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Maybe it makes sense to think about two modes: 1. Instructional mode: Tim Galwey wrote The Inner Game of Tennis, arguably the single most important book ever written on sports and performance psychology. He identifies the instructional approach that he calls “Self 1", in which we consciously direct the specifics of our actions: shoulder position, bow hold, speed and weight of the bow, etc. It is necessary to drill and work on these skills and habits when we’re learning. But it’s a grind. It’s definitely more work than fun. 2. Performance mode or "Self 2” is where we let go of the micromanageme ..read more

Multitasking is a myth, and people do not do it well. What we can do though, is task swap. That is really the key of 'slow' practice, and that is something that took me a long time to learn. Oh sure, I used slow practice for years, and it never really did any good. What I was missing was slow with SUPREME ATTENTION AND FOCUS. That was the key for me at least. Playing slow enough, that there was plenty of time to rotate my attention on each not. Bow grip. Bow placement. Bow weight. Okay, going slow bow speed doesn't work as well, but there is amount of bow. Left hand position. Finger placement ..read more

Thats why violin is arguably the hardest instrument to learn. For any instrument you have to multitask, it's all good fun I think ..read more

I think "multitasking" is a myth. To me, keeping everything in mind means checking everything in turn, over and over : bow angle, left hand tension, relaxed shoulders, bow hold, finger placement, … Granted it takes a lot of focus! Keep practising, you'll make progress. With time it will become 'habit' and you won't have to think so much about it. In order not to 'saturate' your brain, maybe try to keep things as simple as possible ? For instance if you're practicing the right arm motion in order to keep a straight bow, you don't need to do it with a complicated tune, or with sheet music in fro ..read more

ABitRusty said on the other hand... if youre playing has some moments or issues that you dont like.. check your thumb from time to time and know what respositioning will do for you and how that affects your playing.      It hurts when I don't hold it right- the tension causes pain in a very few minutes. I get immediate feedback if it's not right, so I am trying to be careful ..read more

I guess what Im trying to say is.. If youre playing music and its sounding good.. or like its supposed to.. youre enjoying that.. then I dont think it should be a case of yeah that was great but my thumb was all wonkey so i failed. on the other hand... if youre playing has some moments or issues that you dont like.. check your thumb from time to time and know what respositioning will do for you and how that affects your playing.   ..read more

ELCBK said Your thumb on your bow is straight? ?  ...no.    Sorry, I guess that was kind of confusing. I meant the thumb on my left hand. For some reason, if I pay attention to my right hand, my left hand tightens, or my thumb begins to bend and press into the neck. This is especially true if I'm trying to make sure that my left-hand fingers press down exactly on the tips. Using the BonMusica has helped, as has trying to place my fingers down with lighter force, but as I'm trying to get some new pieces down, as soon as I start paying attention to intonation or my bowing hand ..read more

@nykteria - Your thumb on your bow is straight? ?  ...no. What you hear & what your hands have to learn for piano is not like violin (to me)... might be double the work now, but double the rewards later!   It's okay if you can't handle more than a couple demons at once!  I had to tackle the most obvious ones first - just do your best. Be VERY generous in giving yourself TIME - T... I... M... E... to see progress.  Learning has to be enjoyable.  ALWAYS end with something positive.  I figure if you can follow rhythm, bow straight on open strings, producing a goo ..read more

I think alot of it is just keeping things in mind ..or be aware of them.  If youre having trouble with something kinda run through your checklist and see where youre at. Big important thing is give yourself permission to enjoy something about playing.   Like some songs or tunes..  It cant all be about abstract prqctice kinda things.  since you have a teacher maybe theres a concert or recital you can practice for to sorta have a goal to it all.   that helps alot more than I thought it would. and dont beat yourself up... we all are going through same feelings j ..read more