The Violin Geek Podcast (Laurel Thomsen)

In this short holiday podcast musician/teacher Laurel Thomsen gives her holiday gift to listeners - 50% off their first month of violin or viola lessons via Skype (also see details/ restrictions below) and also gives a tip for how to approach practice during the holiday season.

50% off Skype lesson offer fine print:
-Applies to new students only.
-Effective through February 2011 when you mention the podcast. Lessons can take place after February 2011, but Laurel Thomsen must be contacted and the lessons scheduled before the end of that month.
-Dependent on mutual availability, mutual rapport, and the quality of the mutual internet connection and computer set-up.
-A month of lessons counts as 4 lessons over no more then four weeks time.
-The four lessons must be paid in full before the first lesson commences.
-There will be no refunds for cancellations. Cancellations with more than 24 hours notice may be able to be rescheduled depending on mutual availability.
-After the first 4 weeks, if the student chooses to continue with lessons it will be at the regular rate.
-The student may choose to not continue lessons after the offer period without further obligation.

For more information about lessons, to download the private lesson contract and view the lessons Q&A visit www.laurelthomsen.com/Teaching

It's frustrating and disheartening when all our preparation in the practice room doesn't make it out onto the stage. Instead of presenting the polished piece we've been performing in the comfort of our room, we're suddenly overcome by hyper-drive vibrato, sweaty palms, or a bow that jitters and skids as we squeak out our phrases. We're overwhelmed by mental calculations about difficult upcoming passages and worries about how we'll even be able to make it to the end of the piece, versus the thoughts we'd love to be having about sharing the character and emotion of the music and connecting with our listeners. Sound familiar?

If so, I hope you enjoy this exploration into performance anxiety that goes far beyond imagining the audience in their underwear! I share my own journey through debilitating stage fright as a teen, and the tools, including hands-on mind-body practices we'll experience during the episode, which I've used to foster more confidence and focus on stage, and to help get comfortable with the uncomfortable symptoms of performance anxiety. I hope you find new tips to help you and/or your students in what I have to share!

~

For more information and info about my performances, recordings, and teaching, please visit my website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.laurelthomsen.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

To check out my Violin Geek Blog, the 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 me to interview, or have a  story or insight to share, please send me an email at ⁠laurel@laurelthomsen.com⁠.

Also, please reach out if you’d like to inquire about online violin, viola, or fiddle lessons with me 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!

Sure, when to practice is when you have time, but putting just a bit more thought into it can make your practices more effective. Musician/teacher Laurel Thomsen offers ideas to help you find your best practice times throughout the day and discusses the benefits of bi and tri-daily practice scheduling. For more about Laurel check out www.laurelthomsen.com

Train your ears for excellent intonation on your violin or viola. Laurel Thomsen helps you tune 9 basic finger patterns on the "C" string in first position. Whew! After this you'll be ready for any strange scales and keys that might come your way. For more about Laurel check out www.laurelthomsen.com

Learn to adjust your fingerings to harmonize perfectly with open string drones, be they in fiddle tunes or presented as "easy" double stops in classical pieces, after all, not all fingerings are made equal when dealing with the complex harmonic series' of violin family instruments!

To learn more about Laurel, please visit www.laurelthomsen.com

To check out photos, musings, video links, and to see updates about Laurel's educational materials and performances, visit "Laurel Thomsen Music" on Facebook and share your support with a "Like".

Want to offer a comment or have a question answered on the podcast? Send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com

Many of us were drawn to play the violin, viola, or cello because we'd heard playing that brought us to tears, filled us with joy, or expressed a feeling that we couldn't even describe with words. Truly, there seems to be no limit to the emotions and the variety of sounds these instruments can express. However, our first weeks, months, and even years of learning to play can feel very technical - focused on just playing the right notes, at the right time, and hopefully with decent tone! Securing these basics can often feel like it could take a lifetime, so when and how will we get to actually play more musically? Today we're exploring what a difference just a handful of elements makes in creating a more musical version of a simple folk song from Suzuki Book 1. And yes, one element is vibrato, but even before we learn vibrato and begin adding it to our pieces, we have other factors that even a beginner can use to start to add more personality to their renditions.

~

Show Notes:

"Sweet Beauty" full track https://open.spotify.com/track/7jjfysw3FoEQnvrNbBgcMB?si=32ce40e225b74803

Laurel's YouTube Channel with recent deep dives into tone etc.: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe5W2-LP_E2A65RCxIC9uGw

Laurel's "Complete Vibrato Mastery" online course https://www.udemy.com/course/complete-vibrato-mastery/?referralCode=5B724D936FF08F7DDFB8

~

For more information and info about my performances, recordings, and teaching, please visit my website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.laurelthomsen.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

To check out my Violin Geek Blog, the 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 me to interview, or have a  story or insight to share, please send me an email at ⁠⁠laurel@laurelthomsen.com⁠⁠.

Also, please reach out if you’d like to inquire about online violin, viola, or fiddle lessons with me 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!

We know we can't stop to fix mistakes during a performance, so why don't we ever seem to spend time in the practice room practicing how to recover? In this episode, host Laurel Thomsen shares why "recovery practice" might be the missing factor in your routine, and three ways to practice getting better at getting back on track when we do make a mistake on-stage. In the process, we may even find that we make fewer mistakes to begin with, and feel more confident when it does come time to share what we've been working so hard to prepare.

Show Notes:

Intro/outro music "Tales from the Labyrinth":

On Bandcamp https://danandlaurel.bandcamp.com/track/tales-from-the-labyrinth

On Apple Music https://music.apple.com/ca/album/tales-from-the-labyrinth/1626585646?i=1626585650

On Spotify https://open.spotify.com/track/6ITy5Zl4qDUDHH4ZQYSCBF?si=6ddf46ccb48342c8

Functional Fitness for Musicians video series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTLosOjyPE8dMbBfD2niksBZ03zUTH5Lb&si=pYA0c0lm-zH0A7iH

~~

Host Laurel Thomsen's info and links:

For more information and info about my performances, recordings, and teaching, please visit my website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.laurelthomsen.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

To check out my Violin Geek Blog, the 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 me to interview, or have a  story or insight to share, please send me an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠laurel@laurelthomsen.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Also, please reach out if you’d like to inquire about online violin, viola, or fiddle lessons with me 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!

In this episode, host Laurel Thomsen answers your violin questions, including about strings, rosin, the instrument she plays, how to get dust out of your instrument, the story about the oldest violin she's ever played, and more. Enjoy!

Show Notes:

Intro/outro music "Tales from the Labyrinth":

On Bandcamp ⁠https://danandlaurel.bandcamp.com/track/tales-from-the-labyrinth⁠

On Apple Music ⁠https://music.apple.com/ca/album/tales-from-the-labyrinth/1626585646?i=1626585650⁠

On Spotify ⁠https://open.spotify.com/track/6ITy5Zl4qDUDHH4ZQYSCBF?si=6ddf46ccb48342c8⁠

Boveda Humidity Packs https://store.bovedainc.com/collections/for-musiclaurel@laurelthomsen.com

Frirsz Tailpieces https://frirszmusic.com/

Violin Geek Podcast interview with Nikolas Frirsz

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tailpiece-innovation-for-tonal-excellence-a-chat/id374305295?i=1000524032601

~~

Host Laurel Thomsen's info and links:

For more information and info about my performances, recordings, and teaching, please visit my website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.laurelthomsen.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

To check out my Violin Geek Blog, the 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 me to interview, or have a  story or insight to share, please send me an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠laurel@laurelthomsen.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Also, please reach out if you’d like to inquire about online violin, viola, or fiddle lessons with me 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!

Join Laurel Thomsen and a special guest - fiddler and string teacher Lauren Rioux, for a chat about string teaching in the modern era. Lauren offers tips for keeping students engaged, teaching harmony, how to support a student's exploration of various genres, and ultimately, to empower the student with the gift of music.

Please visit Lauren Rioux at www.laurenrioux.com, on Facebook, YouTube, and on Twitter.

To learn more about Laurel Thomsen, please visit www.laurelthomsen.com 

Please visit "Laurel Thomsen Music" on Facebook and post your comments or suggestions, or share your support with a "Like".

Want to offer an idea or have a question answered on the podcast? Send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com

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!

Practice, practice, practice... We have all (hopefully) experienced its benefits so why does it sometimes feel so hard to pick up our instrument and play? Musician/teacher Laurel Thomsen offers tips for what to do when you have limited time, don't know what to start with, or feel overwhelmed and down on yourself about not practicing enough. Learn the importance of clear practice goals and celebrating your successes along the way. Jumpstart yourself and start practicing daily, today! For more about Laurel check out www.laurelthomsen.com

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

Nine ways, other than more practice, to sound better now!

To learn more about Laurel, please visit www.laurelthomsen.com

To check out photos, musings, video links, and to see updates about Laurel's educational materials and performances, visit "Laurel Thomsen Music" on Facebook and share your support with a "Like".

Want to offer a comment or have a question answered on the podcast? Send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com

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!

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

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!

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

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

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.

How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, practice, practice! Tips and ideas to help you start a daily violin or viola practice routine or strengthen the one you have. Today I provide ideas for finding and setting up a practice space. Are you a "Communal Space Practicer" or a "Private Space Practicer"? Why might this matter? Troubleshoot practice area issues, get your supplies in order, and most importantly, get practicing! For more about Laurel check out www.laurelthomsen.com

Beginning students, but even the more advanced among us, often struggle with pitch (intonation) and tone. Troubleshooting sounds we'd like to improve can be especially frustrating when we're having a hard time differentiating between the two. One is the domain of the left hand, while the other, the domain of the right. In this episode we explore how to identify each and steps we can take to start to improve.

Show notes:

Intro/outro music "The Rain Don't Need These Flowers/Back Down the Aisle":

on Bandcamp https://danandlaurel.bandcamp.com/track/05-the-rain-dont-need-these-flowers-back-down-the-aisle

on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/track/7lAvDqCXU1k9OSkMNVnsmu?si=a9cb6ba19a2449f2

on Apple Music https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-rain-dont-need-these-flowers-back-down-the-aisle/1105581704?i=1105582163

Sounding point video https://youtu.be/e0zdC5VdDoc?si=YmIN7Kn1a03eNFMR

Laurel's latest music video "Country Beauty Queen" https://youtu.be/ej1jFLJ0Hz0?si=KnGAwYLhn2z5woDL

Hand Framing for Better Intonation video https://youtu.be/WDQMMAW4Cew?si=HjVt2t6eN_JtPLb5

~~

Host Laurel Thomsen's info and links:

For more information and info about my performances, recordings, and teaching, please visit my website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.laurelthomsen.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

To check out my Violin Geek Blog, the 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 me to interview, or have a  story or insight to share, please send me an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠laurel@laurelthomsen.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Also, please reach out if you’d like to inquire about online violin, viola, or fiddle lessons with me 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!

Join Laurel Thomsen and special guest artist and educator, Christian Howes, for a discussion on fostering creativity, the three key factors to consider for great improvisation chops, how creating set parameters for improvisation can open a world of possibilities, and how diving deep into the structures and processes of music can help you get "pumped up" about playing, whether you play Jazz, classical, or bluegrass.

Check out Christian's albums, online Creative Strings Academy, workshops, and tour dates, at www.christianhowes.com You can also, find him on Facebook, YouTube, and on Twitter.

To learn more about Laurel and her performing, teaching, and writing, please visit www.laurelthomsen.com

To check out photos, musings, video links, and get updates about Laurel's educational materials and performances, visit "Laurel Thomsen Music" on Facebook and share your support with a "Like".

Want to offer a comment or have a question answered on the podcast? Post to Laurel's Facebook wall or send an email to laurel@laurelthomsen.com

"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

Today's Rhythm Trainer episode focuses on dotted rhythms, triplets, and syncopation. Musician/teacher Laurel Thomsen demonstrates how to subdivide each note value and guides you in practicing playing each figure with a metronome. If you're pretty solid with the basic quarter notes and eight notes, but need help when it comes to more unusual rhythms and note values this might be just the thing for you.

To learn more about Laurel and her performing, teaching, and writing, please visit www.laurelthomsen.com

To check out photos, musings, video links, and get updates about Laurel's educational materials and performances, visit "Laurel Thomsen Music" on Facebook and share your support with a "Like".

Want to offer a comment or have a question answered on the podcast? Post to Laurel's Facebook wall or send an email to laurel@laurelthomsen.com

Can't quite get up to tempo? Starting to wonder if you even "have what it takes" to keep up with an ensemble? In this episode, host Laurel Thomsen demystifies one of the most universal issues among musicians of all types and skill levels, with tips for how to troubleshoot any speed issue. Buckle up and get ready to take your playing to warp speed.

Show Notes:

Intro/outro music "Sure Fire Way of Taking":

On Bandcamp https://danandlaurel.bandcamp.com/track/sure-fire-way-of-taking

On Apple Music ⁠⁠https://music.apple.com/gb/album/sure-fire-way-of-taking/1626585646?i=1626585652

On Spotify https://open.spotify.com/track/4G1XiQgCBbYQFa1qQ4SAMH?si=f154d6f32198475c

Breaking the Speed Barrier - Violin Geek blog post https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog/?id=breaking-the-speed-barrier-tips-for-musicians

Learn to Love Your Metronome - Violin Geek Podcast episode https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog/?id=learn-to-love-your-metronome

Audiation - Violin Geek blog post https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog/?id=simple-4-step-audiation-procedure-to-clean-up-intonation

Intonation Mastery #4 - Violin Geek Podcast episode https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog/?id=intonation-mastery-4-issues-within-our-technique-and-approach

Laurel's new music video "Crow Flies High" https://youtu.be/nqTtIGcsOus?si=E6FekRY7VUJKnfc8

~~

Host Laurel Thomsen's info and links:

For more information and info about my performances, recordings, and teaching, please visit my website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.laurelthomsen.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

To check out my Violin Geek Blog, the 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 me to interview, or have a  story or insight to share, please send me an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠laurel@laurelthomsen.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Also, please reach out if you’d like to inquire about online violin, viola, or fiddle lessons with me 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!

Counting down to the 6 month anniversary of the podcast: Laurel's first "Strings" magazine article is published!! Also learn about a free online music theory resource, possibilities for lessons with Laurel, and an offer to podcast listeners :-) For more about Laurel check out www.laurelthomsen.com

Get the latest scoop from musician/teacher Laurel Thomsen and in honor of St. Patricks Day hear "Drowsy Maggie", a tune Laurel recorded in 2006 for the CD "Sweetfire". For more about Laurel please visit www.laurelthomsen.com

To check out photos, musings, video links, and get updates about Laurel's educational materials and performances, visit "Laurel Thomsen Music" on Facebook and share your support with a "Like".

Want to offer a comment or have a question answered on the podcast? Post to Laurel's Facebook wall or send an email to laurel@laurelthomsen.com

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

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!

It's holiday time! Why not give the gift of comfort to yourself, your child, or your student, with a more suitable chin or shoulder rest! In this episode, violinist/violist, teacher, and host Laurel Thomsen shares the factors we need to consider when shopping for a more secure, effective, and comfortable chin and shoulder rest. And as we'll find, the most popular models might not be serving most of us very well!

View the video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/mCxxoNa88fE

Show notes:

Ergonomic, lifted, and custom chinrests: https://www.chinrests.com/chinrestline

Non-custom lifted chinrests: https://fiddlershop.com

Chinrest models mentioned: Hamburg, Teka, Original Flesch

Shoulder rest models mentioned: Wolf Forte Secondo, Poly Pad, Bon Musica, Kun Seven

Intro/outro music: "Unexpected Waltz," written and performed by Laurel Thomsen. To listen and download visit https://laurelthomsen.bandcamp.com/track/unexpected-waltz

~

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!

Not all listening is conscious, or honest! Developing a solid connection between what we think we sound like and what we actually sound like is pivotal to great intonation, rhythm, and personal expression. How are you listening?
For more about Laurel check out www.laurelthomsen.com

Train your ears for excellent intonation on your violin or viola. Laurel Thomsen helps you tune 9 basic finger patterns on the "G" string in first position. Whew! After this you'll be ready for any strange scales and keys that might come your way. For more about Laurel check out www.laurelthomsen.com

Learn to tune your "E" string by ear from a given "E" in this "violin only" episode. For more about Laurel check out www.laurelthomsen.com

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

Learn a simple way to master repertoire and techniques faster and more fluently. Musician/teacher/author and self-proclaimed violin geek Laurel Thomsen shares a practice technique she says has allowed her to learn complicated techniques in a third the time. It's all about focus and setting up the right conditions for your brain to learn. So, don't just slog away on your fiddle while your mind is elsewhere. Listen to this podcast and then get to work!

To learn more about Laurel and her performing, teaching, and writing, please visit www.laurelthomsen.com

To check out photos, musings, video links, and get updates about Laurel's educational materials and performances, visit "Laurel Thomsen Music" on Facebook and share your support with a "Like".

Want to offer a comment or have a question answered on the podcast? Post to Laurel's Facebook wall or send an email to laurel@laurelthomsen.com

What is shifting? How do we make our shifts more accurate and clean? If we're just beginning and not ready to learn how to shift yet, what can we do to ensure we'll be ready when the time comes? Join me as we dive deep into the nuances of shifting technique as it applies to the violin or viola, with tips also helpful for cellists, and for both beginning shifters and the more advanced among us.

Please also enjoy the video version of this episode here: https://youtu.be/64Nzrqfqc9g

~

Show Notes:

Intro/outro music: "Music Bug" by Laurel Thomsen https://laurelthomsen.bandcamp.com/track/music-bug

~

For more information and info about my performances, recordings, and teaching, please visit my website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.laurelthomsen.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

To check out my Violin Geek Blog, the 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 me to interview, or have a  story or insight to share, please send me an email at ⁠⁠⁠laurel@laurelthomsen.com⁠⁠⁠.

Also, please reach out if you’d like to inquire about online violin, viola, or fiddle lessons with me 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!

In this episode we speak with Tokyo born, New York based Jazz violinist and composer about her new album, "Lingering," with pianist Kevin Hayes, how her conversion to Judaism has informed her life and music, her journey from Julliard to free improvisation, and how she's managed to turn labels and stereotypes into assets along her career path.

Show notes:

Meg's website https://www.megokura.com

Listen/Purchase "Lingering" https://megokurakevinhays.bandcamp.com/album/lingering

Stream "Lingering" on Apple Music https://music.apple.com/us/album/lingering/1737319248

Stream "Lingering" on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/album/26Xn8ZzKI0mzStvnSorUQ5

Scores & Parts for some of Meg's compositions https://www.megokura.com/scores-parts

~~

Host Laurel Thomsen's info and links:

For more information and info about my performances, recordings, and teaching, please visit my website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.laurelthomsen.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

To check out my Violin Geek Blog, the 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 me to interview, or have a  story or insight to share, please send me an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠laurel@laurelthomsen.com⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Also, please reach out if you’d like to inquire about online violin, viola, or fiddle lessons with me 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!

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

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!

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!

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

If your 4th finger just doesn't seem as secure and strong as your other three you've come to the right place! Musician/teacher Laurel Thomsen instructs how to isolate the origin of the most effective finger motion and practice strengthening your fourth finger through tapping and trills.

To learn more about Laurel and her performing, teaching, and writing, please visit www.laurelthomsen.com

To check out photos, musings, video links, and get updates about Laurel's educational materials and performances, visit "Laurel Thomsen Music" on Facebook and share your support with a "Like".

Want to offer a comment or have a question answered on the podcast? Post to Laurel's Facebook wall or send an email to laurel@laurelthomsen.com

Train your ears for excellent intonation on your violin or viola. Laurel Thomsen helps you tune 9 basic finger patterns on the "D" string in first position. Whew! After this you'll be ready for any strange scales and keys that might come your way. For more about Laurel check out www.laurelthomsen.com

In the Practice Tidbits series musician/teacher laurel Thomsen gives you specific tips for technical issues. Today, learn common phrase, passage, and piece ending issues and how to clean them up.

To learn more about Laurel and her performing, teaching, and writing, please visit www.laurelthomsen.com

To check out photos, musings, video links, and get updates about Laurel's educational materials and performances, visit "Laurel Thomsen Music" on Facebook and share your support with a "Like".

Want to offer a comment or have a question answered on the podcast? Post to Laurel's Facebook wall or send an email to laurel@laurelthomsen.com

Ok, we did the HOW. Now it's WHAT should you practice? In this episode Laurel Thomsen offers a range of elements you might need to add to your practice routine. Ideas for beginners and advanced players alike!

To learn more about Laurel Thomsen, please visit www.laurelthomsen.com 

Please visit "Laurel Thomsen Music" on Facebook and post your comments or suggestions, or share your support with a "Like".
Want to offer an idea or have a question answered on the podcast? Send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com

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!

Join Laurel Thomsen and a special guest - gypsy minstrel violinist, Maesyn, for a chat about how to overflow your life with abundant creative inspiration. Feeling down about your playing or wondering how to get back that spark you first felt for playing? Listen in as Maesyn offers surprising solutions.

Please visit Maesyn at https://maesynmusic.com, on Facebook, YouTube, and on Twitter. To learn more about Laurel Thomsen, please visit www.laurelthomsen.com

Please visit "Laurel Thomsen Music" on Facebook and post your comments or suggestions, or share your support with a "Like".

Want to offer an idea or have a question answered on the podcast? Send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com

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!

As basic as it might seem, beginners and more advanced players alike can struggle with how to find appropriate tempos for practice and performance. In this episode, violinist Laurel Thomsen walks listeners through finding perfect tempos every time and discusses a few of the more tricky situations, like what to do when the time signature or tempo itself changes mid way through a piece.

To learn more about Laurel Thomsen and her performing, teaching, writing, and recordings, please visit www.laurelthomsen.com

Please visit "Laurel Thomsen Music" on Facebook and post your comments, questions, or suggestions, and share your support with a "like".

Want to offer an idea or have a question answered on the podcast? Send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com

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!

Ever wondered what strings might help your instrument sound warmer? Brighter? Louder? Softer? Should you try gut strings? Is there a difference between synthetic and composite strings? What about all metal strings, and do different types of metals make a difference? What about different gauges, or tensions for that matter? How should you best care for your strings, and when should you change them? In this episode, host Laurel Thomsen answers your questions about strings, arming you with more knowledge to make an informed choice to balance your instrument tone and get the most out of your strings.

Show Notes:

Intro/outro music "Twisted Gypsy":

On Bandcamp ⁠ https://danandlaurel.bandcamp.com/track/twisted-gypsy 

On Apple Music ⁠⁠⁠https://music.apple.com/us/album/twisted-gypsy/1638382778?i=1638383086

On Spotify ⁠https://open.spotify.com/track/0m8Eyt7v3Y3yCc3mLh9evc?si=fb54f4e9713c4215

Quinn Violins custom packs (not as customizable as in the past, but still cool) https://www.quinnviolins.com/custom-string-sets-violin.html

Laurel's video about how to put on strings https://youtu.be/Hfr8b0tgcdY

String tone chart https://fiddlershop.com/pages/violin-string-comparison?srsltid=AfmBOoryJyuoWXeDNYE-8LdNfnYSheSSlWhkF0XRGvyfiqXsZyisD5sX

String identification chart https://www.violin-strings.com/buying-guides/colored-string-identification/?srsltid=AfmBOooV11YidNNnpScx63oIXRcIFD-OGDowA5kinDD0iyfm7mQ2TuZW

Kun Seven shoulder rest review https://youtu.be/4zq1-E0ZjLg

Violin Geek blog  https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog/

~~

Host Laurel Thomsen's info and links:

For more information and info about my performances, recordings, and teaching, please visit my website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.laurelthomsen.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

To check out my Violin Geek Blog, the 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 me to interview, or have a  story or insight to share, please send me an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠laurel@laurelthomsen.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Also, please reach out if you’d like to inquire about online violin, viola, or fiddle lessons with me 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!

Join host Laurel Thomsen and violinist/author Hilary Orzel-McSherry as they talk about growing up in a family of musicians. They dispel some myths (no "starving musicians" here) and offer insight for those wanting to live a creative life and share it with a family.

Find Hilary's new book with her husband Drew McSherry at https://www.amazon.com/Terrance-Trapezoid-Drew-McSherry/dp/0692744029

To learn more about Laurel, check her tour dates, 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

(Formerly the Violin & Viola Practice Power Podcast) In this episode violinist/violist and string teacher Laurel Thomsen updates her earlier podcast of the same name with further method book/video info for the beginning student or teacher of beginning students.

To learn more about Laurel and her performing, teaching, and writing, please visit www.laurelthomsen.com

To check out photos, musings, video links, and get updates about Laurel's educational materials and performances, visit "Laurel Thomsen Music" on Facebook and share your support with a "Like".

Want to offer a comment or have a question answered on the podcast? Post to Laurel's Facebook wall or send an email to laurel@laurelthomsen.com

Welcome violin, viola, and fiddle beginners! In response to a need to help students tune in my lessons studio I'm offering up this lesson to help you also learn to tune your "A" string by ear, just like you would in an orchestra. For more about Laurel check out www.laurelthomsen.com

Whether you've been playing for months or years, the cause of jitters, sputters, and tremor type sounds in your sustained bow strokes can be so elusive they're among the most annoying and frustrating issues a string player will ever encounter. In this episode, violinist, string teacher, and author Laurel Thomsen gets down to bow basics and covers a variety of suggestions that may be just what you need to eradicate your unwanted bow bounces for good.

To learn more about Laurel, please visit www.laurelthomsen.com

To check out photos, musings, video links, and to see updates about Laurel's educational materials and performances, visit "Laurel Thomsen Music" on Facebook and share your support with a "Like".

Want to offer a comment or have a question answered on the podcast? Send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com

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

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!

Learn to tune the "C" string by ear from a given "C" in this "viola only" episode. For more about Laurel check out www.laurelthomsen.com

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

A tailpiece that can make you sound better? Join Laurel Thomsen and master luthier Nicholas Frirsz as they discuss instrument making, Frirsz's innovative and elegant tailpiece design, how it came about, and what it could do for your sound.

Visit Nicholas and check out his tailpieces at www.frirszmusic.com 

Visit Laurel Thomsen at www.laurelthomsen.com

Please also visit "Laurel Thomsen Music" on Facebook, post your comments or suggestions, and share your support with a "Like".

Want to offer an topic idea or have a question answered on the podcast? Send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com

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.

Sometimes changing your mental approach is all it takes to find the courage to dive deep, address the challenges, and take your playing to the next level. Join musician, educator, and author Laurel Thomsen as she explores a powerful quote taken from mandolinist Mike Marshall.

To learn more about Laurel please visit www.laurelthomsen.com
Want updates about Laurel's educational material and performances? Just search

Laurel Thomsen Music on Facebook and consider offering your support with a "like". Want to have your question answered on the podcast? Send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com

Get the inside scoop on everything you'll need to know for success with the upcoming Intermediate Intonation Workouts. For more about Laurel check out www.laurelthomsen.com

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

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

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 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

Learn to tune your "G" string by ear from a given "G". For more about Laurel check out www.laurelthomsen.com

Learn to tune your "D" string by ear from a given "D". For more about Laurel check out www.laurelthomsen.com

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!

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!

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!

You've isolated your problem areas. You've practiced them over and over again, and yet, mastery eludes you. Sound familiar? Learn how adding rhythmic variety to challenging passages during your practice helps create fluency, increases passage speed over time, and helps to keep you interested and engaged so every minute of your practice time is effective. A very results-oriented method!

To learn more about Laurel and her performing, teaching, and writing, please visit www.laurelthomsen.com

To check out photos, musings, video links, and get updates about Laurel's educational materials and performances, visit "Laurel Thomsen Music" on Facebook and share your support with a "Like".

Want to offer a comment or have a question answered on the podcast? Post to Laurel's Facebook wall or send an email to laurel@laurelthomsen.com

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!

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"

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!

Are you a clock-watcher? Do you stumble through your practice? You'll get much more out of your practice and enjoy it more if you avoid flailing and instead spend focused time isolating and analyzing the issues that cause you to break your creative flow. Today musician/teacher Laurel Thomsen encourages you to identify and overcome problem areas so you can quickly and effectively get back to music making.

To learn more about Laurel and her performing, teaching, and writing, please visit www.laurelthomsen.com

To check out photos, musings, video links, and get updates about Laurel's educational materials and performances, visit "Laurel Thomsen Music" on Facebook and share your support with a "Like".

Want to offer a comment or have a question answered on the podcast? Post to Laurel's Facebook wall or send an email to laurel@laurelthomsen.com

Whether renting or purchasing, no matter what your budget and playing ability is, and even before considering tone and looks, it's important to get an instrument that is playable. Follow these tips to greatly improve the likelyhood that you'll come home with a healthy violin or viola! For more about Laurel check out www.laurelthomsen.com

Join Laurel Thomsen and get the blues...a Blues fiddle lesson that is, with singer- songwriter Dan Frechette. Learn the Blues scale in a variety of keys, the Blue notes, different types of Blues rhythms, bowing and note treatment, and how to get not only the right notes, but the right feel.

Check out Dan and Laurel's new site and CD at www.danandlaurel.ca and "like" them on Facebook.

To learn more about Laurel, download her CDs, or schedule a lesson via Skype, visit www.laurelthomsen.com and visit "Laurel Thomsen Music" on Facebook.

Want to offer an idea or have a question answered on the podcast? Send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com

In this episode, Laurel Thomsen shares her tips on how to practice for maximum efficiency and effectiveness. From building technique to polishing repertoire and preparing for performance, make sure you're covering all your bases and setting yourself up for a lifetime of happy practicing. Note: this episode is all about the "how" of practicing. In part two we'll give ideas for the "what" of practicing.

To learn more about Laurel Thomsen, please visit www.laurelthomsen.com 

Please visit "Laurel Thomsen Music" on Facebook and post your comments or suggestions, or share your support with a "Like".

Want to offer an idea or have a question answered on the podcast? Send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com

In this episode musician/teacher Laurel Thomsen chats with Sam Brown, drummer and creator of the "Self Hypnosis for Musicians" CD and "Musicians Hypnosis" iPhone app. Do you want to get over stage fright, learn faster, feel more creative when you play, tap into "the zone"? We chat about how hypnosis/hypnotherapy can help musicians and Sam has been kind enough to start listeners off with a complimentary MP3 download available on his site at http://www.musicianshypnosis.com/mp3/Visualisation-for- laurel.mp3. Enjoy!

For more about Sam Brown check out www.sambrown.co.uk

To learn more about Laurel and her performing, teaching, and writing, please visit www.laurelthomsen.com

To check out photos, musings, video links, and get updates about Laurel's educational materials and performances, visit "Laurel Thomsen Music" on Facebook and share your support with a "Like".

Want to offer a comment or have a question answered on the podcast? Post to Laurel's Facebook wall or send an email to laurel@laurelthomsen.com

Learn to use sympathetic vibrations to clue you in for perfect intonation. "It's a pretty cool technique!" ~LT

To learn more about Laurel please visit www.laurelthomsen.com
Check out photos, musings, and video links, and see updates about Laurel's

educational materials and performances through "Laurel Thomsen Music" on Facebook. Want to offer a comment or have your question answered on the podcast? Send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com

What do we do if part of us wants to practice regularly, but part of us repeatedly gets in the way? Using an NLP process, musician/teacher Laurel Thomsen shares a way to befriend the "Practice Sabateur" and find a way for this part of you to actually help you develop regular pratice habits. Joyful practicing is the goal today with higher self esteem as the added bonus. Let's end the battle and get to the good stuff!
For more about Laurel check out www.laurelthomsen.com

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!

Learn to tune your violin or viola in the professional classical way, just like symphony members do world wide.

To learn more about Laurel please visit www.laurelthomsen.com
Want updates about Laurel's educational material and performances? Just search

Laurel Thomsen Music on Facebook and consider offering your support with a "like". Want to have your question answered on the podcast? Send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com

So, you want to play the violin or viola? Where should you start if you don't have a teacher? For the adult beginner or returning player, musician/teacher Laurel Thomsen suggests a team effort of technique videos, technique books, and method/repertoire books to give you the best chance at success on your own. There are an overwhelming variety of videos, books, and methods out there! In this episode Laurel takes some of the guess work out of the equation so you can make a more informed decision about where to invest your time and money.

Books mentioned in the episode

Technique Books: (Good for the shelves of all players. All are applicable to violinists and violists)

-Principles of Violin Playing & Teaching, by Ivan Galamian

-The Teaching of Action in String Playing: Developmental and remedial techniques for violin and viola, by Paul Rolland

-Basics: 300 Exercises and Practice Routines for the Violin, by Simon Fischer

-The Twelve Lesson Course: A New Approach to Violin Playing by Kato Havas (You might consider also purchasing the companion book: A New Approach to Violin Playing)

Rote method books: (Focuses on music reading through exercises and short pieces. May need supplementation with technique books and/or videos.)

-Sound Innovations for String Orchestra (both violin and viola versions available)

-Countless others, all roughly the same idea

Repertoire type method books: (Offers a progressive series of repertoire. May or may not teach music reading or specific technique. May need supplementation for these.)

-Suzuki Method by Shinichi Suzuki (The ABRASM series is comparable, and now also comes with audio CDs)

-Mark O’Connor Fiddle Method by Mark O’Connor (now also available for viola)

-American Fiddle Method by Brian Wicklund (both violin and viola versions available)

Repertoire supplements:

Fingerboard Geography by Barbara Barber

Fiddle Magic by Sally O’Reilly

Fiddle Rhythms by Sally O’Reilly

Music Theory:

Alfred’s Essentials of Music Theory, book and 2 CDs (Alto clef version now available as well.)

Technique video links from the episode: (Applicable to violinists and violists.)

www.violinmasterclass.com

www.violinlab.com

To learn more about Laurel and her performing, teaching, and writing, please visit www.laurelthomsen.com

To check out photos, musings, video links, and get updates about Laurel's educational materials and performances, visit "Laurel Thomsen Music" on Facebook and share your support with a "Like".

Want to offer a comment or have a question answered on the podcast? Post to Laurel's Facebook wall or send an email to laurel@laurelthomsen.com

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!

"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!

In this last installment of her Music Careers series, violinist/violist, teacher, and host Laurel Thomsen explores music careers that are more "behind the scenes," as well as a few that don't neatly fit into other categories. Despite not necessarily placing us in the spotlight, most could become stand-alone full-time careers, or a supplement to a performance or teaching career. And, especially if we’re not drawn to performance or teaching, I think this particular episode shows us options where we can still contribute, sometimes in very important ways.

~

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!

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

So what's "audiation" and what does it mean for your musicianship? In this episode musician/teacher Laurel Thomsen discusses how learning to audiate (the ability to make meaning out of the sounds of music, similarly to how we find meaning in the sounds of language), allows us to become fluent in music. This opens us up to being able to play "by ear", recall and notate music previously heard, improvise, compose, etc. So, if you want to go deeper and really "tell a story" through the music you play, start here. Enjoy!

To learn more about Laurel and her performing, teaching, and writing, please visit www.laurelthomsen.com

To check out photos, musings, video links, and get updates about Laurel's educational materials and performances, visit "Laurel Thomsen Music" on Facebook and share your support with a "Like".

Want to offer a comment or have a question answered on the podcast? Post to Laurel's Facebook wall or send an email to laurel@laurelthomsen.com

Welcome to episode 50 (coming in at exactly 50 min. no less!). Today musician/teacher Laurel Thomsen offers a guided warmup series for body and brain. If you experience tension or pain when you play, want to improve your playing posture or posture in general, or want to experience more focus and energy while you play and practice, this one's for you!

To learn more about Laurel please visit www.laurelthomsen.com
Want updates about Laurel's educational material and performances? Just search

Laurel Thomsen Music on Facebook and consider offering your support with a "like". Want to offer a comment or have your question answered on the podcast? Send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com

Today we cover a listener question about fingerings for the Giga, or Gigue, from J.S. Bach's Violin Partita #2. Using this piece as an example, musician/teacher Laurel Thomsen gives guidelines for choosing good fingerings - those that facilitate clarity, phrasing, and interpretive flow.

A version of the Gigue with Laurel's recommended fingerings and bowings can be found on her site, www.laurelthomsen.com, through the "Podcast" link in the navigation bar.

To learn more about Laurel please visit www.laurelthomsen.com

Want updates about Laurel's educational material and performances? Just search

Laurel Thomsen Music on Facebook and consider offering your support with a "like". Want to have your question answered on the podcast? Send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com

What is a scale? What are the types, how do we figure out how to play them, and why do we have different ones?

To learn more about Laurel, check her tour dates, 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

I have just completed some supplemental worksheets to go along with the Intermediate Intonation Workout Series. Print out the PDF's at http://www.laurelthomsen.com/Podcast_downloads.html

Also, learn about a new upcoming episode series and other news about my work and the podcast.
For more about Laurel check out www.laurelthomsen.com

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

Join Laurel Thomsen and special guest Bahman Sarram (Bviolin), violinist, composer, producer, for a talk on ethnic violin playing, improvising, electric instruments, Dave Matthews, jamming, and playing from the heart.

Visit Bahman at www.bviolin.com and check out his "Philosophical Beat Podcast". 

To learn more about Laurel Thomsen, please visit www.laurelthomsen.com

Please visit "Laurel Thomsen Music" on Facebook and post your comments or suggestions, or share your support with a "Like".

Want to offer an idea or have a question answered on the podcast? Send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com

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

United Breaks Guitars Video 

Rachel Barton Pine - Flight Drama 

Laurel's Violin Case with backpack straps and steel reinforcement (this is a newer version, but it's essentially the same)

MusicPro Insurance 

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!

Train your ears for excellent intonation on your violin or viola. Laurel Thomsen helps you tune 9 basic finger patterns on the "A" string in first position. Whew! After this you'll be ready for any strange scales and keys that might come your way. For more about Laurel check out www.laurelthomsen.com

What are études? Should you be playing them? Where do they fit into your practice routine, especially also considering a scale and arpeggio practice? Which ones should you start with, and should you always go in book order?

If you've ever considered some of these questions, or you're a student, a teacher, or someone hoping to keep your playing chops in top condition, this episode is for you! Host Laurel Thomsen answers common questions and gives her recommendations for études to check out for beginners, intermediates, and more advanced players.

Show Notes:

Études for beginners:

Sevcik op 1 (first 10)

Fiddle Magic by Sally O'Reilly

Cassia Harvey Open String Bow Workouts (among others), see https://charveypublications.com/

Dancla op 84

Laoureux - a practical method for violin part 1

Études for advancing beginners/intermediates:

Wohlfahrt op 45

Sitt op 32 books 1 & 2

Kayser op 20

Études for intermediates:

Mazas op 36 - 3 progressive volumes

Dont op 37 - preparatory to Kreutzer and Rode

Laoureux - a practical method for violin part 2 supplement

Cohen - Technique Takes Off (and other volumes)

Amy Barlow - 12 Etude Caprices in the Styles of the Great Composers

Études for advancing players:

Kreutzer op 42

Fiorillo 36 Études

Rode 24 Caprices

Études for advanced players:

Gavinies 24 Caprices

Dont op 35

Weiniaski l’ecole moderne

Paganini 24 caprices

Double Stop Études:

Trott Melodious Double Stops books 1 & 2 (intermediate)

Polo 30 double stop etudes (intermediate)

Schradieck School of Violin Technics book 2 (intermediate to advanced)

Études written just for Viola:

Palaschko op 55 - 12 studies for viola (intermediate level)

Lillian Fuchs - 15 Characteristic Studies and 16 Fantasy Etudes (intermediate to advanced)

Compilations:

Harvey Whistler - shifting (2 volumes) and double stop compilations (intermediate)

Shifting:

Harvey Whistler - shifting (2 volumes) and double stop compilations (intermediate)

Schradieck School of Violin Technics book 1 (beginning to advanced)

Modern Technique:

Dawson - 24 Etudes for the Modern Violinist (or violist), see https://www.sleepypuppypress.com

Bowing:

Sevcik op 2 (beginning to intermediate)

Schradieck School of Violin Technics book 3 (intermediate to advanced)

~~

Host Laurel Thomsen's info and links:

For more information and info about my performances, recordings, and teaching, please visit my website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.laurelthomsen.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

To check out my Violin Geek Blog, the 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 me to interview, or have a  story or insight to share, please send me an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠laurel@laurelthomsen.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Also, please reach out if you’d like to inquire about online violin, viola, or fiddle lessons with me 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!