Crescent Bow Path, Planes and String Crossings

By Drew Lecher: Hi Everyone — It has been a while……Please join this journey of violin/viola technique. It is my hope that all will benefit. This video lesson excerpt explains why, and how to accomplish perhaps the simplest of concepts to master your bow’s path, automatically gaining a more resonant tone with tremendous ease and fluidity of action: the Crescent Bow — or ‘banana’ or ‘smiley face’ bow. Think of the hand and bow becoming one and then focus on the upper arm and forearm — the joints of the shoulder, elbow and wrist are constantly proactive in the arm’s motions. The movement is similar to that of a bi-fold door — on the string at the tip of the bow, the door is closed; at the frog, the door is open. Accompany this action with well timed, flowing and beautiful string crossings and you are well on your way to sounding like a fine violinist or violist. Then mix in the proper proportion and balance for multiple strings — double-stops and chords. Voilà! With greater understanding, all works and flows better. Now apply and master throughout your technique and repertoire. Piece of cake:) My full video series, "Violin Technique: The Manual" and "Viola Technique: The Manual" (VTTM) are now available for streaming, and my books are now available in eBook format. It is my hope that you will benefit greatly. God bless, Drew You might also like:

• Lads & Lasses, 'Draw your Bows!'
• Bowing Outside the Box
• Is Your Bow Smiling?