Name: 4th Finger or Open String?
Uploaded: 2023-08-14T12:55:01.620Z
Duration: 5 min 49 s
Description: A simple explanation of when you ought to use 4th finger versus an open string, and how this strategy it is helpful in overall technique and can give a healthy variance in your sound production.

A simple explanation of when you ought to use 4th finger versus an open string, and how this strategy it is helpful in overall technique and can give a healthy variance in your sound production. 

Violin

Howdy, thank you for taking the time to check out my TL page! 

I am a musician formerly based out Dallas, TX, but have moved as of November 2021 to Germany.

When I lived in the USA, I performed in orchestras across the North Texas and Louisiana area as an orchestral violist, having played professionally for 13 years. I currently play with the ORSO Orchestra and the Erzgebirge Theater Orchestra in Germany.

I have traveled abroad and performed in concert halls in other places of the world such as Muscat, Leipzig, Prague and Kraków. As a teacher I have 14 years of experience of working with violin and viola students of a variety of ages, but primarily with students in the middle school to high school age range in North Texas public schools. My students have gone on to high placings in All-State and All-Region competitions and have performed in many solo competitions. 

I invite those who are new or proficient to the violin or viola into my studio. It is my feeling that anyone of any age can play as long as the desire to make music is present. 

Please message me if you have any questions on how we can get you started exploring your potential on the instrument. I look forward to meeting and engaging with you in discovering and honing your musical talents!

4th Finger or Open String?

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Viola

Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced

A labor union representing professional musicians in the United States and Canada. Founding in 1896 as the successor to the "National League of Musicians," the AFM is the largest organization in the world representing the interests of professional musicians. 

Principal Viola

Section Viola

Substitute Viola

English

I feel what makes taking lessons with me unique is my experience teaching private violin and viola lessons in Texas public schools (grades 6-12) and my career as a professional musician having performed in many orchestral, opera, and chamber music settings. Through the lens of that performed experience, I know how crucial an education that includes classical music can be in a student’s overall academic development and maturation. Though not everyone pursues music as a career, no matter the student’s age, I wish to ultimately be a positive support system in fostering their development in their mirrored desirability to make classical music and incorporate it's richness and beauty into their life.

Michael is very attentive, knowledgeable, patient, and encouraging. Our beginner violinist is loving what she is learning and loving her time with Michael. We're so glad we found Michael. 

Great first lesson with Michael. We went over some things and got to know each other. I'm looking forward to learning from him in the future!

Michael was well prepared and explained the material.

Great first lesson, Micheal was very friendly, and I learnt a lot I just 30 minutes!

Michael is a wonderful musician and give very clear and concise instruction.

Thank you Michael for all your advice, I already see improvements! Looking forward to our next lesson!

Michael is an awesome teacher. My 11 year old enjoys and looks forward to his classes. He is very patient, knowledgeable and provided valuable feedbacks.

Mike was so skilled at teaching via the video connection. He gave tons of feedback and so much instruction happened in the first lesson. My son had lots to work on between sessions.

Michael was a great help to me, he didn't criticize, he encouraged.

Michael is great, in just a couple months of weekly half-hour lessons, I've learned more than I expected to. Michael does a great job adapting to your level and encouraging you while still propelling your technique forward. I like to learn at a fast pace because it motivates me to push myself and improve, and Michael has been very compatible with me in this way. When I want to slow down and work longer on a piece, he also responds accordingly and answers all the questions I have. I look forward to our next lesson!

I loved my first lesson. I was skeptical about online classes but after taking only in person lessons. I’m looking forward my next violin lesson.

Exercises to begin developing arm and wrist vibrato. 

Vibrato Exercises

A short video detailing the fundamentals concerning shifting from first position to third position, and back, via a two octave G-major scale. 

Learning Shifting

This video discusses proper pizzicato technique, without the bow, for a beginner at the start of the video. I then go into how to pizzicato with the bow in hand that an intermediate or advanced player would find useful when needing to immediately  transition between one of the two techniques, for example, in an orchestral piece of music. 

Pizzicato Technique: Without and With the Bow

This video is certainly geared towards the beginner in getting their initial left hand fingering setup in order, but there are still many pertinent tips that an intermediate or advanced player can take from this recording as a review. 

Setting up the Left Hand and Fingers on the Fingerboard

A helpful video to loosen up the muscles in the bow hand wrist, in order to more effectively express the proper wrist motions that were discussed in the bow hold and open strings bowing videos. Please watch those videos first before seeing this one!

Bow Hand Stretching Exercise

Primarily aimed at a beginner player who is learning to bow for the first time, but still a good review video for intermediate or advanced players. 

Bowing on Open Strings

Fundamentals that concern learning the bow hold. Great for a beginner, but also good review for an intermediate or advanced player as well.

Learning The Bow Hold

Fundamentals concerning getting a secure hold of the violin between the left collarbone, left shoulder, and chin.  

Setting Up Your Instrument Hold

Helpful tips on tuning your instrument. Remember, slow and steady adjustments to the pegs are better than fast adjustments!

Michael D.

4th Finger or Open String?

Michael's Violin videos

Vibrato Exercises

Learning Shifting