Habits are very difficult to change. The area where I have the most bad habits is on my instrument. Yes the viola. But, I am in the process of overcoming those bad habits. I will share with you my bad habits and how my teacher solved them. Now where to begin. Oh yes!
1) Problem
My bow hold was the worst. Teachers would always tell me my wrist was "over pronated". I didn't know what was worse the fact that teachers would
constantly tell me that or the fact I thought teachers were making up the word pronated until I looked up the word. Then I knew I had to fix this problem.
Solution
My teacher, Sheila gave me exercises such as Shradeick Studies and Carl Fleish System Scales every week. I spent 10-15 minutes every day practicing to get a lower wrist bow hold. It certainly worked within a year, because I was playing fast passages effortlessly.
2) Problem
2) I had problems with my left hand too. My palm didn't push out enough. Instead my hand was curved in too much.
Solution
Coordination with the left hand bow hold from the first problem. Worked on going up and down in various positions
3) Problem
I didn't curve my fingers enough with my left hand and I was more prone to playing out of tune.
Solution
My teacher told me to curve my fingers and immediately I stopped playing with such flat fingers. Playing with flat fingers hurt so much. Curving my fingers felt so much better and I was playing much better too.
4) Problem
I got nervous when I saw sixteenth notes and would play as fast as I can.
Solution
My teacher would tell me I sounded verklempt. The word sounded comical to me. Now, everytime I see sixteenth notes I always remember the word verklempt and how I should
not sound.
5) Problem
My favorite bad habit (no oxymoron intended) is I move when I play.
Solution
My teacher told me to stop moving and I would sound better if I didn't move while playing. She told me to stop moving and I did. I was much more satisfied with my playing. So when I move I remember yes
it's important to let the audience know I love music, but I can sound musical and cleaner without moving. Also I practice in front of the mirror and I notice how moving can be distracting.
Within a year I sounded so a lot better. I established a confidence and better self-esteem. It really feels I've made so many little accomplishments incorporated into one enormous one. I am continuing to grow technically and musically.
