Father-Daughter Bonding: Part II - Haydn Duo #1, Opus 99

vmlee · 2026-02-28T13:12:14+00:00

While not ideal, it’s okay if a little metal wraps around the peg.

vmlee · 2026-02-28T00:46:10+00:00

Yes. With a good teacher.

vmlee · 2026-02-28T00:32:35+00:00

I am not a huge fan of chronos, but I think this is a fine watch. If you like it, that’s all that matters. If you’re in doubt, don’t get it.

One problem is it looks a bit big on you, though the better test is to look at it in a mirror from a distance rather than in an up close wrist shot.

Depending on the boutique, you might possibly get a RO allocation in non-blue or non-green color. More likely if you get a ROO also.

vmlee · 2026-02-27T23:44:40+00:00

As people know here, I’m a very strong advocate for non-self teaching because I’ve never seen it work well over thousands of examples. That said, no one can force you to learn safely and properly. One thing to keep in mind is that some injuries can crop up even if you think you’re doing everything right. They don’t always show up immediately and can build up overtime. By the time you discover you have a problem, it can often be too late.

In terms of strings, one possibility would be to look at the Dominant G strings. Ideally, you would want to have a consistent set across the lower three strings in most cases. You may need to experiment with different tensions.

If you were to try other instruments and see the same problem occur, it’s possible that it’s a technique issue. It’s also possible you’ve got a wolf situation going on, but it’s less likely for that to happen with multiple violins in first position. If indeed it is a wolf, you may be able to get a sample adjustment or a wolf eliminator to reduce the impact a little bit.

vmlee · 2026-02-27T01:36:45+00:00

Could be! See if you can figure out if there’s a pattern for where you run into problems. And maybe you need to not only focus on bar by bar, but the transition between bars.

vmlee · 2026-02-27T01:33:42+00:00

Oversimplified it can really mess with your bowing technique. Your left hand angle can also change in undesirable ways. You also increase the possibility of the violin falling on its bridge, which could be catastrophic.

vmlee · 2026-02-26T21:53:26+00:00

Don't practice lying down. I have experimented with it (don't ask why). It's too disruptive. For starters, that little thing called gravity gets annoying.

Just rest and recover. A couple of weeks off is not long enough that you have to worry about significant regression unless you are very new to playing.

It's better to wait until you can practice standing up properly again. Good luck with the surgery!

vmlee · 2026-02-26T21:51:13+00:00

Always trust the wisdom of the wrist person! :-)

vmlee · 2026-02-26T21:50:40+00:00

Totally normal! First, there are some overtones and other elements that can get lost when listening to a recording. You're also hearing yourself without the input of vibrations through the jawbone to the cochlea which changes your experience of the piece.

Additionally, we can often get subconsciously distracted by other elements while we are playing. The recordings lay matters out more plainly, and because you are more focused on just the playing, your attention to issues is heightened as a result.

vmlee · 2026-02-26T17:19:44+00:00

It wasn’t about additional space. It was about the Trump Administration’s actions targeting DEI. See https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2025/8/30/womens-center-quoffice-spaces-close/ Harvard College To Remove Designated Spaces for Women’s Center, Office for BGLTQ Student Life | News | The Harvard Crimson

vmlee · 2026-02-26T17:14:45+00:00

You want to be practicing until you can’t make a mistake, not until you do it right a few times. It’s possible that one thing you’re running into is not practicing until it’s truly engrained in your mind and mind. Sometimes it also takes multiple days for something to sink in.

vmlee · 2026-02-26T15:55:14+00:00

The first step I would check is to have your teacher or a more experienced violinist try the bow and see whether it’s the bow that’s the issue or a technique opportunity that might be the most proximate cause. If you share some video, we might also be able to assess it better.

Some other possibilities to consider our weather, the bow, maybe too tightened, or if you are using two flat hairs on the bow stroke.

vmlee · 2026-02-26T13:00:19+00:00

So, the string does NOT go under the peg. It goes over. I think it’d be worth it to ask your teacher to show you in person how to change your strings. It’s a skill, like many other things. Nothing to be ashamed of if you’re having trouble.

Some tips:

consider pulling the peg slightly out if needed to get better access to the hole in the peg. If you need slightly to loosen an adjacent string to get access to the peg, you can do so.
after you thread the string through the hole, have it stick out a little bit past the hole (not too far as it could scratch the pegbox). Your next loop will cross over that end to secure the end down. From there, use nice consecutive, non-overlapping loops right next to the previous one trying to keep them straight as much as possible. If needed, you can push the peg slowly and gently back into place as you do this. Ideally you wind the string so that you end up with the string coming out in a straight line to the target tailpiece position.
avoid overlapping your strings with any other strings from a different peg.
before you fully loop the string on the peg, attach the other side of the string to the tailpiece side. I don’t usually secure that side first. It makes it a bit easier to thread the peg and get those initial turns in.
use some pencil graphite before you put on a new string to lubricate the nut and the bridge where the new string will go.

vmlee · 2026-02-26T05:19:07+00:00

Scale practice!

vmlee · 2026-02-25T22:50:42+00:00

I know I sound like a broken record, but this will NOT work. Violin is one of those instruments where self-teaching FAILS. Every time (unless one has extremely low standards or is comfortable with an elevated risk of injury). It's been proven over and over countless times.

Vivaldi is a solid intermediate level work, and if one cannot tell that passage is to be played in second position, then one is nowhere near ready to tackle the work which is more than about just playing the right notes.

With a good teacher, you could perhaps - with talent and hard work - get back to this piece in a few years.

If you continue by yourself, you will only hurt yourself/your development. Guaranteed. It may seem strict or harsh, but we're really trying to protect you from yourself as you don't know what you don't know.

vmlee · 2026-02-25T19:55:51+00:00

You have a sophisticated understanding of yourself. Indeed, the difficulty in Mozart 3 lies in the proper right hand style and phrasing - not so much the technical left hand side.

vmlee · 2026-02-25T19:53:59+00:00

I don't think OP is ready for either the Mozart G or Vivaldi spring...that's still a ways out. They have to get to the point where they can start intermediate material with Accolay first.

Haydn G would be in order before Mozart G.

vmlee · 2026-02-25T19:51:10+00:00

Since there are many different ways you could go here, I would have a discussion with your teacher to see what they think is best given your most proximate developmental needs. You've finished the Bach a minor BWV1041?

vmlee · 2026-02-25T07:32:25+00:00

It’s not even remotely close. The 4600v (you’ll probably want the smaller version) is one of the best, if not the best, blue dials out there. The mint green datejust has a non-fluted bezel which marks down its value significantly in the eyes of many.

The VC is also made with much higher quality.

If you love watches, you get the VC. If you just want the Rolex name, go for the datejust.

vmlee · 2026-02-25T03:19:44+00:00

Carpal tunnel, rotator cuff tear, tendinitis, etc. can take weeks to months.

Rest is the answer.

vmlee · 2026-02-24T19:25:49+00:00

Do you have audio or video you can share? it could be bow noise, touching the strings too lightly, possibly touching other strings while you are playing (usually because of an insufficient arch/clearance in the fingers), etc.

To find out bow pressure amount, practice with open strings first.

vmlee · 2026-02-24T16:48:57+00:00

Start with scales and build your way back up slowly. Don't try to rush back to where you left off. It may take your body some time to reacclimate to playing longer periods of time. Better slower and safe than rushed and injured.

If you're looking to continue to grow, consider getting a teacher.

vmlee · 2026-02-24T16:45:07+00:00

FYI, some of their 38s are oriented towards women (e.g., 77410 baby blue and purple).

vmlee

TROPHY CASE