From the ARCHIVE

Before commencing the serious study of the violin, it is important the student should be determined to devote his time to it exclusively; half-hearted work is no use, and much patience and earnestness are essential. The possession of an accurate ear is a great help and advantage. I believe, however, this can be cultivated, even if not there naturally, although difficulties are increased if this is not present as a natural gift.

To those students who have determined to enter seriously the path of violin study I will address myself, and try and help them in their work with the advantage of my life’s experience. From the very commencement, the position of holding the bow and fiddle are most important, and in as clear a way as I can I will endeavour to explain the correct way of so doing, as followed by such men as Spohr, Molique, Ernst, Vieuxtemps, and lastly, but not least, Paganini.

The left hand side of the tail piece of the violin should rest under the chin of the player, while a pad is desirable so as to avoid bringing the shoulder under the violin, which should be held in as straight a line as possible, the neck of the instrument should rest between the thumb and forefinger of the left hand, and is held above the joint of this finger firmly enough to prevent it dropping into the hole between the thumb and finger. The elbow of the arm holding the violin must be drawn inwardly until it is opposite the middle of the body (a position somewhat difficult to arrive at with any sense of ease at first).

TUCKER DENSLEY

When a boy studying under Molique I practised eight and nine hours a day, and my father, who was a passionate lover of music himself and an amateur violinist of excellence, would allow of no games or recreations until my full time had been accomplished. Some of my old schoolfellows remind me that in those days they would come and call for me to go out, I used to explain to them (on my violin, so they say) “Father says I am not to come to-night.” This was before I was nine years old, at which date I made my “first appearance” in my native town, Keighley. To shew my studies were carried on under difficulties, I may say that before I went under Molique I had lessons with a professor in Bradford named Baker, and as the train service did not then extend in that district, I used to walk to my lesson, a distance of ten miles, once a week, while I got a lift back in the carrier’s cart.

It is possible of course to practise incorrectly so that the time is really wasted. It is always advisable to be well guided and instructed. It saves many hours of work. It is useful to have a good-sized looking-glass in front of which to practise; it prevents the student getting into careless ways while practising.