Today I’m going to be talking about the different kinds of violin bows and what you may decide is best for you.

The purpose of this video is NOT to offer an exhaustive list of all the different types of bows of woods in regards to genus, species, regions etc. I am intentionally keeping this video simple and very generalized.

When deciding on the kind of bow you should buy, you should consider:

1. Bounce characteristics
2. Sound production
3. Durability
4. Price

Generally speaking the primary question you are asking yourself is, how much compromise are you willing to make for a lower price point?

There are 4 different kinds of bows:

1. Fiberglass
2. Carbon fiber
3. High-quality wood (often referred to as Brazilwood)
4. Pernambuco wood.

1. Fiberglass bows are very good as rental bows or bows for school districts. They are very strong and inexpensive. The downside is that they sound, look and feel terrible. They also will often have fake horse hair, which is awful in just about every way.

2. Carbon fiber bows often offer the least amount of compromise when it comes to features VS price and have come a long way in the last 20 years or so. They used to be a slightly better option than fiberglass because they had a much better feel, and playability but the sound always suffered quite a bit. However, the modern carbon fiber bow has improved its sound quality by leaps and bounds. The most commonly known and probably the most popular brands of Carbon Fiber bows are made by the CODA company in the USA. The sound is very good on some of their models and the bounce characteristics are supremely hard to beat. I recommended these bows to my advanced students who could not afford a $3,000 pernambuco bow but wanted a bot that was 90% as good. A lot of professionals will use these bows as well as their back up bow or outdoor bow. The benefits to these bows are that they are durable, strong, bounce very well and are relatively inexpensive. However, I have never played on a Carbon Fiber bow that could offer the warmth of sound that a high-quality Pernambuco bow.

3. High-quality wood bows are generally referred to a “Brazilwood” bows. Many people think that these bows have wood that comes out of Brazil but is not as high quality as Pernambuco wood that also comes out of Brazil but the truth is most of these bows are made from a wood commonly referred to as “bullet wood.” It is a wood that is very high density and very stable. It is very similar to Pernambuco wood but is not as good. Most of it comes out of China. There are some inferior woods used as well on the cheapest wood bows and the wood is usually pretty bad. These bows “can” offer good bounce characteristics and can offer good sound. The best point of these bows is that they are generally less than $500 and if made properly, can offer decent bounce and sound. However, there is a lot of variability in these bows, so an expert should play test them to find the best bow. Often times, the price point does not mean anything, so you really have to test them out.

4. Pernambuco bows can offer the best bounce and probably will offer the best sound. Bounce characteristic is something that is somewhat subjective to the player but a pernambuco bow will almost always have a better sound than a synthetic bow. It is illegal to buy Pernambuco wood from Brazil, so the only way you’re going to get a true Pernambuco bow is if you buy a bow that was made in Brazil, you buy an older bow or you buy a new bow from someone who has a large stock of Pernambuco wood that they purchased years ago before it was illegal.

The post What Bow Should I Buy? appeared first on Education Center.

Your child just came home from school and announced that he wants to join orchestra. How did THAT happen, especially since nobody else in the family has ever touched a stringed instrument before?

Basically, your child has three to four choices, depending on the orchestra program — violin, viola, cello, or bass. What makes these instruments different?

How can you decide which instrument is best for your child who is suddenly excited about their budding career as a musician? And, how can you decide which size you need for your child?

Diving into Details: The Violin

Let’s start with the violin since people are typically familiar with that instrument. It’s the smallest of the stringed instruments and has the highest range of notes or pitch. The violin is played tucked under the chin on the left shoulder and bowed with the right hand. It is tuned in fifths starting at the G below “middle C.”

Even if you aren’t a musician, this is a reference point for the other instruments to come. Violin sizing is in fractions starting at full size (4/4) and decreasing down to around a 1/32. We offer an online measurement chart for sizing your child or you can work with a local teacher or an in-shop staff member to find the right fit.

Exploring a Deeper Tone: The Viola

The viola is somewhat larger than a violin, but it is still played between the shoulder and chin like a violin. It has a lower range of notes starting at the C below “middle C” and is still tuned in fifths.

That gives this instrument a deeper and darker personality. One of the unique things about playing the viola is learning how to read alto clef, which is pretty rare compared to the treble clef (violin) and bass clef (cello and bass).

Viola sizing is described inches — 12″ to 16 1/2″ are most common. Students typically play the largest size comfortable for them.

A Seat with Music: The Cello

Some kids are drawn to the cello because they don’t want to hold an instrument under their chin.

All cellists play their instrument while sitting and resting the end pin of the cello on the floor. The cello is tuned just like a viola, but it is an entire octave lower. We’re talking two C’s below middle C now. Cellos are measured in fractions like violins. These also range from tiny (1/10) to full size (4/4).

The Uncommon Choice: Double Bass

The least common of these instruments is the double bass, which is even bigger than the cello. That means you should have a vehicle that will fit a gigantic instrument without having to stick it out the window or leaving the trunk wide open. The bass is tuned in fourths and starts with a very low E. Basses are available in fractional sizes as well. Some programs will have students playing bass very early, while some wait to add them until the kids get older.

If your child starts with one instrument now, is it possible to switch later? Absolutely. There are many string players who are able to play more than one instrument within the string family. I was a violinist who started playing viola when my high school teacher sent me home with a school owned viola and told me to take it to youth symphony rehearsal.

Before I knew it, I was enjoying a completely different section of the orchestra. I had to adjust the position of my hand and read music from an alto clef, but playing the viola wasn’t too different than playing the violin.

Another common transition is from cello to bass. Most string players understand the basics of all of the instruments if they are involved in a group program.

Basic questions to answer when you child expresses interest in being a string player:

1. Which instrument will your child be most interested in playing?
2. What size does he/she need?
3. Should you buy the instrument or rent?

At Kennedy Violins, we are all string players and look forward to helping people answer all of these questions. We have experienced teachers who answer questions from people who just want information about how to get started, even if you don’t know which questions to ask. Contact us and start with the three questions above.

Our affordable violins and violas are available for purchase or rent nationwide, and we have cellos and basses available in the shop for local customers.

People who spend time talking to us by email or by phone often comment that we give great attention to detail just like your area music store would, even though we run a website that serves people across the country. It’s like finding a local violin shop on the internet, and we are passionate about helping kids get a great start on their path as a string player.

The post Beginner Basics: Where to Get Started appeared first on Education Center.

The post Should My Child Learn Violin? appeared first on Education Center.

Your child just came home from school and announced that he wants to join orchestra. How did THAT happen, especially since nobody else in the family has ever touched a stringed instrument before? Basically, your child has three to four choices, depending on the orchestra program—violin, viola, cello, or bass. What makes these instruments different? How can you decide which instrument is best for your child who is suddenly excited about their budding career as a musician? And, how can you decide which size you need for your child?

Let’s start with the violin since people are typically familiar with that instrument. It’s the smallest of the stringed instruments and has the highest range of notes or pitch. The violin is played tucked under the chin on the left shoulder and bowed with the right hand. It is tuned in fifths starting at the G below “middle C.” Even if you aren’t a musician, this is a reference point for the other instruments to come. Violin sizing is in fractions starting at full size (4/4) and decreasing down to around a 1/32. We offer an online measurement chart for sizing your child or you can work with a local teacher or an in-shop staff member to find the right fit.

The viola is somewhat larger than a violin, but it is still played between the shoulder and chin like a violin. It has a lower range of notes starting at the C below “middle C” and is still tuned in fifths. That gives this instrument a deeper and darker personality. One of the unique things about playing the viola is learning how to read alto clef, which is pretty rare compared to the treble clef (violin) and bass clef (cello and bass). Viola sizing is described inches — 12″ to 16 1/2″ are most common. Students typically play the largest size comfortable for them.

Some kids are drawn to the cello because they don’t want to hold an instrument under their chin. All cellists play their instrument while sitting and resting the end pin of the cello on the floor. The cello is tuned just like a viola, but it is an entire octave lower. We’re talking two C’s below middle C now. Cellos are measured in fractions like violins. These also range from tiny (1/10) to full size (4/4).

The least common of these instruments is the double bass, which is even bigger than the cello. That means you should have a vehicle that will fit a gigantic instrument without having to stick it out the window or leaving the trunk wide open. The bass is tuned in fourths and starts with a very low E. Basses are available in fractional sizes as well. Some programs will have students playing bass very early, while some wait to add them until the kids get older.

If your child starts with one instrument now, is it possible to switch later? Absolutely. There are many string players who are able to play more than one instrument within the string family. I was a violinist who started playing viola when my high school teacher sent me home with a school owned viola and told me to take it to youth symphony rehearsal. Before I knew it, I was enjoying a completely different section of the orchestra. I had to adjust the position of my hand and read music from an alto clef, but playing the viola wasn’t too different than playing the violin. Another common transition is from cello to bass. Most string players understand the basics of all of the instruments if they are involved in a group program.

So, here are the basic questions to answer when you child expresses interest in being a string player:

1. Which instrument will your child be most interested in playing?
2. What size does he/she need?
3. Should you buy the instrument or rent?

At Kennedy Violins, we are all string players and look forward to helping people answer all of these questions. We have experienced teachers who answer questions from people who just want information about how to get started, even if you don’t know which questions to ask. Contact us and start with the three questions above. Our affordable violins and violas are available for purchase or rent nationwide, and we have cellos and basses available in the shop for local customers. People who spend time talking to us by email or by phone often comment that we give great attention to detail just like your area music store would, even though we run a website that serves people across the country. It’s like finding a local violin shop on the internet, and we are passionate about helping kids get a great start on their path as a string player.

The post Orchestra Basics: Where to Get Started appeared first on Education Center.

It’s hard enough to know what you’re looking for when shopping for a violin outfit. So just when you think you’re all done making such life-altering decisions (Shoulder rest? Strings? Case? Rosin?), you’re faced with another mammoth dilemma. Which bow do you pick?

Kennedy Violins offers a wide variety of bow options(and upgrades!) with any violin or viola outfit because we know how important it is that you get what you’re looking for. But what if you don’t know what you’re looking for? Well, look no further! Welcome to Bows 101!

When choosing a bow, it helps to know what the bow is made of. From there, you can decide what quality of fittings you’d prefer. Note that in general, the more expensive the bow, the nicer the fittings, materials, and build.

Bow Types

Fiberglass

Fiberglass bows are often the most affordable option. Fiberglass, not to be confused with carbon fiber (see below), is glass-reinforced plastic that is not as strong or light as carbon fiber, but also not as brittle. Fiberglass is easily molded and cheap to manufacture, which allows for its affordability. These bows are often used for beginners, especially children, as they are very durable (if dropped, scratched, or thrown about by a sibling) and affordable, especially when purchased in smaller sizes that will be grown out of. On the other hand, fiberglass bows rarely respond or bounce as well as quality wood bows, and can sometimes be heavier than preferable.

Wood

Wood bows are a step up from fiberglass bows when made properly with quality fittings. Wooden bows range in quality from beginner to professional. Beware though, if a bow is described as “wood,” but without the type of wood specified. Just like you wouldn’t want to buy a violin made of balsa, steer clear of bows made of “mystery” wood. Look for wood types such as ebony, pernambuco, and Brazilwood (see below).

Pernambuco

Bows are traditionally made of pernambuco, a high-quality, dense, strong wood of a beautiful red hue grown in the north of Brazil. However, as the export of pernambuco to Asia and Europe became so popular to the point of exploitation in the 1700s, pernambuco has since become an endangered tree species. Pernambuco forests are now sponsored by many instrument makers who hope to continue the tradition of using this scarlet wood in the art of bow making.

Brazilwood

Brazilwood is another name for pernambuco (Caesalpinia echinata). But as pernambuco is now endangered, related species of wood similar in quality, strength, springiness, lightness, and color are now used and also referred to as Brazilwood in the bowmaking industry. Related species include include Pink Ipê (Tabebuia impetiginosa), Massaranduba (Manilkara bidentata) and Palo Brasil (Haematoxylum brasiletto).

*Note: High-quality, cured Brazilwood is often used in bowmaking because it has less tendency to warp. A warped or curved bow is unfavorable. To check for warpage, “sight” down the length of the bow from the frog to tip to view whether the wood is bent to the left of right, if at all.

Carbon Fiber

Carbon fiber, or carbon fiber reinforced polymer, is extremely strong and light with a high strength-to-weight ratio. Used in aerospace and automotive engineering, carbon fiber is more expensive to manufacture than fiberglass or other plastics, but the material is of such quality that the effectiveness of carbon fiber bows can sometimes exceed that of Brazilwood bows–depending on the bow, of course. Carbon fiber bows can be manufactured to such precise dimensions that their response, balance, and bounce can be exactly predetermined. Carbon fiber bows are thus more expensive than fiberglass or lower-grade wood bows as they are so well made. The CodaBow is a popular, professional-quality name brand of carbon fiber bow which we are pleased to offer at Kennedy Violins. We carry the CodaBow Prodigy, CodaBow Luma, CodaBow Diamond NX, CodaBow Diamond SX, and CodaBow Diamon GX.

Fittings

Higher-quality bows, like violins, usually have higher-quality and more durable fittings that reflect the craftsmanship of the bow:

• Grip: leatherette (textured or smooth vinyl or plastic), genuine leather, snakeskin, lizard skin
• Winding: whalebone, nickel-silver, silver, gold
• Tip: white plastic, tagua nut, ivory, mammoth ivory (a legal alternative to elephant ivory)
• Frog: plastic, wood, ebony
• Plate: mother of pearl, abalone, ivory, mammoth ivory
• Hair: synthetic, genuine horsehair (white and/or black)

Half or Full Mounting

What is a half-mounted or fully-mounted bow? On a fully-mounted bow you can see the thin stripe of a smooth metal plate between where the frog is connected (or mounted) to the bow, allowing a smooth fit and protection for the wood as it slides back and forth when the bow is tightened and loosened. A half-mounted bow lacks the metal plating, resulting in raw wood on wood between the frog and stick that may wear over time. Half-mounted bows do not have a ring around the pearl eye of the frog, while fully-mounted bows will have a ring around the pearl eye.

Comfort

When choosing a bow, you’ll typically want to try it (such as with our in-home trial program!) to test the bows comfort for you as a unique player. Consider factors such as weight, balance, bounciness, response, and even length, which can vary (especially for bass bows). Try different bow strokes such as spicatto, staccato, and long tones to assess the bows quality and comfort in your own hands.

Questions?

Give us a call at 1-800-779-0242! At Kennedy Violins, we want to make sure you know what you’re buying before you buy it with a commitment to answer your questions with honesty and professional know-how. So go ahead, check out our selection of quality bows…especially now that you know just what you’re looking for.

The post From Frog to Tip—How to Purchase an Orchestral Bow appeared first on Education Center.

For an experienced violinist, the path to finding your “new best friend” may be somewhat simple in its initial approach. Go to a violin store, play several violins that fit into your budget, and buy the violin you like the most. However, figuring out how to buy a violin or other stringed instrument when you’re not the most advanced player can be a daunting task.

If you don’t play the violin, viola or guitar, how can you test one? What if you don’t have a store in your area that has a large selection of instruments? Perhaps most confusing of all is the fact that most violins look the same, and when you compare one to another, the price ranges are huge and the price differences seem to be nebulous and random. How can you be sure you’re not getting ripped off? How expensive an instrument do you need to purchase for your child, especially considering they may be a beginning student?

Fortunately the internet has allowed buying a violin or viola to become much easier. The preferred method of buying a violin is always to play one and then decide which is best for you. However, since most people do not have playing expertise or they are geographically isolated, purchasing from the internet has solved many of the problems that have historically plagued most violin purchasers. Now anyone is able to search thousands of violins across the country, investigate the companies they are interested in buying from, and educate themselves about every aspect of a stringed instrument.

If you’re looking for the best price, it is usually best to go with a company that has a large presence on the web and are used to selling stringed instruments all around the country. If you purchase from a small store that just happens to have a web site, they will probably have a small stock of instruments and purchase their instruments from local distributors and in small quantity. When they purchase in small quantities, it means they have to pay a lot for their violins, and that high cost will be passed on to you. If they sell small quantities of violins every year, then they have to make more per violin to pay the overhead costs associated with running their business. Small companies also lack the power to determine many aspects of the violins construction and overall quality when purchasing them.

Conversely, purchasing from a company that is well versed in the art of providing a high volume of stringed instruments all over the U.S, will be able to negotiate lower prices when purchasing their product from their sources and will have more leverage in controlling the materials, construction and overall quality of the violins. Also, you want to make sure that your violin is sent fast and is packaged very well so it is not damaged. A company that ships thousands of violins every year, will have the expertise to package your violin safely and have the stock of instruments that can ensure that you will be sent your instrument in a quick and efficient manner.

At Kennedy Violins, we have been offering stringed instruments to the public Since 2000. In that time, we have become extremely proficient at setting up stringed instruments very quickly and efficiently. We have a system that ensures the quality control is very high and the end product is very consistent. We are unique, in that we purchase the majority of their instruments directly from the makers themselves. Not only do we negotiate the best prices from our makers but we can even dictate the materials, design and construction methods of our violins. We have a large stock of instruments, so rarely will an instrument not be in stock.  We are also owned and operated by string players, so we know our product very well, and have created a product line-up that is applicable to beginner students and advanced ones.

If you can’t find the information you are looking for on the violin shop web site, you can easily call us Monday through Friday and our friendly and knowledgeable customer service staff will be able to answer any questions that you may have.

Living in the Internet age time has made buying a violin, viola, or guitar easier than ever, so start your search now and have no fear! And at our local shop we also offer cellos and basses. The next time you are in the Vancouver, Washington area come in and take a look! We will be happy to answer your questions.

The post How to Buy a Violin or Other Stringed Instrument appeared first on Education Center.

Hello Everyone,

Today I’m talking about how to practice with your child.

However, I think that the effectiveness of any advice that I can offer is heavily dependent on the relationship that you have with your child. My method worked specifically because of how I structured my relationship with my kids. My relationship with my kids is extremely open.

Before they were born, I decided to NOT treat my kids like kids. I have pretty much always spoke to them as adults and have always strived to use reason in order to work with them as a team.

This means that:

1. We share the same goals. We are working together as a team to build their skill set.
2. I always back up my rules/goal setting with a rational line of thinking. I have never told them they have to do something because “I said so”. I have always been prepared to defend my rules or goal setting for them by having rational, logical reasons. Therefore, if you do not have this specific kind of relationship with your kids, then my methods may not work for you.

From the beginning, my number #1 goal was to NOT have to practice with them AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. I knew that it is inherently dangerous to practice an instrument with your child; especially if you are a musician yourself because you will likely be more impatient, demanding and have absurd expectations. All of these negative attributes can poison your kid against music and you very quickly.

Therefore, my strategy for getting them on their own asap was structured around building their skills as soon as possible. Skill in playing and skill with how to practice.

The #1 rule I alway tried to follow was: Keep it as positive as humanly possible. There are two ways in which I tried to keep practice positive:

1. Create the illusion of choice.

Kids like choice because it makes them feel in control and will feel that what they are doing is THEIR idea. Here are some example questions I’d ask them to give the illusion of choice:

• When should we play a little/practice? After homework/dinner or before? Either choice results in practice.
• Should we practice together or do you want to practice by yourself? Either choice results in practice.
• What should we work on now? It could be a choice of pieces or a piece or an exercise. Either choice results in practice.

2. Avoid negative reinforcement by association:

• Never create the association that them failing at something = you being angry or you turning it into a personal attack against them. Don’t make them feel stupid or lazy. Every time I felt the urge to lash out at them for making a mistake, I would instead chuckle or laugh it off. Oh, no! Let’s do it again but even better! (and keep smiling). If you can’t do it, leave. Make an excuse to get something to drink from the kitchen or perhaps get them something. Kids are sensitive. They will know when you are mad, irritated or frustrated.
• Don’t make them feel stupid or lazy or incompetent.
• Sometimes you have to pull the rip cord: If things are going very badly (Either I or the child has a terrible attitude) .

Therefore, you have a couple options:

Option #1: Just say, it looks like we are not in the right state of mind to have an awesome practice today. Should we just do a double practice tomorrow? This again gives the kid choice and can commit them to a longer session the next day. Either way, they get the practice in.

Option #2: Should we practice your pieces today or just do duets? This option is obviously only available to parents who play. If they choose duets, that’s great. The kid and you usually find this much more fun than their piece or exercises. The kid still practices and learns another skill. Also, it’s an opportunity for the kid to associate fun with their parents and their instrument. You can’t be too bossy though. That’ll ruin it.

THE FINALE RULE I tried not to break for myself was to remember that perfection of playing is not necessary all the time.

If I do strive for perfection, it’s mostly to strive for HOW to practice properly. If I can teach them how to practice and practicing is routine, then this speeds up the time, where I don’t need to practice with them anymore!

The post How to Practice With Your Kids appeared first on Education Center.