D.C. Dounis described several key points about performing the Bach cello suites or solo violin partitas. To understand his ideas let's us look at the following observations...
Continue ReadingD. C. Dounis Interview
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The following interview was published in the book "With The Artists" in 1955. To my knowledge it is the only documented interview with Dounis ever made and probably occurred in the early 1950s in New York City.
Continue ReadingDisplaced Impulses...A Common Problem That is Relatively Unknown
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What are "Displaced Impulses?"
These are impulses that end up in the wrong part of body when a player is struggling with a passage technically and work contrary to the natural movements of the body. A classic example is someone bobbing their head when playing a difficult passage. Of course it can be any part of the body, but always prevents the natural motion needed to play a passage.
The Cure...
Continue ReadingDounis - "Always play 1/2 an inch above the string!"
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Dounis always told his students to always imagine they were playing on a string 1/2 an inch above the real string.
To understand what he meant, do this exercise...
Continue ReadingDounis - "Up Bow and Down Bow are Different Bowing Techniques"
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Dounis said that most string players "don't realize that the technique of Up Bow is very different than the Down Bow."
So... What's the difference?
Here's a breakdown...
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Master of the Ricochet - Alexander Markov
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Many violin virtuosos perform the 5th Paganini Caprice, but rarely do you see them play the original ricochet bowings. Alexander Markov not only plays this Caprice but dazzles one with his effortless mastery of these seemingly impossible bowings.
Continue ReadingA rarely observed fact that can instantly change your bow arm!
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I was working with an exceptional violinist the other day and discovered that she didn't know this important but little known fact of the bow. This is how the conversation went. I said to her...
What is the line or direction of the pull on the down bow?
Quickly we deduced that it is to the right and horizontal.
Then I asked her what is the direction of pressure?
After considering it for a moment it was discovered to be vertical or downward. Then we proceeded to the up bow.
Continue ReadingUsing Miming For A Natural Technique
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Miming is one of the great secrets of learning to have a natural technique.
The idea is really simple...
While holding the instrument you sing a passage while miming the movements of the left hand and bow arm. Feel the motions of the miming and then imitate those motions when you play normally. Repeat this exercise until your technique feels the same as the miming.
Continue ReadingHow To Get A Natural Bow Grip In 10 Seconds Or Less
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Hi String Lovers...
Here's a present for your stocking.
Holiday Tip of the Day...
To find a natural bow grip in 10 seconds or less...
Continue ReadingThe Cellist’s Guide to a World Class Sound
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Dounis encouraged his students to discover their own sound. A sound with personality and depth. A sound that is immediately identifiable as the performer and as unique as a fingerprint.
A Cellist’s Guide To A World Class Sound
To achieve a world class sound you must master the following 10 fundamentals:
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