Welcome violin geeks everywhere (or viola, fiddle, cello, guitar, trumpet...)! With all the detail and troubleshooting of a private lesson, violinist and violist, recording artist, author, and string teacher Laurel Thomsen shares daily discoveries, insightful interviews with top performers and music industry leaders, and tips for practicing, polishing, and becoming the best musician you can be. Episodes are accessible to beginners, yet contain the depth appreciated by the advancing student or seasoned performer alike. Happy Practicing! Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/violingeek/support
The The Violin Geek Podcast is a must-listen for any classical music lover, violinist, or aspiring musician. Hosted by the talented violinist Laurel Thomsen, this podcast is a treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration. After taking a break from the podcast, it was a delight for fans like me to see new episodes being uploaded. The routine of searching for new episodes several times a year has now turned into eager anticipation.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is the outstanding effort that Laurel puts into each episode. The sound quality is excellent, making it easy to fully immerse oneself in the music and discussions. The information shared is presented clearly and concisely, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced musicians. What sets this podcast apart from others in its genre is Laurel's engaging and genuine approach. Unlike some NPR podcasts with their stick-up-the-@#! monotone delivery, Laurel's personality shines through in her storytelling and explanations.
As with any podcast, there are some areas that could be improved upon. One suggestion from a listener is to have more interviews or conversations with other individuals. While Laurel does an excellent job of presenting information on her own, hearing other perspectives and complete thoughts would add depth to the discussions. Allowing guests more time to share their personal views and rabbit trails would enrich the listening experience even further.
In conclusion, The Violin Geek Podcast is an incredible treat for classical music enthusiasts and aspiring musicians alike. Laurel's genuine spirit shines through as she guides listeners through an expanding world of music. As a cellist myself, I find her podcast applicable and inspiring, especially when she delves into topics such as intonation and creativity. With informative episodes that cover every aspect of a musician's life, this podcast provides valuable advice that few musicians learn from other sources.
Laurel Thomsen's passion for music and her selfless sharing of her knowledge make this podcast a true gem. Whether you're a violinist or not, The Violin Geek Podcast is worth subscribing to. It's free, it celebrates the joy of music, and it offers valuable insights into the world of classical music. Don't wait any longer - hit that subscribe button and let Laurel be your guide on this musical journey!
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'ReillyCassia 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 45Sitt op 32 books 1 & 2Kayser op 20Études for intermediates: Mazas op 36 - 3 progressive volumes Dont op 37 - preparatory to Kreutzer and Rode Laoureux - a practical method for violin part 2 supplementCohen - 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 ÉtudesRode 24 CapricesÉtudes for advanced players:Gavinies 24 CapricesDont op 35Weiniaski l'ecole modernePaganini 24 capricesDouble Stop Études:Trott Melodious Double Stops books 1 & 2 (intermediate)Polo 30 double stop etudes (intermediate)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)Modern Technique:Dawson - 24 Etudes for the Modern Violinist (or violist), see https://www.sleepypuppypress.com~~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.comTo 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-blogIf 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!
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! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/violingeek/support
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 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! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/violingeek/support
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! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/violingeek/support
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! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/violingeek/support
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: 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! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/violingeek/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/violingeek/support
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! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/violingeek/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/violingeek/support
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! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/violingeek/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/violingeek/support
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! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/violingeek/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/violingeek/support
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! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/violingeek/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/violingeek/support
Happy New Year! We want our music making journey to be positive and comfortable, so we can express ourselves with freedom. Listen in as I chat with Jennifer Roig-Francolí, a professional violinist, certified Alexander Technique instructor, and the creator of the Art of Freedom Method. We learn about Jennifer's path from concert violinist to her role as a coach, specializing in helping musicians of all kinds play with more ease and joy, less pain and performance anxiety, and less tension and stress. Jennifer has just released a new book titled “Make Great Music with Ease!: The Secret to Smarter Practice, Confident Performance, and Living a Happier Life,” and we explore how bringing more awareness to our lives can help us become better players, but also people, in all the various roles we play. Show Notes: Jennifer's website: https://artoffreedom.me Buy Jennifer's new book: https://a.co/d/bvY3TcY "TheCyCle" video Jennifer recommended in the episode: https://youtu.be/Zr1c4T9KgFM?si=-vNgq1AsKfzMRWzJ Check out Jennifer's album "Solo Con Spirito! https://artoffreedom.me/product/solo-con-spirito-celebrating-50/Connect with Jennifer through her YouTube channel with multiple playlists (teaching, music, etc.): https://www.youtube.com/@JenniferRoigFrancoliFacebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/J30DPC/ ~ 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, 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 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 online violin, viola, or fiddle lessons with Laurel via Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom. You're also welcome to post your success story, comments, or suggestions to https://www.facebook.com/laurelthomsenmusic. Happy Practicing! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/violingeek/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/violingeek/support
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! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/violingeek/support
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! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/violingeek/support
In this episode we enjoy a fascinating conversation with Russian born violinist and educator Michael Dvoskin about the differences between violin training in Russia versus the United States. Michael also shares his story about immigrating to America, and tips for students preparing for an audition or recital. In effort to create both a successful and enjoyable musical education, there's a lot we can learn from both countries' approaches. We hope you enjoy! Show notes: - Michael's website https://kandmmusicschool.com/ - Yuri Yankelvich book mentioned https://global.oup.com/us/companion.websites/9780199917624/ ~ 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! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/violingeek/support
Today we speak with violinist, educator, and Violin Class podcast creator and host Julia Reddy about making time for practice. We discuss how to ramp back up after a hiatus, how to make the most out of limited time, how to effectively divide up our practice time and focus our attention for results, and how to balance our practice routine when juggling solo repertoire and technical work with orchestral or audition preparation. We hope you enjoy! Show notes: - Julia's website https://juliareddy.com - The Violin Class podcast website https://www.violinclass.co - Julia's free warmup PDF https://www.violinclass.co/warmup - Listen to Julia's arrangement and recording of Maurice Ravel's Deux Mélodies Hébraïque for violin and guitar https://juliareddy.com/kaddish Techniques and etudes mentioned: Son filé exercise demonstrated https://youtu.be/WnH6EvvzCk8?si=pNCq8lvxGxveAahT Schradieck School of Violin Technics https://imslp.org/wiki/School_of_Violin_Technics_(Schradieck%2C_Henry) Ševčík Op. 1 https://imslp.org/wiki/School_of_Violin_Technique%2C_Op.1_(%C5%A0ev%C4%8D%C3%ADk%2C_Otakar) ~ For more information and info about her performances, recordings, and teaching, please visit host Laurel Thomsen's website https://www.laurelthomsen.com To check out Laurel's Violin Geek Blog, a companion to the podcast, please visit https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog If you have a violin, viola, fiddle, music biz, or practice related question or topic you'd like to have covered on the Violin Geek podcast or in the blog, have someone you'd like Laurel to interview, or have a story or insight to share, please send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com. Also, please reach out if you'd like to inquire about violin, viola, or fiddle coaching or lessons with Laurel via Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom. You're also welcome to post your success story, comments, or suggestions to https://www.facebook.com/laurelthomsenmusic. Happy Practicing! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/violingeek/support
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! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/violingeek/support
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 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! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/violingeek/support
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! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/violingeek/support
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! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/violingeek/support
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! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/violingeek/support
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! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/violingeek/support
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! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/violingeek/support
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! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/violingeek/support
In today's episode we speak with celebrated New England based fiddler and songwriter Lissa Schneckenburger, who's been helping students increase their confidence and improve their skills through her popular ear-training workshop for years, and now as the 14-week self-paced online course, "Learning By Ear." We learn about the inspiration behind the course, why ear-training is an important skill for all musicians, not just fiddlers, and Lissa shares tips for approaching both the rhythmic and melodic challenges we might encounter when trying to learn a tune by ear. Along the way we also enjoy clips of her inspiring fiddling and heartfelt songwriting. Show notes: Lissa's website https://lissafiddle.com Lissa's "Learning By Ear" course https://lissafiddle.com/store/learning-by-ear-video-series/ Lissa's new album pre-order and info https://lissafiddle.com/store/new-album-pre-order/ Sign up for Lissa's 100 day practice challenge https://mailchi.mp/3fc4542bc6f1/tune-a-week Purchase "The Fair Maid by the Sea Shore" and other songs from her album "Song" https://lissafiddle.com/store/song/ Purchase "Petronella," "Lamplighter's Hornpipe/Suffer the Child," and other songs from her album "Dance" https://lissafiddle.com/store/dance/ Purchase "When My Baby Cries" and other songs from her album "Thunder in My Arms" https://lissafiddle.com/store/thunder-in-my-arms/ About Robert M. Childs, the maker of Lissa's fiddle and the Childsplay group https://childsplay.org/fiddles.html ~ For more information and info about her performances, recordings, and teaching, please visit host Laurel Thomsen's website https://www.laurelthomsen.com To check out Laurel's Violin Geek Blog, a companion to the podcast, sharing tips, insight and inspiration since 2007, please visit https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog If you have a violin, viola, fiddle, music biz, or practice related question or topic you'd like to have covered on the Violin Geek podcast or in the blog, have someone you'd like Laurel to interview, or have a story or insight to share, please send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com. Also, please email if you'd like to inquire about online violin, viola, or fiddle coaching/lessons with Laurel via Skype or FaceTime. You're also welcome to post your success story or comments about the episode to https://www.facebook.com/laurelthomsenmusic. Happy Practicing! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/violingeek/support
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! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/violingeek/support
Ten years since recording the first episodes in this series, violinist/violist, teacher, and host Laurel Thomsen revisits the topic with fresh tips to help you sound more in tune on your violin, viola, cello, or bass. In this episode we cover several factors with our instrument which can affect intonation, as well as tips for how we can approach practice to better support developing good intonation. In the next episodes we'll cover specific exercises, technical concerns, and scale tuning. So enjoy this episode, and stay tuned, literally! Show notes: Past Intonation Episodes: Intonation Mastery #1: https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog/?id=intonation-mastery-1 Intonation Mastery #2: https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog/?id=intonation-mastery-2 Conscious Listening https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog/?id=conscious-listening-for-great-intonation-and-expression Intonation Workouts: https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog/?id=intonation-workout Past Violin Geek Blog posts about intonation: Audiation: https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog/?id=simple-4-step-audiation-procedure-to-clean-up-intonation and https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog/?id=student-question-too-tone-deaf-to-play-the-violin Improve Your Intonation Now: https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog/?id=improve-your-intonation-now ~ For more information and info about her performances, recordings, and teaching, please visit host Laurel Thomsen's website https://www.laurelthomsen.com To check out Laurel's Violin Geek Blog, a companion to the podcast, sharing tips, insight and inspiration since 2007, please visit https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog If you have a violin, viola, fiddle, music biz, or practice related question or topic you'd like to have covered on the Violin Geek podcast or in the blog, have someone you'd like Laurel to interview, or have a story or insight to share, please send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com. Also, please reach out if you'd like to inquire about violin, viola, or fiddle coaching or lessons with Laurel via Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom. You're also welcome to post your success story, comments, or suggestions to https://www.facebook.com/laurelthomsenmusic. Happy Practicing! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/violingeek/support
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! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/violingeek/support
Note: this is a hands-on video episode. If your podcast app does not support video podcasts, while it may be possible to follow along with only the audio, please find the video here https://youtu.be/YGOs71Lu6RM In this supplemental video series of the Violin Geek Podcast, violinist/violist and educator Laurel Thomsen shares a variety of simple warmups, mobility exercises, and massage techniques to help musicians and non-musicians avoid tension related to playing or daily life habits, and possibly reduce or even overcome pain when it does set in. Certified as a massage therapist, yoga teacher, level 3 Acutonics practitioner, and a Clinical Hypnotherapist, and with experience working with a variety of additional mind-body healing modalities, including acupressure and Trigger Point Therapy, Foundation Training, the Alexander Technique and Feldenkrais, Yoga Nidra and various meditation styles, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, EDGU, and Qi-Gong, Laurel's goal through this series is to distill some of the techniques she's found most valuable in helping herself, her private music students, and her clients. This video is not intended to diagnose or treat any health concern, but to simply offer ideas for self-care. Please consult your doctor about injuries or chronic pain, and before exploring any new exercise. And ALWAYS listen to your body and its needs. 1:18 Knocking on the Door of Life - Qi Gong Warmup 3:24 Waving the Spine Side to Side - Qi Gong Warmup 5:44 The Fountain - Qi Gong Warmup 7:58 Spinal Cord Breathing - Qi Gong Warmup 9:00 Quadratus Lumborum Release - Trigger Point Massage 15:30 Glute/Hips Massage - Trigger Point & General Massage 20:09 The Founder - Yoga/Foundation Exercise 22:52 Good Mornings - Foundation Training If your podcast feed does not support video podcasts, or if you'd like to bookmark this episode for future watching, it's also available here https://youtu.be/YGOs71Lu6RM Please consider sharing it with friends and family members who you think might benefit, and subscribing on YouTube to avoid missing the upcoming videos in the series. Listen to and download the complete version of Laurel's song "Asilomar" https://laurelthomsen.bandcamp.com/track/asilomar For more tips, inspiration, insight please check out Laurel's Violin Geek Blog: Blog https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog/ To learn more about Laurel, ask a question or suggest a topic for her to cover, or to get in touch about private lessons (violin, viola, fiddle, cello) or help overcoming general or playing-related pain and tension, visit https://www.laurelthomsen.com For further resources and information about many of the practices and techniques mentioned, enjoy Laurel's post "Cross-training for Musicians" https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog/?id=cross-training-for-musicians --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/violingeek/support
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 --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/violingeek/support
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! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/violingeek/support
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 and Podcast: Blog https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog/ Podcast 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 --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/violingeek/support
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"
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! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/violingeek/support
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! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/violingeek/support
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! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/violingeek/support
If the metronome inspires fear, dread, or frustration in you, if you're not sure how to even use it, or if you find practicing with it is getting a bit stale, this episode is for you! Join string player and educator Laurel Thomsen as she explores the goals of metronome practice, explains the steps we need to take as we build up our metronome practice, and shares tips for becoming more confident and creative in your practice with it. Show Notes: Metronome mentioned - Matrix (my MR-700 is no longer available, but this MR-800 seems quite similar): https://amzn.to/3sTODNw Apps mentioned - Warchal Metronome: https://www.warchal.com/metronome.html Time Guru: https://avibortnick.com/time-guru/ Dr Betotte: http://www.ssworkssoftware.com/drbetottetc/drbetottetc.html Listen to and/or download "Sure Fire Way of Taking" https://officialramblingdanfrechette.bandcamp.com/album/new-disguise-2015 Laurel's Violin Geek Blog https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog/ Visit Laurel's website to learn more about her performances, recordings, online courses, and private teaching https://www.laurelthomsen.com Listen to and/or download Laurel's new album "After The Fire" https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/danfrechetteandlaurelthomsen/after-the-fire Order physical signed copies or exclusive downloads of the new album "After the Fire" https://www.danandlaurel.ca/Shop/ Please email Laurel at laurel@laurelthomsen.com if you have a violin, viola, fiddle, music biz, theory, technique, or practice related question you'd like answered on a podcast or in her Violin Geek blog, have a topic you'd like her to cover or someone you'd like her to interview, or have a story or insight to share. Also, get in touch if you'd like to inquire about violin, viola, or fiddle lessons with Laurel via Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom. You're also welcome to post your success story, comments, or suggestions to www.facebook.com/laurelthomsenmusic. Happy Practicing! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/violingeek/support
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! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/violingeek/support
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 Pre-order the new album "After the Fire" https://www.danandlaurel.ca/Shop/ For more about Dan Frechette, including his 100+ abums 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 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! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/violingeek/support
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! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/violingeek/support
Learn what it takes to create a compelling arrangement of a Pop, Rock, or Jazz tune and the factors that help determine whether a song is a good candidate for solo violin treatment or if it needs an ensemble or band to do it justice. If, like host Laurel Thomsen, your performance life has been requiring you to learn new songs in various non-Classical genres lately, or if you have a favorite song you hope to translate to your instrument, we discuss the tools within a violinist's and other bowed string player's technique that can help bring tunes originally written with vocals and lyrics to life in new ways. We also explore musical roles within an ensemble and discuss how different instrument choices can elevate an arrangement. Finally, we cover some tips on how to present performance and repertoire options to a client during the booking process to ensure that expectations are met and song requests are realized. A word of thanks from Laurel: Many thanks to the clients who have booked me for their weddings and events over the years, and who help me stretch outside my comfort zone with new song requests. Also, thanks to the other musicians adding their musical contributions to this episode: Dan Frechette, acoustic guitar - www.danfrechette.com, and Dan Robbins, doublebass - www.danrobbinsmusic.com. All other instruments featured (besides those included on the two karaoke backing tracks) were performed by Laurel Thomsen. Laurel Thomsen's website, including info about her recordings, concerts, and teaching can be found at www.laurelthomsen.com Please send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com if you have a violin, viola, fiddle, music biz, or practice related question you'd like answered in her Violin Geek blog or on a podcast, have a topic you'd like her to cover or someone you'd like her to interview, or have a story or insight to share. Also, get in touch if you'd like to inquire about violin, viola, or fiddle coaching or lessons with Laurel via Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom. You're also welcome to post your success story, comments, or suggestions to www.facebook.com/laurelthomsenmusic. Happy Practicing! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/violingeek/support
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! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/violingeek/support
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! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/violingeek/support
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. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/violingeek/support
You've just perfected a difficult passage of your favorite concerto and grab your smartphone to capture this monumental practice achievement. You run through the passage again and while not perfect, you still feel pretty good about your progress. You listen back, expecting to hear exactly what you thought you heard while you were playing, but it sounds nasally, distorted, and thin. Sound familiar? What's going on? Tune in as host Laurel Thomsen helps you avoid the common pitfalls of recording a bowed stringed instrument. Original post on the Violin Geek Blog http://www.laurelthomsen.com/Violin_Geek_Blog/Entries/2021/6/3_Recording_a_violin_or_viola_101.html GarageBand https://www.apple.com/mac/garageband/ Audacity https://www.audacityteam.org/ Laurel Thomsen's website, including info about her recordings, concerts, and teaching can be found at www.laurelthomsen.com Please send Laurel an email at laurel@laurelthomsen.com if you have a violin, viola, fiddle, music biz, or practice related question you'd like answered in the blog or on a podcast, or have a story or insight to share. Also, get in touch if you'd like to inquire about violin, viola, or fiddle coaching or lessons with Laurel via Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom). You can also post your success story, comments, or suggestions to my Facebook music page at www.facebook.com/laurelthomsenmusic. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/violingeek/support
"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! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/violingeek/support
"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 --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/violingeek/support
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. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/violingeek/support
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 --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/violingeek/support
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 --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/violingeek/support
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 --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/violingeek/support
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 --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/violingeek/support
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