Day 1

I always start my practice on the open strings and S. Fischer's tone exercises. Today my focus was to use a full bow, from the frog to the tip, keeping it perpendicular to the string. It turns out more challenging to do than I anticipated! I had to readjust the contact point of my index finger with the bow to reach the tip. When I started with the E-string, I also found out that I should not keep it too vertical, or I would hit my ceiling fan with a bow (ouch!).

Next, I tried to maximize the E string's vibrational amplitude. Since it was the E string, I was using the sound point #2. It is hard to see the amplitude of the E-string, so I used "Intonia" to track the amplitude. My initial assumption was that since it was closer to the bridge, I needed to use more pressure and less speed, but it was not quite right! With insufficient speed, more pressure would "squash" the sound and decrease the total amplitude. I think it is the main "discovery" of today's practice:).

Overall: on the E-string, the maximal amplitude was reached (on the sound point 2) with pressure "7" (on 1-10 scale) and speed "6" (this was unexpected!). Another discovery was that I had to initialize my down bow much faster than I used to keep the amplitude at maximum. Two discoveries in 10 minutes. It looks like a good start for today's practice!

Next step - scales. Today I chose to practice melodic A minor (in one octave), starting on the G-string. I want to keep using the whole bow and begin with (following S. Fischer again) with I-IV-V-VIII pattern first. I like that all notes are ringing (no open strings!), and it takes me a while to get the intonation right. At the same time, I tried to keep the maximum amplitude, and I found it surprisingly difficult to keep "all three balls in the air" simultaneously :)), but it settled left-hand shape nicely:). I also noticed that my shoulders are becoming a little bit sore, and I already know that it means I am stressed out and need to relax. So, for the next few minutes, I check that I do not tense any muscles I do not need for this exercise:).

Next, I add III and VII. Since it involves the third and fourth fingers, it takes me a while to get it right:)). Finally, I am ready for the full scale. Again takes time for me to improve on it. It is already over an hour of practice (and writing about it :) ), and I am a little tired. So I have to stop. With some luck, I will have one (or two if I am fortunate !!!)) more practice sessions today.


My observations of the final video:

  1. When extending from C to D third finger moved, losing intonation. Remedy: keep the third finger steady when extending to the fourth finger (with a whole step).

  2. G# was slightly low, which caused A and downscale to be slightly lower. Fortunately, I recovered my intonation on the G string due to prior practice.

  3. I still need more practice in using the entire bow from tip to frog.

  4. It looks like I moved my right arm up and down unnecessarily.

  5. I need to keep my left-hand fingers lower.