JULIA'S VIOLIN BLOG

Explaining the violin chinrest pad and why you might want to use one Although you might not think about it much, the chinrest is more than just a functional part of the violin; the setup of your chinrest can dictate your entire playing experience! I've worked with so many students through the years who have benefitted [...]

An overview of violin rock songs and their history. When we think of rock music, we often imagine electric guitars, bass lines, and energetic drum beats. However, the violin has actually made a significant impact in the rock world! It's woven its way into countless rock songs, adding layers of emotion and depth that enhance [...]

An overview of the popular Wolf shoulder rest One of the most popular brands for shoulder rests is Wolf. They've stood the test of time as reputable violin accessories. Personally, I've used the Wolf Forte Secondo for many years and really enjoyed it. I recommend this violin shoulder rest to many students looking for an [...]

Answering "How much does a violin weigh?" and other violin-related questions. When choosing a violin, so many players focus on sound quality, craftsmanship, and playability, but weight is another important factor to consider. While it might not seem significant at first, the weight of a violin can have a surprising impact on both comfort and [...]

The Pirastro KorfkerCradle shoulder rest is, by far, the most expensive violin rest on the market (at least to my current knowledge). But is it worth it? If you're interested in achieving the most accurate violin sound possible, or if you'd just like to learn about a totally different type of shoulder rest, this article [...]

A comprehensive guide on how to play fast on the violin. Have you ever come across a song you've really wanted to learn but feel like you just can't play fast enough to do it justice? I know I have, and it's so frustrating! I wish I had a comprehensive practice guide when I was [...]

Is it time to shop for viola shoulder rests? If you’ve felt uncomfortable playing or holding your viola during longer playing sessions, it may be time for an upgrade. We all have different playing styles and different bodies, which explains why there are so many viola shoulder rests out there to try! I know firsthand [...]

A quick guide to viola chin rests As a violist, finding a comfortable setup is so important. Violas are larger than violins and can feel heavy and bulky over long playing sessions. Finding a chinrest that supports your posture can help relieve many problems and discomforts that could arise. However, shopping around for a new [...]

A review of the Everest shoulder rest for violin and viola. After many discussions about shoulder rests in the comment sections of my recent articles, I think it’s high time to put my favorite shoulder rest in the spotlight. The Everest shoulder rest is my go-to rest for my violin. The shape works well for [...]

This BonMusica violin shoulder rest review shares an overview of this shoulder rest and will help you determine if this might be a good accessory for you. Spoiler: it's an ergonomic option to consider! Choosing a shoulder rest—and whether or not you want to use one—is an important consideration to make. A good shoulder rest [...]

An overview of violin pieces in the Suzuki Violin Method Have you heard of the Suzuki violin method? It’s a very famous series of music books that violin teachers all over the world use for students of many ages. If you’ve ever wondered what these books cover, you’re in luck! Today I’m sharing a list [...]

The string quartet is often regarded as one of the most beautiful forms of classical music. I certainly agree, but if you're skeptical, let's take a look at the history of this art form together! A string quartet can be either a piece of music written for four string instruments, or a group of four [...]