The Violin Geek Podcast
The Violin Geek Podcast, hosted by violinist and violist Laurel Thomsen, offers detailed insights for string players of all levels. Episodes cover practice tips, performance advice, and interviews with top musicians and industry leaders. The show aims to help musicians improve their skills and deepen their understanding of music. It is accessible to beginners while providing depth for advanced players.
Episodes
Grow Your Ears - Listen Deeper
Have you had the experience of suddenly hearing something in a recording, or about your playing that you never noticed before? Could the secret to becoming a better musician, in large part, not be just about practice and technique, but about becoming a better listener? If you'd like to "grow your ears" and learn to hear more of the details music is trying to share, and to demystify t
Getting Business Savvy with David Cutler
What if "doing the music thing" didn't conjure subsisting on ramen and scrounging together rent money from a few random gigs and students, but finding a "path to remarkable success," positioning yourself in unique spaces and with interesting pursuits, making a healthy income while staying inspired and having a deep impact?If you've wondered if you could avoid the rat-r
Audition Preparation Tips
What scale or excerpt should you choose to audition with? What should you do if all the excerpts are either too difficult and others too easy? When you have limited time to prepare the material, where should you put your focus for the most pay off? What do they mean by "contrasting" pieces? If you've wondered about these questions, or if you're a teacher wondering how to best hel
All About Études
What are études? Should you be playing them? Where do they fit into your practice routine, especially also considering a scale and arpeggio practice? Which ones should you start with, and should you always go in book order? If you've ever considered some of these questions, or you're a student, a teacher, or someone hoping to keep your playing chops in top condition, this episode is for yo
Choose the Best Strings for Your Instrument
Ever wondered what strings might help your instrument sound warmer? Brighter? Louder? Softer? Should you try gut strings? Is there a difference between synthetic and composite strings? What about all metal strings, and do different types of metals make a difference? What about different gauges, or tensions for that matter? How should you best care for your strings, and when should you change them?
Play Faster (not just for violinists!)
Can't quite get up to tempo? Starting to wonder if you even "have what it takes" to keep up with an ensemble? In this episode, host Laurel Thomsen demystifies one of the most universal issues among musicians of all types and skill levels, with tips for how to troubleshoot any speed issue. Buckle up and get ready to take your playing to warp speed.
Show Notes:
Intro/outro music "Sure Fire Way of
Your Violin Questions
In this episode, host Laurel Thomsen answers your violin questions, including about strings, rosin, the instrument she plays, how to get dust out of your instrument, the story about the oldest violin she's ever played, and more. Enjoy!
Show Notes:
Intro/outro music "Tales from the Labyrinth":
On Bandcamp https://danandlaurel.bandcamp.com/track/tales-from-the-labyrinth
On Apple M
Recovery Practice
We know we can't stop to fix mistakes during a performance, so why don't we ever seem to spend time in the practice room practicing how to recover? In this episode, host Laurel Thomsen shares why "recovery practice" might be the missing factor in your routine, and three ways to practice getting better at getting back on track when we do make a mistake on-stage. In the process, we
Pitch versus Tone
Beginning students, but even the more advanced among us, often struggle with pitch (intonation) and tone. Troubleshooting sounds we'd like to improve can be especially frustrating when we're having a hard time differentiating between the two. One is the domain of the left hand, while the other, the domain of the right. In this episode we explore how to identify each and steps we can take t
"Weaving musical worlds into one" - a conversation with Jazz violinist and composer Meg Okura
In this episode we speak with Tokyo born, New York based Jazz violinist and composer about her new album, "Lingering," with pianist Kevin Hayes, how her conversion to Judaism has informed her life and music, her journey from Julliard to free improvisation, and how she's managed to turn labels and stereotypes into assets along her career path.
Show notes:
Meg's website https://w
Shifting Technique Deep Dive
What is shifting? How do we make our shifts more accurate and clean? If we're just beginning and not ready to learn how to shift yet, what can we do to ensure we'll be ready when the time comes? Join me as we dive deep into the nuances of shifting technique as it applies to the violin or viola, with tips also helpful for cellists, and for both beginning shifters and the more advanced among
Play More Musically
Many of us were drawn to play the violin, viola, or cello because we'd heard playing that brought us to tears, filled us with joy, or expressed a feeling that we couldn't even describe with words. Truly, there seems to be no limit to the emotions and the variety of sounds these instruments can express. However, our first weeks, months, and even years of learning to play can feel very techn
Getting comfortable with Uncomfort: Tools for Overcoming Performance Anxiety
It's frustrating and disheartening when all our preparation in the practice room doesn't make it out onto the stage. Instead of presenting the polished piece we've been performing in the comfort of our room, we're suddenly overcome by hyper-drive vibrato, sweaty palms, or a bow that jitters and skids as we squeak out our phrases. We're overwhelmed by mental calculations about d
"Make Great Music with Ease" - a chat with violinist and Art of Freedom Method creator Jennifer Roig-Francolí
Happy New Year! We want our music making journey to be positive and comfortable, so we can express ourselves with freedom. Listen in as I chat with Jennifer Roig-Francolí, a professional violinist, certified Alexander Technique instructor, and the creator of the Art of Freedom Method. We learn about Jennifer’s path from concert violinist to her role as a coach, specializing in helping musicians of
Finding a comfortable and effective chin and shoulder rest
It's holiday time! Why not give the gift of comfort to yourself, your child, or your student, with a more suitable chin or shoulder rest! In this episode, violinist/violist, teacher, and host Laurel Thomsen shares the factors we need to consider when shopping for a more secure, effective, and comfortable chin and shoulder rest. And as we'll find, the most popular models might not be servin
Music Careers, Part 3
In this last installment of her Music Careers series, violinist/violist, teacher, and host Laurel Thomsen explores music careers that are more "behind the scenes," as well as a few that don't neatly fit into other categories. Despite not necessarily placing us in the spotlight, most could become stand-alone full-time careers, or a supplement to a performance or teaching career. And,
Russian versus American Music Education - a conversation with Russian violinist and educator Michael Dvoskin
In this episode we enjoy a fascinating conversation with Russian born violinist and educator Michael Dvoskin about the differences between violin training in Russia versus the United States. Michael also shares his story about immigrating to America, and tips for students preparing for an audition or recital. In effort to create both a successful and enjoyable musical education, there's a lot
Making Time for Music: a chat with violinist Julia Reddy
Today we speak with violinist, educator, and Violin Class podcast creator and host Julia Reddy about making time for practice. We discuss how to ramp back up after a hiatus, how to make the most out of limited time, how to effectively divide up our practice time and focus our attention for results, and how to balance our practice routine when juggling solo repertoire and technical work with orches
Finding our voice, from Classical strings to Hot Jazz - A chat with violinist Gabe Terracciano
Today we chat with Grammy-nominated violinist Gabe Terracciano, who's expanding the range of the violin as a member of the Turtle Island String Quartet and the Hot Toddies Jazz Band, among other exciting projects. We hear about Gabe's transition from nearly quitting early Classical lessons to discovering and falling in love with Jazz, discuss what it's like to be a band leader in New Y
Rediscovering Baroque Bows - a chat with historical bowmaker Ralph Ashmead
The bow is a string player's primary "tool for tone," but like any tool, sometimes we need more than one to get the job done. In this episode we speak with historical bow maker Ralph Ashmead, learning all about the differences between Baroque, Transitional, and Modern bows, the reasons why we might choose one over another, and exploring the factors that caused bow design to change ov
Where am I supposed to put my thumb on the violin neck? Principles and considerations.
A lot of us often wonder, where am I supposed to place my thumb on the violin (or viola) neck? What finger should it be closest to? Should it be stationary? Should it move? Is there a spot that will magically help it stop gripping and finally relax? Today we explore this question recently posed by a podcast listener. Always a frequent topic among Laurel's private students and the students in h
Music Careers, Part 2
In this second installment of her Music Careers series, violinist/violist, teacher, and host Laurel Thomsen explores music careers and activities that require knowledge and skill in music, but not necessarily on one particular instrument. It’s rare for even very talented musicians to be able to make a living at performance alone, so piecing together a variety of activities within our career is a g
Strengths and Challenges of Adult Learners - an interview with Rachael Ridge of "The Adult Violin Academy"
In this episode, we talk to Rachael Ridge, an Indiana based violinist and violin teacher, and the creator of "The Adult Violin Academy," a self paced online, video based course geared towards adult learners and their unique needs. We discuss the strengths that adult students bring to the table, as well as common challenges, like finding enough time to practice while juggling a job and a
Music Careers, Part 1
Whether or not we plan to make a career of music, this series will be relevant for everyone! If we keep at it, we all reach a point where we're ready to take our music beyond the practice room, but as one of Laurel's students recently asked: "What can I do with this violin besides become Hilary Hahn or TwoSet?" Thankfully, there are many more options, and hopefully something for
Challenges of the Adult Beginner Violinist: Laurel's interview on the Violin Class Podcast
Last summer I was honored to chat with Julia Reddy of the Violin Class podcast about life, music, managing our inner critic, improving our self-esteem, and the experience of starting over with technique and getting to the other side. Julia has been on maternity leave, so the episode has just released and I hope you enjoy our conversation! It was nice to revisit what we'd discussed. Please consider
Intonation Mastery #4: Issues within our Technique and Approach
In this fourth installment of her Intonation Mastery series, violinist/violist, teacher, and host Laurel Thomsen explores common issues within our technique that may contribute to intonation issues, as well as some considerations within our approach to tonality, and tempered versus non-tempered intonation applications (this latter topic is definitely worth a deep dive on another episode in the fut
"Learning By Ear" - a chat with fiddler Lissa Schneckenburger
In today's episode we speak with celebrated New England based fiddler and songwriter Lissa Schneckenburger, who's been helping students increase their confidence and improve their skills through her popular ear-training workshop for years, and now as the 14-week self-paced online course, "Learning By Ear." We learn about the inspiration behind the course, why ear-training is an important skill for
Stories About Songs - "If A Wave"
In this episode we travel behind the scenes again, into the making of one of the songs Laurel wrote and released earlier this year, along with Canadian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Dan Frechette, on their album "After the Fire." This time, Laurel shares the origins of her hopeful and empowering song, If A Wave. We learn about the meaning behind the metaphor heavy lyrics, what factor
Intonation Mastery #3: Avoiding External Factors + Practicing For Better Tuning
Ten years since recording the first episodes in this series, violinist/violist, teacher, and host Laurel Thomsen revisits the topic with fresh tips to help you sound more in tune on your violin, viola, cello, or bass. In this episode we cover several factors with our instrument which can affect intonation, as well as tips for how we can approach practice to better support developing good intonatio
Following Your Passion to a Unique Career - an interview with DJ violinist and entertainer Asher Laub
In today's episode we speak with Asher Laub, a New York City based Classically trained violinist turned improvising DJ violinist, entertainer, producer, composer, and entrepreneur. We learn about how Asher has been able to chart a unique career path, making a name for himself, performing high energy stage shows across four continents. We discuss gear and the importance of having control over your
Functional Fitness for Musicians, Part 3: Spine, Low Back, and Hips
Note: this is a hands-on video episode. If your podcast app does not support video podcasts, while it may be possible to follow along with only the audio, please find the video here https://youtu.be/YGOs71Lu6RM
In this supplemental video series of the Violin Geek Podcast, violinist/violist and educator Laurel Thomsen shares a variety of simple warmups, mobility exercises, and massage techniq
Functional Fitness for Musicians, Part 2: Neck, Shoulders, Upper Back
Note: this is a hands-on video episode. If your podcast app does not support video podcasts, while it may be possible to follow along with only the audio, please find the video here https://youtu.be/RWbF3jrwwdY
In this supplemental video series of the Violin Geek Podcast, violinist/violist and educator Laurel Thomsen shares a variety of
Traveling with Your Instrument - Tips and Stories!
People are starting to hit the road again, but what does this mean for our instruments? In this episode, violinist/violist and educator Laurel Thomsen shares tips for safely getting your instrument from point A to point B, whether by car or plane. Having averaged 150 tour dates per year pre-pandemic, Laurel also shares stories about her experiences traveling with her violin (and the what-not-to-do
Functional Fitness for Musicians, Part 1: Arms and Hands
Note: this is a hands-on video episode. If your podcast app does not support video podcasts, while it may be possible to follow along with only the audio, please find the video here https://youtu.be/YSXoh_Fn09E
In this supplemental video series of the Violin Geek Podcast, violinist/violist and educator Laurel Thomsen shares a variety of simple warmups, mobility exercises, and massage techniques to
How Do I Get Out of Pain? - Playing Health in the Spotlight
Pain and injury related to playing a musical instrument like the violin, viola, or cello, or general pain and tension that makes practicing and performing difficult, can be common. In this episode of the Violin Geek Podcast, violinist/violist and educator Laurel Thomsen shares insight into the cause of pain and tension, and hope that it doesn't have to mean an end to our playing. But where does on
"Back to Bach" - rediscovering your path and passion with Israeli/German violinist Maya Lorenzen
Today we speak with Maya Lorenzen, an Israeli/German violinist who has wrestled internal and external conflict to chart a career path and rediscover her passion for making beautiful, heartfelt music. She’s now helping her students do the same. Maya's new solo album, "Back to Bach," while born out of the loneliness of the pandemic, finds fresh connection to self and soul, with Bach's 2nd Partita ma
Female Composers in the Spotlight - an interview with Dr. Cora Cooper
In this episode of the Violin Geek Podcast, Laurel Thomsen chats with Dr. Cora Cooper, professor of violin, viola, chamber music, and string pedogogy at Kansas State University, and the editor of "Violin Music By Women" and "Viola Music By Women," graded anthologies of almost entirely unknown, but wonderfully inventive and enjoyable pieces by women composers. We discuss Dr. Cooper's inspiration fo
"Counting Down the Hours" - finding freedom and joy with Classical violinist and fiddler Maura Shawn Scanlin
In this episode we hear from Maura Shawn Scanlin, a Boston, MA based Classical violinist and fiddler who is bridging musical worlds with incredible poise and grace. Her new album, "Counting Down the Hours," with her duo "Rakish" is a joyful exploration of Celtic, Classical, and Americana sounds. We learn more about its inception and inspiration, and enjoy a couple choice tracks from the album. We
Learn to Love Your Metronome
If the metronome inspires fear, dread, or frustration in you, if you're not sure how to even use it, or if you find practicing with it is getting a bit stale, this episode is for you! Join string player and educator Laurel Thomsen as she explores the goals of metronome practice, explains the steps we need to take as we build up our metronome practice, and shares tips for becoming more confident an
Stories About Songs - "Money Shouldn't Talk That Strong"
In this episode we are celebrating today's release of Laurel Thomsen's fifth album with her partner, Canadian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Dan Frechette, and travel behind the scenes into the making of one of the songs Laurel wrote for the album, "Money Shouldn't Talk That Strong." We learn about the song's origin and lyrics, the duo's recording process, particularly Dan's approach
Stories About Songs - "Make Me Come Alive"
In this episode of the Violin Geek Podcast we get a behind the scenes glimpse into the making of Laurel Thomsen's new single being released today, "Make Me Come Alive," in collaboration with her partner, Canadian singer-songwriter Dan Frechette. We learn about the song's origin, the duo's recording process, the making of the music video which is also being released today, as well as the harrowing
"A Grand Journey" - bridging musical worlds with violinist Alexandr Kislitsyn
In this episode we hear from Alexandr Kislitsyn, international violin soloist, chamber musician, educator, producer, and the newest member of the acclaimed Trio Casals. We learn about the trio's recent release, "A Grand Journey," featuring four debut works "inspired by traditional melodies and cultural flavors" for piano trio and solo piano, and enjoy a couple choice tracks from the album. We also
Arranging Pop and Non-Classical Genres for Solo Violin or Ensemble
Learn what it takes to create a compelling arrangement of a Pop, Rock, or Jazz tune and the factors that help determine whether a song is a good candidate for solo violin treatment or if it needs an ensemble or band to do it justice. If, like host Laurel Thomsen, your performance life has been requiring you to learn new songs in various non-Classical genres lately, or if you have a favorite song y
Championing the Viola and Modern Classical Music - an interview with acclaimed soloist Brett Deubner
Laurel Thomsen interviews acclaimed viola soloist Brett Deubner, listening to and discussing choice tracks from his recent albums "Mother Earth" and "Transfiguration," learning about his experience working with composers and debuting new music, and sharing tips for performance confidence, moving past setbacks, and creating a clear viola tone whether as a soloist, in an ensemble, or on recording.
L
Virtual Teaching for Success - Laurel Thomsen interviewed for FAR-West Teaches
In this episode Laurel Thomsen is interviewed by award-winning vocalist and FAR-West Board Vice-President, Susie Glaze about her experience with teaching violin and viola online. Long before the Covid-19 pandemic, back in 2009 in fact, Laurel transitioned to primarily teaching online. Here she offers over a decade worth of tips and insight to make the most of the time we spend learning online, wit
DIY Empowerment for Creatives with Justine Lucas of Madwoman Productions
If you're a musician, artist, dancer, or maybe a business owner, and you're looking to create more compelling videos, photos, performances, and presentations, listen in as Laurel Thomsen speaks with Justine Lucas, singer-songwriter, director, producer, and the creative spark behind Madwoman Productions, a San Francisco based company helping independent artists and entrepreneurs be seen and heard.&
Recording a violin, viola, or cello
You’ve just perfected a difficult passage of your favorite concerto and grab your smartphone to capture this monumental practice achievement. You run through the passage again and while not perfect, you still feel pretty good about your progress. You listen back, expecting to hear exactly what you thought you heard while you were playing, but it sounds nasally, distor
Learning to love the process
"When we let our passion for the violin extend into the actual process of learning, welcoming even our out-of-tune notes, missed shifts, and bad tones as opportunities to find and fix problems, like any great mechanic, we position ourselves for a lifetime of music making."
In this "pep talk" episode from the Violin Geek Blog, host Laurel Thomsen takes inspiration from aviation te
Improve Your Intonation Now
"When awareness is channeled appropriately, even most beginners have the skills needed to listen carefully and make elegant intonation adjustments." Join Laurel Thomsen for tips to immediately improve your intonation on the violin, viola, or cello, or the intonation of your students.
Original Violin Geek Blog post http://www.laurelthomsen.com/Violin_Geek_Blog/Entries/2021/3/31_Improve_your_i
Traditional folksongs in conflict with political correctness and racial equality
This difficult conversation concerning the origins of many popular folk song melodies came up in my teaching studio recently. Especially in light of the police brutality and BLM protests of this past year, addressing the historical context of folk songs seems to be an increasingly important piece of the learning.
Adam Miller blog post mentioned https://www.folksinging.org/political-correctne
Discovering great new artists and heartfelt songs
A special episode from the Violin Geek Blog! See http://www.laurelthomsen.com/Violin_Geek_Blog/Archive.html for more.
The question posed on a forum was: "How can people find great music and new artists if they don't go to bars or listen to Spotify?" In today's mini episode, Laurel Thomsen fills us in on what a house concert is and why it may be your ticket to discovering your a new favorite artist
Tips to help prepare for an orchestra, ensemble, or band practice
A special episode from the Violin Geek Blog! See http://www.laurelthomsen.com/Violin_Geek_Blog/Archive.html for more.
As soon as a performance is on the horizon, the pressure mounts and our enjoyment of playing can easily turn to stress. Join Laurel Thomsen for some practice tips to help prepare for an orchestra, ensemble, or band practice.
To learn more about your host, Laurel Thomsen
A Theory Behind the Flesch and Galamian Arpeggio Sequences
A special episode from the Violin Geek Blog! See http://www.laurelthomsen.com/Violin_Geek_Blog/Archive.html for more.
Two pedagogues. Two similar arpeggio patterns. Is the order of the Flesch and Galamian arpeggios arbitrary or do they contain some deeper wisdom?
To learn more about your host, Laurel Thomsen, check her tour dates, or download her CDs visit www.laurelthomsen.com Also visit "L
Audition Breakthrough
Join Laurel Thomsen and special guest Will Timmons of AuditionBreakthrough.com as they discuss tips for getting the mind and body prepared to "Audition like a Pro." Until April 15, 2017 use coupon code "violin geek" to receive a discount for the 2017 online Audition Breakthrough Summit which features a number of guest speakers diving deep into the topic of audition mastery.
To learn more about you
Tour Stories Part 2
Join Laurel Thomsen and special guest co-host Dan Frechette, as well as special guests Cara Luft and Quiles & Cloud, as they share a variety of memorable stories from their experience on the road.
Learn more about Dan Frechette by visiting him at www.danfrechette.com as well as his website with Laurel - www.danandlaurel.ca.
Learn more about Cara Luft, check her tour schedule and buy music at w
Tour Stories Part 1
Join Laurel Thomsen and special guest co-host Dan Frechette, as well as special guest artists Boscoe's Brood and Toby Gray, as they share a variety of wacky, intense, and memorable stories from their time on the road.
Learn more about Dan Frechette by visiting him at www.danfrechette.com as well as his website with Laurel - www.danandlaurel.ca.
For more about Boscoe's Brood and to hear music visit
Canadian Fiddlers Part 3 - An interview with Grammy and Juno winner Tania Elizabeth
In this episode, host Laurel Thomsen shares a recent live interview with fiddler, vocalist, and recording artist Tania Elizabeth. Formerly a founding member of Canada's The Duhks, Tania now tours full time with the Avett Brothers as well as in a duo with her husband Andy Stack in The Stacks. Tania shares important insight into performance as an art, considerations when developing arrangements, and
Complete Vibrato Mastery
In this episode, Laurel Thomsen introduces her new online course "Complete Vibrato Mastery" and demystifies vibrato with tips for vibrato applications and the prerequisites to learning vibrato. Until they run out, podcast listeners may use the coupon code "violingeekpodcast2015" to receive a $20 discount on a lifetime membership to the course. Visit www.completevibratomastery.com for more informat
Canadian Fiddlers Part 2 - Three Time Grand-Master Fiddle Champion Patti Kusturok
Welcome to Part 2 of a series of interviews featuring fiddlers from Canada! This episode shares an interview with fiddle champion, educator, and recording artist Patti Kusturok. We talk about Patti's latest project, "365 Days of Fiddle Tunes" and learn more about the various types of tunes popular in Canadian music, as well as hear a track from Patti's latest CD, "'Milestone", called "En Ganske Sn
Canadian Fiddlers Part 1 - prolific fiddle composer and prodigy Calvin Vollrath
Welcome to Part 1 of a series of interviews featuring fiddlers from Canada! Canadian fiddle music is a strong tradition and pulls from a wide variety of cultural heritages. This first episode shares an interview with dynamic fiddler, composer, and teacher Calvin Vollrath. Enjoy the stories, insights, and inspirations Calvin shares, as well as a track from his latest CD, "'Certified' Canadian Fiddl
It's only a test
If you're listening it means that podcast host Laurel Thomsen has successfully overcome the technical difficulties that put the Violin Geek on the sidelines. It's only a test, but we expand to talk about some less commonly considered factors that might help you be better prepared for an upcoming audition, jury, or performance.
To learn more about Laurel, check her tour dates, or download h
Memorizing Music
In this episode Laurel Thomsen shares tips and processes from her personal experience and teaching studio and from forum readers for being able to play music from memory.
To learn more about Laurel, check her tour dates, or download her CDs visit www.laurelthomsen.com
Also visit "Laurel Thomsen Music" on Facebook and share your support with a "like" . Want to offer an idea, schedule a private less
"Playing Less Hurt" - an interview with musician's health advocate and author Janet Horvath
Join Laurel Thomsen and special guest Janet Horvath, cellist, musician's health advocate, and author of the book "Playing Less Hurt" as they explore topics of injury prevention for musicians.
Visit Janet online, order her book, and check her tour schedule at www.playinglesshurt.com.
To learn more about Laurel, check her tour dates, schedule a lesson, or download her CDs visit www.laurelthomsen.co
Beyond Talent - a talk with author and career consultant Angela Myles Beeching
Join host Laurel Thomsen and author/career consultant Angela Myles Beeching as they cover topics from Beeching's book "Beyond Talent", including tips for writing an engaging bio, negotiating bookings and asking for what you're worth, and advice for staying motivated and planning a successful career.
Visit Ms. Beeching online, order her book, and sign up for her Monday Bytes Blog at http://www.ange
Rhythm Troubleshooting
Sometimes problems with rhythm aren't caused by what we thought they were. Join violinist Laurel Thomsen as she runs through the most common rhythm issues.
To learn more about Laurel, check her tour dates, or download her CDs visit www.laurelthomsen.com
Also visit "Laurel Thomsen Music" on Facebook and share your support with a "like" . Want to offer an idea, schedule a private lesson via Skype, o
Practice Tidbits #6 - first impressions
Did you know that your first impression is not your first note? Gain tips for how to prime your audience for our successful performance.
To learn more about Laurel, check her tour dates, or download her CDs visit www.laurelthomsen.com
Also visit "Laurel Thomsen Music" on Facebook and share your support with a "like" . Want to offer an idea, schedule a private lesson via Skype, or have a question a
The Classical versus the Romantic Shift
Not all shifts are created equal. Learn how to refine your shifting technique for optimal expression!
To learn more about Laurel, check her tour dates, or download her CDs visit www.laurelthomsen.com
Also visit "Laurel Thomsen Music" on Facebook and share your support with a "like" . Want to offer an idea, schedule a private lesson via Skype, or have a question answered on the podcast? Send Laurel
Scales 101
What is a scale? What are the types, how do we figure out how to play them, and why do we have different ones?
To learn more about Laurel, check her tour dates, or download her CDs visit www.laurelthomsen.com
Visit "Laurel Thomsen Music" on Facebook and share your support with a "like."
Want to offer an idea, schedule a lesson via Skype, or have a question answered on the podcast? Send Laurel an e
Family life in the arts - an interview with Hilary Orzel-McSherry
Join host Laurel Thomsen and violinist/author Hilary Orzel-McSherry as they talk about growing up in a family of musicians. They dispel some myths (no "starving musicians" here) and offer insight for those wanting to live a creative life and share it with a family.
Find Hilary's new book with her husband Drew McSherry at https://www.amazon.com/Terrance-Trapezoid-Drew-McSherry/dp/0692744029
To lear
Blues Fiddle - a lesson
Join Laurel Thomsen and get the blues...a Blues fiddle lesson that is, with singer- songwriter Dan Frechette. Learn the Blues scale in a variety of keys, the Blue notes, different types of Blues rhythms, bowing and note treatment, and how to get not only the right notes, but the right feel.
Check out Dan and Laurel's new site and CD at www.danandlaurel.ca and "like" them on Facebook.
To learn more
Improvising with heart: an interview with fusion violinist Bahman Sarram
Join Laurel Thomsen and special guest Bahman Sarram (Bviolin), violinist, composer, producer, for a talk on ethnic violin playing, improvising, electric instruments, Dave Matthews, jamming, and playing from the heart.
Visit Bahman at www.bviolin.com and check out his "Philosophical Beat Podcast".
To learn more about Laurel Thomsen, please visit www.laurelthomsen.com
Please visit "Laurel Thom
Practice Mastery #2
Ok, we did the HOW. Now it's WHAT should you practice? In this episode Laurel Thomsen offers a range of elements you might need to add to your practice routine. Ideas for beginners and advanced players alike!
To learn more about Laurel Thomsen, please visit www.laurelthomsen.com
Please visit "Laurel Thomsen Music" on Facebook and post your comments or suggestions, or share your support with
Performance psychology for musicians: an interview with Dr Noa Kageyama
Join Laurel Thomsen and special guest Dr. Noa Kageyama, the Performance Psychology Professor at Julliard, for a talk on learning to become not just a better player, but a better performer. If you want to develop a successful pre-performance routine, play confidently in front of an audience, make a great first impression, and learn tricks for effective playing and practicing, please listen in and t
Tailpiece innovation for tonal excellence: a chat with luthier Nicholas Frirsz
A tailpiece that can make you sound better? Join Laurel Thomsen and master luthier Nicholas Frirsz as they discuss instrument making, Frirsz's innovative and elegant tailpiece design, how it came about, and what it could do for your sound.
Visit Nicholas and check out his tailpieces at www.frirszmusic.com
Visit Laurel Thomsen at www.laurelthomsen.com
Please also visit "Laurel Thomsen Music"
Practice Mastery #1
In this episode, Laurel Thomsen shares her tips on how to practice for maximum efficiency and effectiveness. From building technique to polishing repertoire and preparing for performance, make sure you're covering all your bases and setting yourself up for a lifetime of happy practicing. Note: this episode is all about the "how" of practicing. In part two we'll give ideas for the "what" of practic
Overflow your creativity: a chat with gypsy minstrel Maesyn
Join Laurel Thomsen and a special guest - gypsy minstrel violinist, Maesyn, for a chat about how to overflow your life with abundant creative inspiration. Feeling down about your playing or wondering how to get back that spark you first felt for playing? Listen in as Maesyn offers surprising solutions.
Please visit Maesyn at https://maesynmusic.com, on Facebook, YouTube, and on Twitter. To learn m
Practice Tidbits #5: your tempo, your beat
As basic as it might seem, beginners and more advanced players alike can struggle with how to find appropriate tempos for practice and performance. In this episode, violinist Laurel Thomsen walks listeners through finding perfect tempos every time and discusses a few of the more tricky situations, like what to do when the time signature or tempo itself changes mid way through a piece.
To learn mor
String teaching for the modern student: a chat with fiddler and instructor Lauren Rioux
Join Laurel Thomsen and a special guest - fiddler and string teacher Lauren Rioux, for a chat about string teaching in the modern era. Lauren offers tips for keeping students engaged, teaching harmony, how to support a student's exploration of various genres, and ultimately, to empower the student with the gift of music.
Please visit Lauren Rioux at www.laurenrioux.com, on Facebook, YouTube, and o
Dive deep and get jazzed about your playing: a chat with violinist and educator Christian Howes
Join Laurel Thomsen and special guest artist and educator, Christian Howes, for a discussion on fostering creativity, the three key factors to consider for great improvisation chops, how creating set parameters for improvisation can open a world of possibilities, and how diving deep into the structures and processes of music can help you get "pumped up" about playing, whether you play Jazz, classi
Singing and fiddling with passion: a chat with "bad ass" fiddler Laura Cortese
Join Laurel Thomsen and special guest, the awesome fiddler Laura Cortese, as they discuss performing, learning to transmit meaning and emotion to an audience, tips for creating a groove, and how to sing and play fiddle at the same time. Hear Laura's tune "Perfect Tuesday's" from her Acoustic Project album, and be sure to check her out at https://thisislauracortese.com, on Facebook, and on Twitter.
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