Even if we've developed a functional bow hold and good bowing arm mechanics, our bow can still slide around sometimes, creating airy and scratchy tones when we're simply trying to get through our piece. If this sounds familiar you've come to the right place. Forget mirrors, bow tracking devices, or trying to mastermind ways to create a straight bow stroke visually, the "Straight Bow Wiggle Test" is one of my favorite exercises for this issue as it helps us sensitize to the feeling of a straight bow. That means it will work even if we're preoccupied - looking at sheet music, or our conductor, our ensemble member, or our bandmate. I've been teaching it to my beginning students for years with great results. I hope you'll also find it helpful. Let me know!
Happy Practicing!
