My Violin Recital - Blog

This download is an outline of Bow Hand/Arm exercises that are the most effective set of exercises I’ve ever experienced and taught. Sharron Smith shared these exercises with me years ago and to this day they still amaze me with their effectiveness. I asked Sharron where the exercises came from. She said some are from Kato Havas, some are her own, and some are things students have shown her after they’ve come home from music camp. I myself have added to the list as well! I love using them for group teaching. I’ve taught a Bow Arm Boot Camp for years and these exercises are an integral part to the course.

In order to understand what the exercises are all about I’m going to have to refer you to the videos. It would be nuts for me to try to write it all out here on the blog. However – here’s a brief outline:

Bow thumb balance – just won’t work unless your thumb is in the right spot!
Core fingers – connecting how the thumb, middle finger and ring finger work together.
String level changes – arm placement for each string
Forearm bow stroke – middle to tip
Upper arm stroke – middle to frog
Finger swap – a powerful exercise that has people experience how to shift and adjust the weight in the bow hand depending on where you are in the bow

If you do nothing else on this website…. DO THESE! Students are often corrected over and over again as to how to hold the bow. These exercises give students an experience for each finger in the bow hand. Once a student experiences who what where when and how a finger contributes to the bow hand it’s magic!

Bow Arm Warm Up Exercises download

Bow Arm Warm Ups #1 video

Bow Arm Warm Ups #2 video

Bow Arm Warm Ups #3 video

Comments

Diane, I have been trying to get the proper bow hold. When you contact the bow with the core fingers, where does the bow contact the fingers? Is it right at the larger knuckles or is it inbetween the first and 2nd knuckles. I can't seem to keep my knuckles bent over the bow at the larger knuckles for any length of time. Thank you! Gwen

2011-12-13 19:48:54
Gwen Daly

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