Technique Notebook
A student notebook — what I'm learning, what I'm practising, and where I'm stuck. Not authoritative instruction.
Martelé stroke and the contact point
Updated Sep 10, 2026
What I'm learning
I'm learning to keep the bow contact point consistent through string crossings, especially in the upper half of the bow.
Current difficulties
The contact point drifts toward the fingerboard when the crossings get faster. I don't always notice it in real time.
Practice methods
Practising in front of a mirror. Slow tempo with deliberate attention to where the bow sits on the string.
Exercises
Sevcik Op. 2 variations. Slow Kreutzer with focus on the crossing point.
Teacher notes
M. said to watch the contact point, not the left hand. The sound will tell me if it drifts.
Progress notes
This week the crossings felt more even at slow tempo. Still rush when I speed up.
Related études
Kreutzer — Étude No. 7
Related repertoire
Accolay — Violin Concerto No. 1
Shifting to third position
Updated Sep 10, 2026
What I'm learning
I'm working on shifting cleanly to third position, especially in the opening phrase of the Accolay.
Current difficulties
The shift sometimes arrives late in the phrase, so it feels rushed. Intonation on the A string is less reliable.
Practice methods
Hear the target note before shifting. Practise the shift in isolation, then in context.
Exercises
Drone practice — play the target note with a drone, then shift to it and check intonation.
Teacher notes
Prepare the shift earlier in the phrase. The left hand knows where to go — let it.
Progress notes
The drone practice is helping. The shift landed cleanly three times in a row this week.
Related études
Kreutzer — Étude No. 7
Related repertoire
Accolay — Violin Concerto No. 1