Part 2b Posture:  Steps to hold instrument

Click on movie camera icon to see movie of these steps:

Holding Violin and Viola
Holding Cello
Holding Bass
1)  Alert - correct posture (see 2a Posture).
2)  Extend - holding the instrument by the neck in your left hand, extend your arm like the Statue of Liberty
3)  Eye the Button - place the end button at eye level
4)  Tuck - tuck the instrument under your jaw bone
5)  Balance - balance the instrument without using your hands!
1)  Alert - correct posture (see 2a Posture)
2)  Extend - holding the instrument by the neck in your left hand, extend your arm in front of you so the instrument is straight up and down
3)  Tuck - lean the instrument into you
4)  Balance - balance the instrument without using your hands
1)  Alert - correct posture (see 2a Posture)
2)  Extend - holding the instrument by the neck in your left hand, extend your arm in front of you so the instrument is straight up and down
3)  Tuck - lean the instrument into you
4)  Balance - balance the instrument without using your hands (may take extra time finding the position for bass players)

String Pedagogy for High School Mentors
©2002 - Michael C. Watson