paced online course, "Learning By Ear." We learn about the inspiration behind the course, why ear-training is an important skill for all musicians, not just fiddlers, and Lissa shares tips for approaching both the rhythmic and melodic challenges we might encounter when trying to learn a tune by ear. Along the way we also enjoy clips of her inspiring fiddling and heartfelt songwriting.
Show notes:
Lissa’s website https://lissafiddle.com
Lissa's "Learning By Ear" course https://lissafiddle.com/store/learning-by-ear-video-series/
Lissa's new album pre-order and info https://lissafiddle.com/store/new-album-pre-order/
Sign up for Lissa's 100 day practice challenge https://mailchi.mp/3fc4542bc6f1/tune-a-week
Purchase "The Fair Maid by the Sea Shore" and other songs from her album "Song" https://lissafiddle.com/store/song/
Purchase "Petronella," "Lamplighter’s Hornpipe/Suffer the Child," and other songs from her album "Dance" https://lissafiddle.com/store/dance/
Purchase "When My Baby Cries" and other songs from her album "Thunder in My Arms" https://lissafiddle.com/store/thunder-in-my-arms/
About Robert M. Childs, the maker of Lissa's fiddle and the Childsplay group https://childsplay.org/fiddles.html
~
For more information and info about her performances, recordings, and teaching, please visit host Laurel Thomsen's website https://www.laurelthomsen.com
To check out Laurel's Violin Geek Blog, a companion to the podcast, sharing tips, insight and inspiration since 2007, please visit https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog
If you have a violin, viola, fiddle, music biz, or practice related question or topic you’d like to have covered on the Violin Geek podcast or in the blog, have someone you'd like Laurel to interview, or have a story or insight to share, please send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com. Also, please email if you’d like to inquire about online violin, viola, or fiddle coaching/lessons with Laurel via Skype or FaceTime. You're also welcome to post your success story or comments about the episode to https://www.facebook.com/laurelthomsenmusic.
Happy Practicing!
Stories About Songs - "If A Wave"
In this episode we travel behind the scenes again, into the making of one of the songs Laurel wrote and released earlier this year, along with Canadian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Dan Frechette, on their album "After the Fire." This time, Laurel shares the origins of her hopeful and empowering song, If A Wave. We learn about the meaning behind the metaphor heavy lyrics, what factors informed the duo's arrangement choices and Laurel's approach to composing the violin lines, as well as the making of the song's music video which has just been released on YouTube.
Watch the "If A Wave" music video https://youtu.be/B9TC0m0ZSyo
Listen to and/or download If A Wave or the entire album "After The Fire" on various platforms https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/danfrechetteandlaurelthomsen/after-the-fire
Order physical signed copies or exclusive downloads of the album "After the Fire" https://www.danandlaurel.ca/Shop/
For more about Dan Frechette, including his 100+ albums of original songwriting, please visit https://www.danfrechette.com
Visit Laurel Thomsen's website, with info about her performances, recordings, and teaching can be found at https://www.laurelthomsen.com
Please send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com if you have a violin, viola, fiddle, music biz, or practice related question you’d like answered in her Violin Geek blog or on a podcast, have a topic you'd like her to cover or someone you'd like her to interview, or have a story or insight to share. Also, get in touch if you’d like to inquire about violin, viola, or fiddle coaching or lessons with Laurel via Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom. You're also welcome to post your success story, comments, or suggestions to www.facebook.com/laurelthomsenmusic.
Happy Practicing!
Intonation Mastery #3: Avoiding External Factors + Practicing For Better Tuning
Ten years since recording the first episodes in this series, violinist/violist, teacher, and host Laurel Thomsen revisits the topic with fresh tips to help you sound more in tune on your violin, viola, cello, or bass. In this episode we cover several factors with our instrument which can affect intonation, as well as tips for how we can approach practice to better support developing good intonation. In the next episodes we'll cover specific exercises, technical concerns, and scale tuning. So enjoy this episode, and stay tuned, literally!
Show notes:
Past Intonation Episodes:
Intonation Mastery #1: https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog/?id=intonation-mastery-1
Intonation Mastery #2: https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog/?id=intonation-mastery-2
Conscious Listening https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog/?id=conscious-listening-for-great-intonation-and-expression
Intonation Workouts: https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog/?id=intonation-workout
Past Violin Geek Blog posts about intonation:
Audiation: https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog/?id=simple-4-step-audiation-procedure-to-clean-up-intonation and https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog/?id=student-question-too-tone-deaf-to-play-the-violin
Improve Your Intonation Now: https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog/?id=improve-your-intonation-now
~
For more information and info about her performances, recordings, and teaching, please visit host Laurel Thomsen's website https://www.laurelthomsen.com
To check out Laurel's Violin Geek Blog, a companion to the podcast, sharing tips, insight and inspiration since 2007, please visit https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog
If you have a violin, viola, fiddle, music biz, or practice related question or topic you’d like to have covered on the Violin Geek podcast or in the blog, have someone you'd like Laurel to interview, or have a story or insight to share, please send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com. Also, please reach out if you’d like to inquire about violin, viola, or fiddle coaching or lessons with Laurel via Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom. You're also welcome to post your success story, comments, or suggestions to https://www.facebook.com/laurelthomsenmusic.
Happy Practicing!
Following Your Passion to a Unique Career - an interview with DJ violinist and entertainer Asher Laub
In today's episode we speak with Asher Laub, a New York City based Classically trained violinist turned improvising DJ violinist, entertainer, producer, composer, and entrepreneur. We learn about how Asher has been able to chart a unique career path, making a name for himself, performing high energy stage shows across four continents. We discuss gear and the importance of having control over your sound on stage, some of the challenges you might face when transitioning from Classical music into other genres, as well as a major setback Asher experienced and how he was able to get back on his feet. We also hear samples of his song Dreaming Awake and his song Neon Dreams.
Show notes:
Asher’s website https://www.asherlaub.com
Asher’s music video and recent single “Atlantis” http://found.asherlaub.com/atlantis1
Asher on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/5FmqE64ExrxQPuFUXtgG1H
Asher's song and music video "Gratitude" mentioned in the episode https://youtu.be/K4OKnojV1vY
Asher's Michael Jackson-Palladio Medley music video mentioned in the episode https://youtu.be/iFN7oEuGDXI
LR Baggs Preamps https://www.lrbaggs.com/acoustic-preamps-pedals
The Electric Violin Shop https://www.electricviolinshop.com
Fishman V-300 Concert Series Violin Pickup https://www.fishman.com/portfolio/v-300-concert-series-violin-pickup/
Fishman V-200 Classic Series Professional Violin Pickup https://www.fishman.com/portfolio/v-200-classic-series-professional-violin-pickup/
Fishman V-100 Classic Series Violin/Viola Pickup https://www.fishman.com/portfolio/v-100-classic-series-violin-viola-pickup/
~
For more information and info about her performances, recordings, and teaching, please visit host Laurel Thomsen's website https://www.laurelthomsen.com
To check out Laurel's Violin Geek Blog, a companion to the podcast, sharing tips, insight and inspiration since 2007, please visit https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog
If you have a violin, viola, fiddle, music biz, or practice related question or topic you’d like to have covered on the Violin Geek podcast or in the blog, have someone you'd like Laurel to interview, or have a story or insight to share, please send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com. Also, please reach out if you’d like to inquire about violin, viola, or fiddle coaching or lessons with Laurel via Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom. You're also welcome to post your success story, comments, or suggestions to https://www.facebook.com/laurelthomsenmusic.
Happy Practicing!
Functional Fitness for Musicians, Part 3: Spine, Low Back, and Hips
Note: this is a hands-on video episode. If your podcast app does not support video podcasts, while it may be possible to follow along with only the audio, please find the video here https://youtu.be/YGOs71Lu6RM
In this supplemental video series of the Violin Geek Podcast, violinist/violist and educator Laurel Thomsen shares a variety of simple warmups, mobility exercises, and massage techniques to help musicians and non-musicians avoid tension related to playing or daily life habits, and possibly reduce or even overcome pain when it does set in.
Certified as a massage therapist, yoga teacher, level 3 Acutonics practitioner, and a Clinical Hypnotherapist, and with experience working with a variety of additional mind-body healing modalities, including acupressure and Trigger Point Therapy, Foundation Training, the Alexander Technique and Feldenkrais, Yoga Nidra and various meditation styles, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, EDGU, and Qi-Gong, Laurel's goal through this series is to distill some of the techniques she's found most valuable in helping herself, her private music students, and her clients.
This video is not intended to diagnose or treat any health concern, but to simply offer ideas for self-care. Please consult your doctor about injuries or chronic pain, and before exploring any new exercise. And ALWAYS listen to your body and its needs.
1:18 Knocking on the Door of Life - Qi Gong Warmup
3:24 Waving the Spine Side to Side - Qi Gong Warmup
5:44 The Fountain - Qi Gong Warmup
7:58 Spinal Cord Breathing - Qi Gong Warmup
9:00 Quadratus Lumborum Release - Trigger Point Massage
15:30 Glute/Hips Massage - Trigger Point & General Massage
20:09 The Founder - Yoga/Foundation Exercise
22:52 Good Mornings - Foundation Training
If your podcast feed does not support video podcasts, or if you'd like to bookmark this episode for future watching, it's also available here https://youtu.be/YGOs71Lu6RM Please consider sharing it with friends and family members who you think might benefit, and subscribing on YouTube to avoid missing the upcoming videos in the series.
Listen to and download the complete version of Laurel's song "Asilomar" https://laurelthomsen.bandcamp.com/track/asilomar
For more tips, inspiration, insight please check out Laurel's Violin Geek Blog: Blog https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog/
To learn more about Laurel, ask a question or suggest a topic for her to cover, or to get in touch about private lessons (violin, viola, fiddle, cello) or help overcoming general or playing-related pain and tension, visit https://www.laurelthomsen.com
For further resources and information about many of the practices and techniques mentioned, enjoy Laurel's post "Cross-training for Musicians" https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog/?id=cross-training-for-musicians
Functional Fitness for Musicians, Part 2: Neck, Shoulders, Upper Back
Note: this is a hands-on video episode. If your podcast app does not support video podcasts, while it may be possible to follow along with only the audio, please find the video here https://youtu.be/RWbF3jrwwdY
In this supplemental video series of the Violin Geek Podcast, violinist/violist and educator Laurel Thomsen shares a variety of simple warmups, mobility exercises, and massage techniques to help musicians and non-musicians avoid tension related to playing or daily life habits, and possibly reduce or even overcome pain when it does set in.
Certified as a massage therapist, yoga teacher, level 3 Acutonics practitioner, and a Clinical Hypnotherapist, and with experience working with a variety of additional mind-body healing modalities, including acupressure and Trigger Point Therapy, Foundation Training, the Alexander Technique and Feldenkrais, Yoga Nidra and various meditation styles, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, EDGU, and Qi-Gong, Laurel's goal through this series is to distill some of the techniques she's found most valuable in helping herself, her private music students, and her clients.
This video is not intended to diagnose or treat any health concern, but to simply offer ideas for self-care. Please consult your doctor about injuries or chronic pain, and before exploring any new exercise. And ALWAYS listen to your body and its needs.
0:51 Shoulder Rolls - Warmup
3:10 Trapezuis Release - Active Stretch and Trigger Point Massage
11:07 Head/Neck Plank - Cervical Spine Reset
15:06 Sternoceidomastoid Release - Trigger Point Massage
17:58 Upper Back/Shoulder Squeezes - Muscle Activation Exercise
21:00 Pinkie Knuckle Knocking - Acupressure Massage
22:47 Full Body Shaking - Warmup/Cooldown
If your podcast feed does not support video podcasts, or if you'd like to bookmark this episode for future watching, it's also available here https://youtu.be/RWbF3jrwwdY Please consider sharing it with friends and family members who you think might benefit, and subscribing on YouTube to avoid missing the upcoming videos in the series.
Listen to and download the complete version of Laurel's song "Asilomar" https://laurelthomsen.bandcamp.com/track/asilomar
For more tips, inspiration, insight please check out Laurel's Violin Geek Blog: Blog https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog/
To learn more about Laurel, ask a question or suggest a topic for her to cover, or to get in touch about private lessons (violin, viola, fiddle, cello) or help overcoming general or playing-related pain and tension, visit https://www.laurelthomsen.com
For further resources and information about many of the practices and techniques mentioned, enjoy Laurel's post "Cross-training for Musicians" https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog/?id=cross-training-for-musicians
Traveling with Your Instrument - Tips and Stories!
People are starting to hit the road again, but what does this mean for our instruments? In this episode, violinist/violist and educator Laurel Thomsen shares tips for safely getting your instrument from point A to point B, whether by car or plane. Having averaged 150 tour dates per year pre-pandemic, Laurel also shares stories about her experiences traveling with her violin (and the what-not-to-dos she had to learn on the job). We hope you enjoy this episode, and come away feeling more confident, armed with the knowledge and tools you need to avoid any travel disasters with your precious instrument!
Links mentioned in the show:
Boveda Musical Instrument Humidity Control Packs
USA Domestic Flight Information Document - CARRIAGE OF MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
Rachel Barton Pine - Flight Drama
Today's music was an original Dan Frechette & Laurel Thomsen song called "Glory in My Soul" from our 2016 album "Between the Rain." Check out the music video for the song, featuring clips around the CA Central Coast and from our travels here. To listen and/or download the track visit us on BandCamp here.
~
For more about host Laurel Thomsen, including her performance, lessons and courses, and recordings, please visit https://www.laurelthomsen.com
To check out Laurel's companion labor-of-love, the Violin Geek Blog, visit: https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog
If you have a violin, viola, fiddle, music biz, or practice related question or topic you’d like to have covered, have someone you'd like Laurel to interview, have a story or insight to share, or would like to inquire about concert booking or violin, viola, or fiddle lessons with Laurel via Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom, please send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com.
Happy Practicing!
Functional Fitness for Musicians, Part 1: Arms and Hands
Note: this is a hands-on video episode. If your podcast app does not support video podcasts, while it may be possible to follow along with only the audio, please find the video here https://youtu.be/YSXoh_Fn09E
In this supplemental video series of the Violin Geek Podcast, violinist/violist and educator Laurel Thomsen shares a variety of simple warmups, mobility exercises, and massage techniques to help musicians and non-musicians avoid tension related to playing or daily life habits, and possibly reduce or even overcome pain when it does set in.
Certified as a massage therapist, yoga teacher, level 3 Acutonics practitioner, and a Clinical Hypnotherapist, and with experience working with a variety of additional mind-body healing modalities, including acupressure and Trigger Point Therapy, Foundation Training, the Alexander Technique and Feldenkrais, Yoga Nidra and various meditation styles, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, EDGU, and Qi-Gong, Laurel's goal through this series is to distill some of the techniques she's found most valuable in helping herself, her private music students, and her clients.
This video is not intended to diagnose or treat any health concern, but to simply offer ideas for self-care. Please consult your doctor about injuries or chronic pain, and before exploring any new exercise. And ALWAYS listen to your body and its needs.
0:51 Arm Drops - Warmup
3:20 Arm Circles - Warmup
7:57 Nerve Flossing - Stretch
11:59 Wrist Stretches - Range of Motion Exercise
16:20 Wrist Knocking - Acupressure
19:02 Wrist Circles - Range of Motion Exercise
21:08 Trigger Point Therapy - Massage
27:30 Wrist Shaking - Warmup/Cooldown
28:55 Effleurage - Light Lymphatic Massage
If your podcast feed does not support video podcasts, or if you'd like to bookmark this episode for future watching, it's also available here https://youtu.be/YSXoh_Fn09E Please consider sharing it with friends and family members who you think might benefit, and subscribing on YouTube to avoid missing the upcoming videos in the series.
Listen to and download the complete version of Laurel's song "Asilomar" https://laurelthomsen.bandcamp.com/track/asilomar
For more tips, inspiration, insight please check out Laurel's Violin Geek Blog: Blog https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog/
To learn more about Laurel, ask a question or suggest a topic for her to cover, or to get in touch about private lessons (violin, viola, fiddle, cello) or help overcoming general or playing-related pain and tension, visit https://www.laurelthomsen.com
Link to the Trigger Point Therapy Workbook mentioned https://www.amazon.com/Trigger-Point-Therapy-Workbook-Self-Treatment/dp/1572243759
For further resources and information about many of the practices and techniques mentioned, enjoy Laurel's post "Cross-training for Musicians" https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog/?id=cross-training-for-musicians
How Do I Get Out of Pain? - Playing Health in the Spotlight
Pain and injury related to playing a musical instrument like the violin, viola, or cello, or general pain and tension that makes practicing and performing difficult, can be common. In this episode of the Violin Geek Podcast, violinist/violist and educator Laurel Thomsen shares insight into the cause of pain and tension, and hope that it doesn't have to mean an end to our playing. But where does one start the process of finding the cause, unraveling the old habits, and getting back to a feeling of ease and joy? Tune in to find out and be sure to check out the companion video episode where Laurel demonstrates a variety of warmups, exercises, and therapies designed to target pain and tension in the arms and hands which she and her students have found helpful. Over the next few months, watch for videos focusing also on the neck, shoulders, and upper back, as well as the low back, hips, and spine. Enjoy!
Laurel's companion warmup/exercise video is available here https://youtu.be/YSXoh_Fn09E Please consider sharing it with friends and family members who you think might benefit, and subscribing to Laurel's channel on YouTube to avoid missing the upcoming videos in the series.
Show notes:
Read this episode in Laurel's Violin Geek Blog https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog/
Listen to and download Laurel's song "Asilomar" https://laurelthomsen.bandcamp.com/track/asilomar
Information about Neurogenesis https://bebrainfit.com/brain-cells-regenerate/
Information about Feldenkrais https://feldenkrais.com/
Wiki about Ed Simmons https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ed_Simons_(conductor)
Video of Issac Stern performing shortly before his passing at 81 https://www.youtube.com/embed/xZgGli6gDHE
TED Talk with Tao-Porchon Lynch, the world's oldest yoga teacher, at 95 https://www.youtube.com/embed/oTmaTD5H0iM
List of musicians who died while performing https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Musicians_who_died_on_stage
List of conductors who died on stage https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Conductors_(music)_who_died_while_conducting
Theory about the natural lifespan of humans https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/humans-could-live-up-to-150-years-new-research-suggests/
The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook https://www.amazon.com/Trigger-Point-Therapy-Workbook-Self-Treatment/dp/1572243759
Information about enzymes in the body https://youtu.be/dgJGmCmh9uI
Information about the benefits of making mistakes https://www.youcubed.org/evidence/mistakes-grow-brain/
Laurel's Improve Your Bowing Technique multi-media course https://www.laurelthomsen.com/online-courses/
Information about the benefits of smiling https://www.theguardian.com/society/2008/jul/27/mentalhealth.drugs
~
Visit Laurel's website to learn more about her performances, recordings, online courses, and private teaching https://www.laurelthomsen.com
Listen to and/or download Laurel's new album "After The Fire" https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/danfrechetteandlaurelthomsen/after-the-fire
Order physical signed copies or exclusive downloads of the new album "After the Fire"
"Back to Bach" - rediscovering your path and passion with Israeli/German violinist Maya Lorenzen
Today we speak with Maya Lorenzen, an Israeli/German violinist who has wrestled internal and external conflict to chart a career path and rediscover her passion for making beautiful, heartfelt music. She’s now helping her students do the same. Maya's new solo album, "Back to Bach," while born out of the loneliness of the pandemic, finds fresh connection to self and soul, with Bach's 2nd Partita married with two modern works by female composers, also inspired by Bach. We learn more about Maya's inspiration for the album, enjoy a few clips, discuss her approach to practicing double stops, her research into the history of violin fingerings, and she shares tips for how to manage practice time and overcome setbacks. We also hear about her experience traveling and performing with the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra and how they are helping middle eastern countries and artists become "equal in music." Enjoy!
Learn more about Maya Lorenzen https://www.mayalorenzen.com
Listen to, download, or purchase a copy of "Back to Bach”: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/album/3mGuxqECU3vkyJ72fXB6jN?si=Z6XAAnInTpykccvIc6KcLQ Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/album/back-to-bach/1610877338
Keep up with Maya on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayalorenzenviolinist
Book a 30 minute Discovery Call with Maya: https://calendly.com/mayalorenzen/30-minute-call
Other people and organizations mentioned during the episode:
Sheet music for Missy Mazzoli’s “Dissolve, O My Heart”: https://missymazzoli.com/works/dissolve-o-my-heart
Sheet music for Jesse Montgomery’s "Rhapsody No. 1": https://www.jessiemontgomery.com/work/rhapsody-no-1-violin
West-Eastern Divan Orchestra: https://west-eastern-divan.org
~
For more information and info about her performances, recordings, and teaching, please visit host Laurel Thomsen's website https://www.laurelthomsen.com
To check out Laurel's Violin Geek Blog, a companion to the podcast, sharing tips, insight and inspiration since 2007, please visit https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog
If you have a violin, viola, fiddle, music biz, or practice related question or topic you’d like to have covered on the Violin Geek podcast or in the blog, have someone you'd like Laurel to interview, or have a story or insight to share, please send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com. Also, please reach out if you’d like to inquire about violin, viola, or fiddle coaching or lessons with Laurel via Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom. You're also welcome to post your success story, comments, or suggestions to https://www.facebook.com/laurelthomsenmusic.
Happy Practicing!
Female Composers in the Spotlight - an interview with Dr. Cora Cooper
In this episode of the Violin Geek Podcast, Laurel Thomsen chats with Dr. Cora Cooper, professor of violin, viola, chamber music, and string pedogogy at Kansas State University, and the editor of "Violin Music By Women" and "Viola Music By Women," graded anthologies of almost entirely unknown, but wonderfully inventive and enjoyable pieces by women composers. We discuss Dr. Cooper's inspiration for the project and she shares some delightful stories about her search for material and the process of compiling the volumes. We gain tips for presenting and integrating new music into the teaching studio, and insight into her approach towards helping students identify technical challenges and practice more effectively when there's less time.
Links:
Violin Music By Women website and blog, including sound files for the volumes: https://www.violinmusicbywomen.com
Purchase the anthologies plus much more at Sleepy Puppy Press: https://www.sleepypuppypress.com
Tips for integrating the first book of the violin anthology into a Suzuki method approach: https://www.violinmusicbywomen.com/blog/guest-blog-by-claire-allen-integrating-repertoire-from-violin-music-by-women-with-suzuki-books-1-2-part-1-of-3
Mary Cohen's "Violin Technique in Practice" book: https://www.fabermusic.com/news/mastering-violin-technique-with-mary-cohen05062020-1
~
For more about host Laurel Thomsen, including her performance, teaching, and recordings, please visit https://www.laurelthomsen.com
To check out Laurel's companion labor-of-love, the Violin Geek Blog, visit: https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog
If you have a violin, viola, fiddle, music biz, or practice related question or topic you’d like to have covered on the Violin Geek podcast or in the blog, have someone you'd like Laurel to interview, or have a story or insight to share, please send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com. You're also welcome to post your success story, comments, or suggestions to https://www.facebook.com/laurelthomsenmusic. Also, please reach out via email if you’d like to inquire about violin, viola, or fiddle coaching or lessons with Laurel via Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom.
Happy Practicing!
"Counting Down the Hours" - finding freedom and joy with Classical violinist and fiddler Maura Shawn Scanlin
In this episode we hear from Maura Shawn Scanlin, a Boston, MA based Classical violinist and fiddler who is bridging musical worlds with incredible poise and grace. Her new album, "Counting Down the Hours," with her duo "Rakish" is a joyful exploration of Celtic, Classical, and Americana sounds. We learn more about its inception and inspiration, and enjoy a couple choice tracks from the album. We also discuss Maura's approach to performing and arranging in different genres of music, how the practice discipline of her Classical training has also helped her learn fiddle tunes, and she shares tips for how we can learn to fiddle with more stylistic accuracy. Enjoy!
Learn more about Maura Shawn Scanlin https://www.maurashawnscanlin.com
Listen to, download, or purchase a copy of "Counting Down the Hours" https://rakishmusic.bandcamp.com/album/counting-down-the-hours
Learn more about Maura's Duo "Rakish" https://www.rakishmusic.com
Learn more about Maura's String Quartet "Rasa" https://rasastringquartet.com
Other people and resources mentioned during the episode:
Other musicians featured on "Counting Down the Hours": Conor Hearn (Guitars, Bouzouki, Vocals), Seamus Egan (Tenor Banjo, Mandolin, Percussion), Dan Klingsberg (Bass).
Website for exploring Irish fiddle tunes: https://thesession.org/
Gavinies Etudes https://imslp.org/wiki/24_Matin%C3%A9es_(Gavini%C3%A8s,_Pierre)
Martin Hayes http://www.martinhayes.com
Liz Carroll https://www.lizcarroll.com
~
For more information and info about her performances, recordings, and teaching, please visit host Laurel Thomsen's website https://www.laurelthomsen.com
To check out Laurel's Violin Geek Blog, a companion to the podcast, sharing tips, insight and inspiration since 2007, please visit https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog
If you have a violin, viola, fiddle, music biz, or practice related question or topic you’d like to have covered on the Violin Geek podcast or in the blog, have someone you'd like Laurel to interview, or have a story or insight to share, please send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com. Also, please reach out if you’d like to inquire about violin, viola, or fiddle coaching or lessons with Laurel via Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom. You're also welcome to post your success story, comments, or suggestions to https://www.facebook.com/laurelthomsenmusic.
Happy Practicing!
Learn to Love Your Metronome
If the metronome inspires fear, dread, or frustration in you, if you're not sure how to even use it, or if you find practicing with it is getting a bit stale, this episode is for you! Join string player and educator Laurel Thomsen as she explores the goals of metronome practice, explains the steps we need to take as we build up our metronome practice, and shares tips for becoming more confident and creative in your practice with it.
Show Notes:
Metronome mentioned - Matrix (my MR-700 is no longer available, but this MR-800 seems quite similar): https://amzn.to/3sTODNw
Apps mentioned - Warchal Metronome: https://www.warchal.com/metronome.html Time Guru: https://avibortnick.com/time-guru/ Dr Betotte: http://www.ssworkssoftware.com/drbetottetc/drbetottetc.html
Listen to and/or download "Sure Fire Way of Taking" https://officialramblingdanfrechette.bandcamp.com/album/new-disguise-2015
Laurel's Violin Geek Blog https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog/
Visit Laurel's website to learn more about her performances, recordings, online courses, and private teaching https://www.laurelthomsen.com
Listen to and/or download Laurel's new album "After The Fire" https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/danfrechetteandlaurelthomsen/after-the-fire
Order physical signed copies or exclusive downloads of the new album "After the Fire" https://www.danandlaurel.ca/Shop/
Please email Laurel at laurel@laurelthomsen.com if you have a violin, viola, fiddle, music biz, theory, technique, or practice related question you'd like answered on a podcast or in her Violin Geek blog, have a topic you'd like her to cover or someone you'd like her to interview, or have a story or insight to share. Also, get in touch if you’d like to inquire about violin, viola, or fiddle lessons with Laurel via Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom. You're also welcome to post your success story, comments, or suggestions to www.facebook.com/laurelthomsenmusic.
Happy Practicing!
Stories About Songs - "Money Shouldn't Talk That Strong"
In this episode we are celebrating today's release of Laurel Thomsen's fifth album with her partner, Canadian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Dan Frechette, and travel behind the scenes into the making of one of the songs Laurel wrote for the album, "Money Shouldn't Talk That Strong." We learn about the song's origin and lyrics, the duo's recording process, particularly Dan's approach to layering guitar, bass, and drums, and Laurel's approach to composing and recording violin, viola, and cello, as well as the making of the song's music video which is also being released today. We listen to the song, as well as samples of rough tracks the duo made along the way. Enjoy!
Listen to and/or download the album "After The Fire" https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/danfrechetteandlaurelthomsen/after-the-fire
Watch the "Money Shouldn't Talk That Strong" music video https://youtu.be/Im_ZjbZ0zPc
Order physical signed copies or exclusive downloads of the album "After the Fire" https://www.danandlaurel.ca/Shop/
For more about Dan Frechette, including his 100+ albums of original songwriting, please visit https://www.danfrechette.com
Visit Laurel Thomsen's website, with info about her performances, recordings, and teaching can be found at https://www.laurelthomsen.com
Please send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com if you have a violin, viola, fiddle, music biz, or practice related question you’d like answered in her Violin Geek blog or on a podcast, have a topic you'd like her to cover or someone you'd like her to interview, or have a story or insight to share. Also, get in touch if you’d like to inquire about violin, viola, or fiddle coaching or lessons with Laurel via Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom. You're also welcome to post your success story, comments, or suggestions to www.facebook.com/laurelthomsenmusic.
Happy Practicing!
Stories About Songs - "Make Me Come Alive"
In this episode of the Violin Geek Podcast we get a behind the scenes glimpse into the making of Laurel Thomsen's new single being released today, "Make Me Come Alive," in collaboration with her partner, Canadian singer-songwriter Dan Frechette. We learn about the song's origin, the duo's recording process, the making of the music video which is also being released today, as well as the harrowing story behind their new album, due for release on January 21, 2022. We listen to the song, as well as samples of rough tracks the duo made along the way. Enjoy!
Listen to and download "Make Me Come Alive" https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/danfrechetteandlaurelthomsen/make-me-come-alive
Watch the "Make Me Come Alive" music video https://youtu.be/jNue8FBwT3s
Order signed physical copies or exclusive downloads of the new album "After the Fire" https://www.danandlaurel.ca/Shop/
For more about Dan Frechette, including his 100+ albums of original songwriting, please visit https://www.danfrechette.com
Visit Laurel Thomsen's website, with info about her performances, recordings, and teaching can be found at https://www.laurelthomsen.com
Please send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com if you have a violin, viola, fiddle, music biz, or practice related question you’d like answered in her Violin Geek blog or on a podcast, have a topic you'd like her to cover or someone you'd like her to interview, or have a story or insight to share. Also, get in touch if you’d like to inquire about violin, viola, or fiddle coaching or lessons with Laurel via Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom. You're also welcome to post your success story, comments, or suggestions to www.facebook.com/laurelthomsenmusic.
Happy Practicing!
"A Grand Journey" - bridging musical worlds with violinist Alexandr Kislitsyn
In this episode we hear from Alexandr Kislitsyn, international violin soloist, chamber musician, educator, producer, and the newest member of the acclaimed Trio Casals. We learn about the trio's recent release, "A Grand Journey," featuring four debut works "inspired by traditional melodies and cultural flavors" for piano trio and solo piano, and enjoy a couple choice tracks from the album. We also discuss Alexandr's approach to practice, his attitude toward staying focused and inspired, and we learn about some of his upcoming projects and the way in which he's fusing his Classical background with modern sounds and interests. Enjoy!
Learn more about Alexandr https://www.alexandrkislitsyn.com/
Follow Alexandr on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/alexandr.kislitsyn
Buy or stream "A Grand Journey" from Trio Casals https://www.navonarecords.com/catalog/nv6367/
Learn more about Trio Casals https://www.parmarecordings.com/triocasals/
Stream Alexandr's most recent electronic music single "2Light9:" https://band.link/tn5SN
~
Learn more about and pre-order Laurel Thomsen's upcoming fifth duo album "After the Fire:" https://www.danandlaurel.ca
Visit Laurel Thomsen's website, with info about her performances, recordings, and teaching can be found at www.laurelthomsen.com
Please send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com if you have a violin, viola, fiddle, music biz, or practice related question you’d like answered in her Violin Geek blog or on a podcast, have a topic you'd like her to cover or someone you'd like her to interview, or have a story or insight to share. Also, get in touch if you’d like to inquire about violin, viola, or fiddle coaching or lessons with Laurel via Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom. You're also welcome to post your success story, comments, or suggestions to www.facebook.com/laurelthomsenmusic.
Happy Practicing!
Arranging Pop and Non-Classical Genres for Solo Violin or Ensemble
Learn what it takes to create a compelling arrangement of a Pop, Rock, or Jazz tune and the factors that help determine whether a song is a good candidate for solo violin treatment or if it needs an ensemble or band to do it justice. If, like host Laurel Thomsen, your performance life has been requiring you to learn new songs in various non-Classical genres lately, or if you have a favorite song you hope to translate to your instrument, we discuss the tools within a violinist's and other bowed string player's technique that can help bring tunes originally written with vocals and lyrics to life in new ways. We also explore musical roles within an ensemble and discuss how different instrument choices can elevate an arrangement. Finally, we cover some tips on how to present performance and repertoire options to a client during the booking process to ensure that expectations are met and song requests are realized.
A word of thanks from Laurel: Many thanks to the clients who have booked me for their weddings and events over the years, and who help me stretch outside my comfort zone with new song requests. Also, thanks to the other musicians adding their musical contributions to this episode: Dan Frechette, acoustic guitar - www.danfrechette.com, and Dan Robbins, doublebass - www.danrobbinsmusic.com. All other instruments featured (besides those included on the two karaoke backing tracks) were performed by Laurel Thomsen.
Laurel Thomsen's website, including info about her recordings, concerts, and teaching can be found at www.laurelthomsen.com
Please send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com if you have a violin, viola, fiddle, music biz, or practice related question you’d like answered in her Violin Geek blog or on a podcast, have a topic you'd like her to cover or someone you'd like her to interview, or have a story or insight to share. Also, get in touch if you’d like to inquire about violin, viola, or fiddle coaching or lessons with Laurel via Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom. You're also welcome to post your success story, comments, or suggestions to www.facebook.com/laurelthomsenmusic.
Happy Practicing!
Championing the Viola and Modern Classical Music - an interview with acclaimed soloist Brett Deubner
Laurel Thomsen interviews acclaimed viola soloist Brett Deubner, listening to and discussing choice tracks from his recent albums "Mother Earth" and "Transfiguration," learning about his experience working with composers and debuting new music, and sharing tips for performance confidence, moving past setbacks, and creating a clear viola tone whether as a soloist, in an ensemble, or on recording.
Links from the episode:
Learn more about Brett Deubner and purchase his recordings, please visit https://www.brettdeubner.com
Learn more about Brett's online viola course https://deubnervvs.thinkific.com/
The "Mother Earth" album: https://www.navonarecords.com/catalog/nv6351/
The "Transfiguration" album: https://www.navonarecords.com/catalog/nv6355/
Stanley Grill, the composer of the pieces featured on "Transfiguration": https://www.stangrillcomposer.com/
Judith Markovich, the composer of the "Remember" track: https://www.judithmarkovich.com/
Maurizio Bignone, the composer of the "Mother Earth" track: https://mauriziobignone.com/
Laurel Thomsen's website, including info about her recordings, concerts, and teaching can be found at www.laurelthomsen.com
Please send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com if you have a violin, viola, fiddle, music biz, or practice related question you’d like answered in the blog or on a podcast, or have a story or insight to share. Also, get in touch if you’d like to inquire about violin, viola, or fiddle coaching or lessons with Laurel via Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom. You're also welcome to post your success story, comments, or suggestions to www.facebook.com/laurelthomsenmusic.
Happy Practicing!
Virtual Teaching for Success - Laurel Thomsen interviewed for FAR-West Teaches
In this episode Laurel Thomsen is interviewed by award-winning vocalist and FAR-West Board Vice-President, Susie Glaze about her experience with teaching violin and viola online. Long before the Covid-19 pandemic, back in 2009 in fact, Laurel transitioned to primarily teaching online. Here she offers over a decade worth of tips and insight to make the most of the time we spend learning online, with ideas for prospective online teachers and students alike.
Enjoy the YouTube video version of this interview here https://youtu.be/FpiE5TJ_Fow
Suzie Glaze website https://www.susieglaze.com
FAR-West https://far-west.org
Dan Frechette & Laurel Thomsen Duo (featured music) http://danandlaurel.ca
Laurel Thomsen's website, including info about her recordings, concerts, and teaching can be found at www.laurelthomsen.com
For info specifically about: Lessons with Laurel, see http://www.laurelthomsen.com/Teaching.html; Online Lessons with Laurel, see http://www.laurelthomsen.com/Violin_Lessons_via_Skype.html, and Laurel's blog with more tips for online teachers, see http://www.laurelthomsen.com/Violin_Geek_Blog/Entries/2013/9/30_Advice_for_Skype_music_teachers.html
Please send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com if you have a violin, viola, fiddle, music biz, or practice related question you’d like answered in the blog or on a podcast, or have a story or insight to share. Also, get in touch if you’d like to inquire about violin, viola, or fiddle coaching or lessons with Laurel via Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom. You're also welcome to post your success story, comments, or suggestions to www.facebook.com/laurelthomsenmusic.
Happy Practicing!
DIY Empowerment for Creatives with Justine Lucas of Madwoman Productions
If you're a musician, artist, dancer, or maybe a business owner, and you're looking to create more compelling videos, photos, performances, and presentations, listen in as Laurel Thomsen speaks with Justine Lucas, singer-songwriter, director, producer, and the creative spark behind Madwoman Productions, a San Francisco based company helping independent artists and entrepreneurs be seen and heard.
Madwoman Productions: https://madwomanpro.com
Madwoman Workshops info and links:
Videography 101: July 28th, 2021 at 2:30pm PST https://madwomanpro.com/videography101/
Videography 102: Aug 25th, 2021 at 5:30pm PSThttps://madwomanpro.com/videography-102/
Photography 101: Oct 20th, 2021 at 5:30pm PST https://madwomanpro.com/photography101/
Performance 101: Nov 17th, 2021 at 5:30pm PST https://madwomanpro.com/performance101/
DIY Video Making, 6 week course coming soon https://madwomanpro.com/diyvideo/
Justine Lucas and Madame Z http://www.justinelucas.com
Madame Z collaborator Jonah Udall http://www.jonahudall.com/
Laurel Thomsen's website, including info about her recordings, concerts, and teaching can be found at www.laurelthomsen.com
Please send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com if you have a violin, viola, fiddle, music biz, or practice related question you’d like answered in the blog or on a podcast, or have a story or insight to share. Also, get in touch if you’d like to inquire about violin, viola, or fiddle coaching or lessons with Laurel via Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom. You're also welcome to post your success story, comments, or suggestions to www.facebook.com/laurelthomsenmusic.
Recording a violin, viola, or cello
You’ve just perfected a difficult passage of your favorite concerto and grab your smartphone to capture this monumental practice achievement. You run through the passage again and while not perfect, you still feel pretty good about your progress. You listen back, expecting to hear exactly what you thought you heard while you were playing, but it sounds nasally, distorted, and thin. Sound familiar? What’s going on? Tune in as host Laurel Thomsen helps you avoid the common pitfalls of recording a bowed stringed instrument.
Original post on the Violin Geek Blog http://www.laurelthomsen.com/Violin_Geek_Blog/Entries/2021/6/3_Recording_a_violin_or_viola_101.html
GarageBand https://www.apple.com/mac/garageband/
Audacity https://www.audacityteam.org/
Laurel Thomsen's website, including info about her recordings, concerts, and teaching can be found at www.laurelthomsen.com
Please send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com if you have a violin, viola, fiddle, music biz, or practice related question you’d like answered in the blog or on a podcast, or have a story or insight to share. Also, get in touch if you’d like to inquire about violin, viola, or fiddle coaching or lessons with Laurel via Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom). You can also post your success story, comments, or suggestions to my Facebook music page at www.facebook.com/laurelthomsenmusic.
Learning to love the process
"When we let our passion for the violin extend into the actual process of learning, welcoming even our out-of-tune notes, missed shifts, and bad tones as opportunities to find and fix problems, like any great mechanic, we position ourselves for a lifetime of music making."
In this "pep talk" episode from the Violin Geek Blog, host Laurel Thomsen takes inspiration from aviation technicians!
Original blog post http://www.laurelthomsen.com/Violin_Geek_Blog/Entries/2021/5/27_For_the_love_of_the_process.html
Original inspiration https://www.instagram.com/p/CPRaJFXB6Y7/?utm_medium=share_sheet
Hilary Hahn practice example https://www.instagram.com/p/CJr-9NhDC2F/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Huberman Lab Podcast episode 20 https://hubermanlab.libsyn.com/how-to-learn-skills-faster-episode-20
For more about Laurel, please visit www.laurelthomsen.com and if you have a question, comment, or suggestion for a topic, please send her an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com
Happy Practicing!
Improve Your Intonation Now
"When awareness is channeled appropriately, even most beginners have the skills needed to listen carefully and make elegant intonation adjustments." Join Laurel Thomsen for tips to immediately improve your intonation on the violin, viola, or cello, or the intonation of your students.
Original Violin Geek Blog post http://www.laurelthomsen.com/Violin_Geek_Blog/Entries/2021/3/31_Improve_your_intonation_now.html
Laurel's website, including info on her online lessons and courses, her recordings, and her performances http://www.laurelthomsen.com
Dan Frechette & Laurel Thomsen Duo http://www.danandlaurel.ca Their fifth album will be released later in 2021 and the intro music to this episode features a sneak peek.
If you have a comment or question, or a topic you'd like Laurel to cover in her podcast or blog, please send her an email to laurel@laurelthomsen.com. For those interested in lessons with Laurel via Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom, please send her an email. More information about her teaching methods can be found here http://www.laurelthomsen.com/Teaching.html
Traditional folksongs in conflict with political correctness and racial equality
This difficult conversation concerning the origins of many popular folk song melodies came up in my teaching studio recently. Especially in light of the police brutality and BLM protests of this past year, addressing the historical context of folk songs seems to be an increasingly important piece of the learning.
Adam Miller blog post mentioned https://www.folksinging.org/political-correctness-and-traditional-folksongs-can-they-coexist/
Original Violin Geek Blog post http://www.laurelthomsen.com/Violin_Geek_Blog/Entries/2021/2/21_Traditional_folksongs_in_conflict_with_political_correctness_and_racial_equality.html
More about Laurel Thomsen, including her albums, performance schedule, and online lessons at www.laurelthomsen.com
Please reach out if you have any violin, viola, fiddle, music biz, or practice related questions you’d like answered in the blog or on a podcast, or if you have a story or insight to share. Also, if you’d like to share additional information, or perhaps get some violin, viola, or fiddle coaching or lessons with me in person or via Skype (or FaceTime, or Zoom), please email Laurel at laurel@laurelthomsen.com.
Discovering great new artists and heartfelt songs
A special episode from the Violin Geek Blog! See http://www.laurelthomsen.com/Violin_Geek_Blog/Archive.html for more.
The question posed on a forum was: "How can people find great music and new artists if they don't go to bars or listen to Spotify?" In today's mini episode, Laurel Thomsen fills us in on what a house concert is and why it may be your ticket to discovering your a new favorite artist, as well as meeting a new best friend, or even the love of your life.
Links mentioned: concertsinyourhome.com undiscoveredmusic.net sofaconcerts.org loficoncerts.com
To learn more about your host, Laurel Thomsen, check her tour dates, or download her CDs visit www.laurelthomsen.com Also visit "Laurel Thomsen Music" on Facebook and share your support with a "like." Want to offer a show idea or guest, schedule a private lesson via Skype, or have a question answered on the podcast? Send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com
Tips to help prepare for an orchestra, ensemble, or band practice
A special episode from the Violin Geek Blog! See http://www.laurelthomsen.com/Violin_Geek_Blog/Archive.html for more.
As soon as a performance is on the horizon, the pressure mounts and our enjoyment of playing can easily turn to stress. Join Laurel Thomsen for some practice tips to help prepare for an orchestra, ensemble, or band practice.
To learn more about your host, Laurel Thomsen, check her tour dates, or download her CDs visit www.laurelthomsen.com Also visit "Laurel Thomsen Music" on Facebook and share your support with a "like." Want to offer a show idea or guest, schedule a private lesson via Skype, or have a question answered on the podcast? Send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com
A Theory Behind the Flesch and Galamian Arpeggio Sequences
A special episode from the Violin Geek Blog! See http://www.laurelthomsen.com/Violin_Geek_Blog/Archive.html for more.
Two pedagogues. Two similar arpeggio patterns. Is the order of the Flesch and Galamian arpeggios arbitrary or do they contain some deeper wisdom?
To learn more about your host, Laurel Thomsen, check her tour dates, or download her CDs visit www.laurelthomsen.com Also visit "Laurel Thomsen Music" on Facebook and share your support with a "like." Want to offer a show idea or guest, schedule a private lesson via Skype, or have a question answered on the podcast? Send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com
Audition Breakthrough
Join Laurel Thomsen and special guest Will Timmons of AuditionBreakthrough.com as they discuss tips for getting the mind and body prepared to "Audition like a Pro." Until April 15, 2017 use coupon code "violin geek" to receive a discount for the 2017 online Audition Breakthrough Summit which features a number of guest speakers diving deep into the topic of audition mastery.
To learn more about your host, Laurel Thomsen, check her tour dates, or download her CDs visit www.laurelthomsen.com Also visit "Laurel Thomsen Music" on Facebook and share your support with a "like"
Want to offer a show idea or guest, schedule a private lesson via Skype, or have a question answered on the podcast? Send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com
Tour Stories Part 2
Join Laurel Thomsen and special guest co-host Dan Frechette, as well as special guests Cara Luft and Quiles & Cloud, as they share a variety of memorable stories from their experience on the road.
Learn more about Dan Frechette by visiting him at www.danfrechette.com as well as his website with Laurel - www.danandlaurel.ca.
Learn more about Cara Luft, check her tour schedule and buy music at www.caraluft.com and www.thesmallglories.com.
Learn more about Quiles & Cloud, their touring, and new Cd coming out soon at www.quilesandcloud.com.
Finally, to learn more about your host, Laurel Thomsen, check her tour dates, or download her CDs visit www.laurelthomsen.com Also visit "Laurel Thomsen Music" on Facebook and share your support with a "like" .
Want to offer an idea, schedule a private lesson via Skype, or have a question answered on the podcast? Send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com
Tour Stories Part 1
Join Laurel Thomsen and special guest co-host Dan Frechette, as well as special guest artists Boscoe's Brood and Toby Gray, as they share a variety of wacky, intense, and memorable stories from their time on the road.
Learn more about Dan Frechette by visiting him at www.danfrechette.com as well as his website with Laurel - www.danandlaurel.ca.
For more about Boscoe's Brood and to hear music visit www.boscoesbroodmusic.com. To learn more about Toby Gray and check out his music visit www.highwaybuddah.com.
Finally, to learn more about your host, Laurel Thomsen, check her tour dates, or download her CDs visit www.laurelthomsen.com Also visit "Laurel Thomsen Music" on Facebook and share your support with a "like" .
Want to offer an idea, schedule a private lesson via Skype, or have a question answered on the podcast? Send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com
Canadian Fiddlers Part 3 - An interview with Grammy and Juno winner Tania Elizabeth
In this episode, host Laurel Thomsen shares a recent live interview with fiddler, vocalist, and recording artist Tania Elizabeth. Formerly a founding member of Canada's The Duhks, Tania now tours full time with the Avett Brothers as well as in a duo with her husband Andy Stack in The Stacks. Tania shares important insight into performance as an art, considerations when developing arrangements, and a discussion of a woman's challenges in the music industry. At the end we hear an infectious track from Tania's CD, "Gods and Omens", called "Blue Ridge". Learn more about Tania, her tour schedule, and find this track and many more via www.taniaelizabeth.com.
To learn more about Laurel, check her tour dates, or download her CDs visit www.laurelthomsen.com
Also visit "Laurel Thomsen Music" on Facebook and share your support with a "like" . Want to offer an idea, schedule a private lesson via Skype, or have a question answered on the podcast? Send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com
Complete Vibrato Mastery
In this episode, Laurel Thomsen introduces her new online course "Complete Vibrato Mastery" and demystifies vibrato with tips for vibrato applications and the prerequisites to learning vibrato. Until they run out, podcast listeners may use the coupon code "violingeekpodcast2015" to receive a $20 discount on a lifetime membership to the course. Visit www.completevibratomastery.com for more information.
To learn more about Laurel, check her tour dates, or download her CDs visit www.laurelthomsen.com
Also visit "Laurel Thomsen Music" on Facebook and share your support with a "like" . Want to offer an idea, schedule a private lesson via Skype, or have a question answered on the podcast? Send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com
Canadian Fiddlers Part 2 - Three Time Grand-Master Fiddle Champion Patti Kusturok
Welcome to Part 2 of a series of interviews featuring fiddlers from Canada! This episode shares an interview with fiddle champion, educator, and recording artist Patti Kusturok. We talk about Patti's latest project, "365 Days of Fiddle Tunes" and learn more about the various types of tunes popular in Canadian music, as well as hear a track from Patti's latest CD, "'Milestone", called "En Ganske Snill Mann". This track and many more may be purchased and downloaded via www.pattikusturok.com and check out "Fiddle Chick Patti" on YouTube.
To learn more about Laurel, check her tour dates, or download her CDs visit www.laurelthomsen.com
Also visit "Laurel Thomsen Music" on Facebook and share your support with a "like." Want to offer an idea, schedule a private lesson via Skype, or have a question answered on the podcast? Send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com
Canadian Fiddlers Part 1 - prolific fiddle composer and prodigy Calvin Vollrath
Welcome to Part 1 of a series of interviews featuring fiddlers from Canada! Canadian fiddle music is a strong tradition and pulls from a wide variety of cultural heritages. This first episode shares an interview with dynamic fiddler, composer, and teacher Calvin Vollrath. Enjoy the stories, insights, and inspirations Calvin shares, as well as a track from his latest CD, "'Certified' Canadian Fiddler", a tune called "One for Donnell" which he wrote for Canadian fiddler, Donnell Leahy. This track and many, many more may be purchased and downloaded via www.calvinvollrath.com. Also, please visit the site of his music camp in Northern Alberta at www.campcalvin.ca and consider joining in the fun.
To learn more about Laurel, check her tour dates, or download her CDs visit www.laurelthomsen.com
Also visit "Laurel Thomsen Music" on Facebook and share your support with a "like" . Want to offer an idea, schedule a private lesson via Skype, or have a question answered on the podcast? Send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com
It's only a test
If you're listening it means that podcast host Laurel Thomsen has successfully overcome the technical difficulties that put the Violin Geek on the sidelines. It's only a test, but here we expand to talk about some less commonly considered factors that might help you be better prepared for an upcoming audition, jury, or performance.
To learn more about Laurel, check her tour dates, or download her CDs visit www.laurelthomsen.com
Also visit "Laurel Thomsen Music" on Facebook and share your support with a "like" . Want to offer an idea, schedule a private lesson via Skype, or have a question answered on the podcast? Send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com
Memorizing Music
In this episode Laurel Thomsen shares tips and processes from her personal experience and teaching studio and from forum readers for being able to play music from memory.
To learn more about Laurel, check her tour dates, or download her CDs visit www.laurelthomsen.com
Also visit "Laurel Thomsen Music" on Facebook and share your support with a "like" . Want to offer an idea, schedule a private lesson via Skype, or have a question answered on the podcast? Send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com
"Playing Less Hurt" - an interview with musician's health advocate and author Janet Horvath
Join Laurel Thomsen and special guest Janet Horvath, cellist, musician's health advocate, and author of the book "Playing Less Hurt" as they explore topics of injury prevention for musicians.
Visit Janet online, order her book, and check her tour schedule at www.playinglesshurt.com.
To learn more about Laurel, check her tour dates, schedule a lesson, or download her CDs visit www.laurelthomsen.com
Visit "Laurel Thomsen Music" on Facebook and share your support with a "like" .
Want to offer an idea, schedule a lesson via Skype, or have a question answered on the podcast? Send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com
Beyond Talent - a talk with author and career consultant Angela Myles Beeching
Join host Laurel Thomsen and author/career consultant Angela Myles Beeching as they cover topics from Beeching's book "Beyond Talent", including tips for writing an engaging bio, negotiating bookings and asking for what you're worth, and advice for staying motivated and planning a successful career.
Visit Ms. Beeching online, order her book, and sign up for her Monday Bytes Blog at http://www.angelabeeching.com
To learn more about Laurel, check her tour dates, schedule a lesson, or download her CDs visit www.laurelthomsen.com
Visit "Laurel Thomsen Music" on Facebook and share your support with a "like" .
Want to offer an idea, schedule a lesson via Skype, or have a question answered on the
podcast? Send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com
Rhythm Troubleshooting
Sometimes problems with rhythm aren't caused by what we thought they were. Join violinist Laurel Thomsen as she runs through the most common rhythm issues.
To learn more about Laurel, check her tour dates, or download her CDs visit www.laurelthomsen.com
Also visit "Laurel Thomsen Music" on Facebook and share your support with a "like" . Want to offer an idea, schedule a private lesson via Skype, or have a question
answered on the podcast? Send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com
Practice Tidbits #6 - first impressions
Did you know that your first impression is not your first note? Gain tips for how to prime your audience for our successful performance.
To learn more about Laurel, check her tour dates, or download her CDs visit www.laurelthomsen.com
Also visit "Laurel Thomsen Music" on Facebook and share your support with a "like" . Want to offer an idea, schedule a private lesson via Skype, or have a question answered on the podcast? Send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com
The Classical versus the Romantic Shift
Not all shifts are created equal. Learn how to refine your shifting technique for optimal expression!
To learn more about Laurel, check her tour dates, or download her CDs visit www.laurelthomsen.com
Also visit "Laurel Thomsen Music" on Facebook and share your support with a "like" . Want to offer an idea, schedule a private lesson via Skype, or have a question answered on the podcast? Send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com