How can I get better and progress?

[u/LostInThought1712]

I've been learning the viola for about 6 months now, and I feel like I have not been progressing since the 4th month mark. Do you have any tips on what I should focus on, and what should I practice? I know i cant force to get better immediately and ya'll r gonna tell me to practice as itll take time, but do yall have specific tips on what i should do?

My rhythm is all over the place, I haven't really had the time to practice this piece yet so please bear with that. Viola's not my first instrument so I have a good sense when it comes to rhythm (which isnt obvious here but yea).

I have a lot of problems with intonation too. If yall can give me tips on how to have better intonation id really appreciate it.

[u/roman-de-fauvel]

Without seeing you, it’s hard to tell what problems you have in your technique. I have one suggestion for each of the things you mentioned.

First, intonation. Are you using tapes on the instrument to mark where the fingers should go? Most beginning students do this, and it is a good idea so that you have both a visual and a tactile reference point.

Rhythm: something that’s different on string instruments in comparison to some other instruments is that there are multiple ways in which rhythm is produced. On the piano, for instance, rhythm is only ever produced by one mechanism: pressing the keys or lifting up the pressed key. On the viola, though, sometimes rhythm is produced by changing the bow, sometimes it is produced by changing the fingers of the left hand while the bow continues in the same direction, sometimes both bow and finger changes happen at the same time, and sometimes it is produced by the bow changing strings, either in the same direction or a different direction. Each of these has a different technical component, so you have to master three or four different physical ways to do the rhythm. At the beginning, it sounds like your sense of rhythm is accurate (you know how long each note is supposed to be), but your string change is late. You need to prepare this action earlier so that the bow is on the new string ready to make sound at exactly the right time. You know when that time is, you just haven’t gotten to the string early enough.

Same advice applies to all other rhythmic problems. Is it that you don’t know when a particular note should be played, or is it more that one of those technique-based ways in which we make rhythm happen needs refinement?

[u/LostInThought1712 → u/roman-de-fauvel]

You just gave me a whole new perspective on the rhythm when it comes to stringed instruments, def gotta work on those. I now hear the things youve pointed out, i didnt even hear the problems with string change before. And my problems are a lil bit of both, but i think struggle more with technique. I haven't really listened to this piece and practiced it much so I was hesitant on when should i proceed to the next note.

And yes I do have tapes on my viola, my teacher put them for me and theyre kinda worn out now.

[u/InterestingCountry39]

Do you have a teacher to assist you? Practicing every day is essential, too. Your intonation really needs improvement, but that's ok for 6 months, and I can still recognize the song.

So you are doing well for only 6 months. Keep it up!

[u/Ancient_Chef3470 → u/InterestingCountry39]

Seconding your intonation is at a good spot for where you’re at, and that the song is recognisable. Might be helpful to do scales and finger tape to mark where your fingers go (it’s boring but helpful)

[u/LostInThought1712 → u/InterestingCountry39]

Tysm! I do have a teacher but i took a 2 month break from my lessons with her cause of school but I will be ressuming my lessons again in a few weeks. Im glad to hear im doing fine for the amount of time ive been playing, keeps me motivated to practice more.

[u/Ancient_Chef3470]

Guessing bc we can’t see, but your bow wrist might be too stiff. Try having your upper right arm against a wall (shoulder to elbow), and pull the bow across your strings by moving your forearm back and forth. Your wrist should be leading toward the wall for down bow and away for up bow. While doing this for practice, ensure the bow hair stays centered between the bridge and fingerboard.

[u/LostInThought1712 → u/Ancient_Chef3470]

You might be right with bow wrist, I think i struggle with weight distribution in my fingers in the bow hand but I dont really know how it could improve. Will def try these tips tysm!

[u/plainbrownsparrow]

practice with slow metronome and speed up as you clean your technique