The Violin Geek Blog Tips, insight, and inspiration since 2007.
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While some may be unaware of this violin cousin, the viola can be a great choice for those having a hard time deciding between playing the violin or cello, or who are drawn to the lower range of the cello, but would prefer to play a smaller, more ...
What are études? Should you be playing them? Where do they fit into your practice routine, especially also considering a scale and arpeggio practice? Which ones should you start with, and should you always go in book order?
If you've ever considered ...
Ever wondered what strings might help your instrument sound warmer? Brighter? Louder? Softer? Should you try gut strings? Is there a difference between synthetic and composite strings? What about all metal strings, and do different types of metals ...
I recently had the chance to try out the new Kun Seven shoulder rest, and while it's not my favorite shoulder rest, it does have many smart features and enough customization to probably work for quite a few players out there.
Retailing in the ...
It was pretty cool to join the White Album Ensemble for a gig at Apple headquarters a very long time ago, but cringey, especially as a violinist, to have sheet music instructing me to play slightly ...
Can't quite get up to tempo? Starting to wonder if you even "have what it takes" to keep up with an ensemble? In this episode, I demystify one of the most universal issues among musicians of all types and skill levels, with tips for how to ...
Released on our fourth album, "Driving By Candlelight," we decided to revisit our song "Crow Flies High" recently and to finally create a music video for it. Written on a tour through the Southwest back in 2016, we had to cancel ...
Please email me at laurel@laurelthomsen.com if you have a violin, viola, fiddle, music biz, or practice related question you’d like answered in the blog or on a podcast, have a story or insight to share, or if you’d like to inquire about violin, viola, or fiddle lessons with me, in-person or online via Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom.
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Laurel ThomsenViolin, Viola, Vocals
Performance, Instruction, Recording
Based in Santa Cruz, California
"After the Fire" - released January 21, 2022!
Each song portrays a facet of the journey from setback to reclaimed hope - finding faith in the possibility of LOVE in “Make Me Come Alive,” HOME in “Beale Street,” COMMUNITY in “Together Again” and “Money Shouldn’t Talk That Strong,” and one’s own STRENGTH and FORTITUDE in “If A Wave” and “Hey, It’ll Be OK.”