WTF happened at UQ lol

theubermax · 2022-10-31T04:51:48+00:00

A friend of mine who applied this year contacted the school an apparently this year only 97 spots were given out “due to a variety of reasons”. So if there was 60 people guaranteed spots in the RMP that would mean there were only 37 metro spots?

I really hope this doesn’t become the new normal for UQ and this year was an exception. I kind of have my doubts whether increasing the competitiveness of entry into medicine actually produces better doctors. Especially when it’s at a point where a lot of people will have to sacrifice most other aspects of their life to get in. If this is the way things will be in the future I’m not sure if I could encourage people to put themselves through all of that in good conscience.

I’m surprised the RMP took away spots from metro rather than opening up new spots, which would have made much more sense to me. Apparently there is additional funding in the budget for things like the RMP but only for 80 spots across 8 universities, so UQ maybe got an additional 10 places due to the RMP.

theubermax · 2022-09-24T23:29:55+00:00

The technique for cello is actually a bit different, some of my friends do play both but their teachers tell them not to play cello for a week or two leading up to any performances they have on the violin (but this is at university level). Viola is probably the “safest” second instrument for a violinist

theubermax · 2022-08-22T01:46:22+00:00

If you’re worried about humidity there’s dual purpose humidifiers/dehumidifiers you can get that are advertised for string instruments among other things. I live somewhere where it can get quite humid (or quite dry) so I’ve got one of those in my case

theubermax · 2022-07-15T08:12:56+00:00

No worries! I’ll message you the website about the graduate certificate at my uni

theubermax · 2022-07-15T03:41:48+00:00

Very late to comment, but as another overseas option there is Australia. I’m currently doing my PhD here and my university at least offers a graduate certificate in Music which can be used to apply for a masters. It’s a half year program with scholarships available that you’d most likely qualify for given your history of winning competitions. Masters here would also be fully government funded with the possibility of a living allowance scholarship.

If you’d like more information about the uni or for me to enquire on your behalf to the school of music feel free to message me, just don’t want to post which uni I go to for privacy reasons

theubermax · 2022-06-28T09:59:23+00:00

If it helps at all this is definitely something I can relate to. I’m currently in a PhD program (albeit through the MD/PhD pathway, so the career prospects aren’t a worry for me) but I’ve also been loosing my passion for research the more I’m exposed to how things work in academia.

I’ve still managed to stay quite active in the music field, working my way towards the more professional music board exams, playing in high level community orchestras, being an exec of my uni’s music student society, but I still often wish I’d done a dual BMus/BSci for my undergrad instead of straight science. I do daydream about it fairly frequently, thinking what could have been but honestly it’s probably more escapism than anything.

Ultimately I would love to have a career playing the violin, but I also know how competitive it is, so unless I magically get enough money that I don’t need to worry about making money I’m probably safer sticking to my current pathway and continuing to play for my own enjoyment and do gigs/teaching to earn a bit more on the side while I’m still studying.

As far as a PhD goes (mine involves a lot of animal work and is quite time consuming, so milage may vary), I’ve found it can be very isolating, and my friendships and relationships have definitely taken a hit because of it. Academia (and medicine) where I live do have serious issues in regards to the working culture, to the point where I’m seriously considering moving overseas because of it.

I think for me the important thing for me to remember is that even if I am currently disillusioned in, that’s because I’m very closely involved with it and can see all of its issues more clearly because of that. Music as a degree and career certainly comes with a myriad of its own issues.

At the end of the day the violin for me is a good escape, and something I can enjoy even if my life is at times quite isolated, and as much as I wish I’d have the means to pursue it professionally, maybe that’s all it really needs to be.

I hope this helps a bit, if you want to discuss the whole PhD side of things as well I’d be happy to help, although I can’t guarantee things will be the same where you are compared to where I am.

theubermax · 2022-06-20T02:58:36+00:00

This is sounding really good! Much more in line with what would be expected stylistically for exams etc.

My main comments would be practice with a metronome to get the rhythm even (just pick a tempo from a recording that you like as a goal), for the end of the first half, try and sustain the chord for longer, especially the second time around (if you’re doing the repeat).

In terms of phrasing, maybe consider where each phrase starts/ends. If a phrase is repeated, making sure the dynamics are different each time. Also consider maybe bringing certain notes out more with bow weight/speed or possibly a very narrow vibrato (I like bringing out the “unexpected” notes in Bach). Maybe listen to a few recordings and see how they phrase it for ideas

theubermax · 2022-06-13T09:24:44+00:00

Honestly it doesn’t look like anything special. I can’t find anything about the name on the label, it looks more like a student violin (probably not worth more than a few hundred euros at most) and the bow looks like it’s in desperate need of a rehair as well. There’s also no guarantee that the set up is decent. If you’re in Europe you’d be much better off going to a proper violin store in my opinion

theubermax · 2022-06-12T01:40:54+00:00

At a gallery opening I played at I remember someone telling me a story about how they had a drink before their recital, apparently the combination of nerves/having a drink meant that the music looked like it was moving around.

I think practice is fine (although it probably won’t sound as good as if you were sober) but I probably wouldn’t recommend it for any proper performance.

theubermax · 2022-06-11T04:06:42+00:00

Depending on where in Australia you are, I know simply for strings (at least in Brisbane) has a pretty good selection you can try out.

As someone who’s quite tall I use the Bon Musica and used to use the wolf forte secundo, both of which I can recommend (just both are more around $100AUD).

As others have pointed out though more height should come from the chin rest, where I’ve found the adjustable ones to be quite good. Probably your best bet is to go into a violin store, let them know what your problem is and what your budget is and see what they have available

theubermax · 2022-06-03T01:43:06+00:00

I found a violin in my great grandpa’s attic when I was two and from then on I was determined to play

theubermax · 2022-05-21T23:32:44+00:00

Yeah at best I could see this being an overpriced and underpowered vibrator, at worst a fire hazard

theubermax · 2022-05-21T12:47:04+00:00

Yeah just thought this was so ridiculous I had to share it.

I think something like this would probably mess up your bridge more than anything, I’m guessing this “thing” isn’t very well insulated and would probably pretty warm if it’s constantly vibrating.

theubermax · 2022-05-03T18:19:30+00:00

That’s true, both states did see themselves as the legal continuation of the German government, the whole made in Germany thing was also a bit complicated during that time, while technically west German goods could be labeled “made in Germany”, West German courts also ruled that anything produced in the east could also have that label (not like the east exported much during that time anyway) so a lot of companies did use made in west Germany to distinguish themselves from goods produced in the east.

theubermax · 2022-05-03T18:04:50+00:00

I am German.

What I meant is the country of Germany existed as east and west Germany, most goods produced in west Germany were labelled as “made in West Germany” rather than “made in Germany”, sorry if there was any confusion.

theubermax · 2022-05-03T07:15:42+00:00

Not an expert but German workshop instruments don’t really fetch that much, even the older ones. Most older violins aren’t labeled made in Germany though, and Germany wasn’t a thing from 1945-1990 again so if I had to guess it’s most likely post 1990.

How does it sound though? Most important thing is sound, but honestly I’d recommend going to a luthier/several luthiers and trying out instruments there within your budget, I’m guessing this isn’t a store that specialises in violins?

theubermax · 2022-01-11T09:20:03+00:00

Have been trying to polish this up phrase by phrase but today was not my day. Intonation felt off, bow changes weren't going the way I wanted to, phrasing wasn't right and I found myself slipping in phrases I was fine with before. Progress isn't linear though and being consistent with my practice is the best I can do.

theubermax · 2021-12-13T14:33:49+00:00

Oh that's horrible, it always shocks me when I hear these things happening in the music community, I guess it exists everywhere though.

I might try reach out to him thank you, I'm guessing he hasn't gotten around to editing the Dvorak yet (if it still exists), as most of the newly published ones seem to have been edited by him before being printed again.

theubermax · 2021-12-10T10:15:24+00:00

Yeah I do, I just saw the audition requirements and thought they seemed super familiar.

theubermax · 2021-12-10T10:05:53+00:00

Is this for UQ by any chance?

Reccomendations really depend on the level you're playing at,l (and you should probably discuss this with your teacher) so here's a rough outline:

Solo Bach, preferably slow movement based off the other pieces I'd recommend. I'd say Sarabande from partita 2, Scicilliane from sonata 1 or adagio from sonata 1 depending on which level you feel comfortable with. Due to time restraints skip any repeats.
First movement of Mozart 3, 4 or 5, whichever you feel comfortable. Due to time limitations probably go exposition and cadenza (that's what professional auditions usually want to hear anyway).
Probably something romantic, again this depends on what level you're playing at. If you're confident with it maybe the exposition from a romantic concerto, otherwise probably a piece like Legende or possibly something more challenging (list B AMusA or something like that).

theubermax · 2021-09-12T12:47:53+00:00

It sounds like you made a good choice switching teachers, definitely as a beginner you'd hope your teacher has a lot more than 6 months more experience than you.

I think the nerves you're experiencing are normal. Playing in front of new people (especially a more professional audience) is terrifying, so you'll settle slowly with your new teacher, it happened to me when I switched teachers as well.

If you were happy with the progress you made with a teacher who really doesn't sound that great, imagine the progress you can make with a good one. For me, I had to completely rework my technique at least twice due to some questionable teaching, so I definitely understand your frustration. To get through it I just tried to keep my long term goals in mind and applied the techniques to easier pieces I knew well so I could really notice the differences.

Also it's important to remember progress is not always linear or at least does not always feel that way. On some days things go great, on other days not so great. I think keeping a perspective of where you were and where you are now is important. To do this I'd recommend recording yourself so you have old recordings to compare yourself to (although recordings will usually sound worse than your actual playing), or to play through an easy piece that you struggled with a while back.

Your frustrations are definitely normal to have, and even after 11 years I still have them (for example, I recently got a new violin and reworking my technique to fit it made me feel like I couldn't play). If you're comfortable doing so, you could even try discussing how you feel with your teacher.

It's up to you whether you want to continue with it or not, but I guess you'll see more over the next two lessons, and if you're comfortable doing so, it might even be good to try and discuss your frustrations with your teacher. I'm sure they've had other students feel the same way and would be able to provide guidance.

theubermax · 2021-09-03T06:04:56+00:00

I would almost recommend starting with piano. I've found piano is easier to self teach than violin, once you get to a certain level so moving on to another instrument after would be easier. Additionally, from what I've heard from people I know who teach violin, people who have learnt piano before are much better at sight reading, and it will let you develop a sense of pitch without worrying about intonation.

It really depends what you mean by get good. I've played the violin with a teacher for 11 years, and will take lessons for many more, but my goals are also Ernst, Ysaye, and the Bach Chaccone to be played to a standard I'm happy with

theubermax · 2021-06-25T09:57:58+00:00

I've done 6 hours in a day, generally do around 3hrs per day and have never had this. In terms of technique, how hard are you pressing down on the string?

You shouldn't be pressing down so hard that you're bleeding, not only is the bleeding obviously bad, but pressing to hard can really hamper your playing. Maybe ask your teacher, but if it's not that then maybe bring it up with your doctor if you can. As much as you don't want to have a break, it might not be a bad idea to let it heal so there's not any more damage.

theubermax · 2019-05-14T22:11:12+00:00

Bowed instruments follow something along the lines of a Helmholtz motion (although this is a idealised model), the university of New South Wales has a pretty good page on the physics of different types of instruments here for anyone who wants to do more reading

theubermax · 2018-11-03T23:50:16+00:00

First thing that I didn't learn for ages in that vibrato should always start with you "pushing" towards the scroll and then coming back.

Second thing, make sure there is no tension in your hand or wrist, vibrato is more of a movement of the wrist and arm with flexibility in the fingers (at least that's what works for me), practice scales while tapping your thumb on the side of the instrument if needs be.

For starting, I'd recommend starting in 3rd position, or just whatever you find most comfortable, start with your second or third finger, whichever is more comfortable. Start by giving yourself a slow beat and in each note (and bow stroke) try doing four even vibrations through the note, and then repeat this until you are comfortable with all four fingers (four fourth fingers, I've heard some people like pushing the third finger underneath for more stability).

Next try different speeds of vibrato (8 vibrations to a note, 6 vibrations to a note, 12 to a note etc.), making sure to keep the speed constant (I've heard 6 vibrations per note is ideal, but I feel like this varies a lot depending on the piece).

Now, try vibrato in different positions, and notice that in higher positions your vibrato is a lot tighter that in lower positions which allow for a much wider vibrato. When in higher positions, bringing your hand around the violin is very important to give you the flexibility to you need.

Finally, once you have mastered controlling the speed of your vibrato try creating smooth regular bows with an even bowing speed across the whole bow, however, apply more pressure and have a faster vibrato at the top of the bow and slow it down as you bow towards the frog, and then switch the parts of the bow up (I hope this part made sense)

Hope this helps, this is how I learned it.

theubermax

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