Table of Contents
Why does my shoulder rest hurt?
Your shoulder rest is too far back on the violin or viola. Your shoulder rest is adjusted too low. If you’ve tried repositioning your shoulder rest feet and are still experiencing pain, you may want to try adjusting the height of the feet screws. (Remember: they’re not supposed to be screwed in all the way!)
Does violin hurt your neck?
Violinists have twice as much risk of developing pain in the neck, right shoulder and left forearm, when compared with pianists. Violists and violinists have a higher incidence of pain in the neck, shoulder, elbow and forearm than pianists.
Why does my shoulder hurt playing violin?
Pain in the right shoulder, neck and upper back is not uncommon amongst violinists as well. Often times the shoulder blade, or scapula, can be slumped and pulled up and forward from overuse of the upper trapezius and pectoral muscles, and weakness of the lower scapular muscles.
How do you hold a violin without tension?
Place your violin on your collarbone, not your shoulder. Your chin doesn’t have to squeeze the violin to prevent it from wobbling while bowing. You should instead be balancing your violin between your hand and your collarbone, with an even 50/50 weight distribution. The endpin should point to the middle of your throat.
How do I stop my shoulder from hurting when I play the violin?
Shoulder and chin rests If you grip your instrument between your thumb and index finger, experience pain in your neck or shoulder, or find that your wrist tends to collapse flat around the neck, you may not have the support you need from your chin and/or shoulder rest. Start with a good-fitting chin rest.
How can I be more relaxed when playing violin?
Below are a few exercises you can do if you feel yourself becoming tense while playing the violin:
- Shake your muscles out. If you’re feeling tense, put down your violin and shake away the tension.
- Take it slowly.
- Position yourself correctly.
- Let gravity do its job.
- Try the ‘baroque’ bowhold.