Beginners who just took violin lessons and are excited and anxious to learn the violin often disregard the well-being of their body when playing. While playing the violin can give you a lot of benefits, you must also watch out for some warning signs when you are playing for too long or incorrectly.

Bad practices in playing the violin can lead to injuries or pains. It is the duty of violin teachers to warn and guide their students about these. Here are some basic tips you'll learn from your violin teacher on playing the violin properly:

Don't Forget to Stretch and Warm-up

Runners need to stretch their muscles before running and singers need to warm-up their vocal chords before practicing or performing. Violinists need to stretch and warm-up too to avoid straining their arms, shoulders, and hands for playing and practicing for hours. Performing some stretches for your joints and muscles can prevent injury.

While playing with the violin and bow, your muscles contract as they move. Playing continuously will shorten your muscles which oftentimes lead to tension. So whether you will be playing the violin for practice or violin lessons, you need to condition your muscles by doing simple stretches to lengthen and prepare your muscles.

Be Conscious of Your Posture

Violin teachers oftentimes teach their students the correct posture when playing, however many students tend to forget this when they rehearse or practice on their own. When you notice strain or pain in some of the body parts you use while playing, then there must be something wrong with how you play your musical instrument.

Be conscious with the way you sit or stand when playing the violin. Find your neutral alignment and avoid twisting your body too much to uncomfortable directions. When sitting, find the bones you sit on and center on these bones. Do not keep your legs rigid, but keep them springy and receptive to avoid strain.

Set Healthy Practice Routines

The violin is an enchanting musical instrument especially when you start discovering different songs and compositions to play with it. However, you must not practice for long hours to prevent straining your back, shoulders, wrists, and hands. Many violin teachers advise students to limit rehearsals for four to five hours at maximum. Taking short breaks in between can also help rest your body.
Aside from relieving fatigued body parts, taking breaks can also help condition your brain. Long practice hours will strain your brain, preventing you from focusing on your musical instrument.

Be Aware of Your Movements

Some students who play dramatic or intense music with their violin tend to stiffen. Other students who are nervous or anxious when playing also experience this. Whether you are practicing or playing in public, you always need to be conscious and observant with the way you move. During violin lessons, your teacher should teach you the right techniques to keep your movements free-flowing and prevent pains and injuries. When bowing, do not fold your wrist with your hands outside, but bend it outward, creating an inward curve with your hand.