Making these tutorial videos and answering questions from players worldwide feels to me like traveling the world without leaving my desk :).

Let’s first go into your right arm… (further below I teach something about the left arm)

You might already have learned that the position of your upper arm depends on which string you are playing on. When you go to the E string (for violists the A string) your arm goes down and when you go to the G string your arm goes up.

Pulling your upper arm up too much when playing on the G string (for violists the C string) can really hurt your back and shoulder.

Your elbow should be slightly (!) lower than your wrist. Different violinists and violists do different things. Find out what works best for you… just a little up or just a little down from this standard position.

This position is comfortable and won’t cause injury while you are still able to transfer the weight of your arm into the bow. What more do you want? 😉

Changing the position of your upper arm when changing strings is just a movement of your upper arm (think ‘chicken wings’). Don’t pull up your shoulder to your ear. I sometimes tell people ‘shoulder low’, but the danger in this is that you push your shoulder down too much to an unnatural and tensed position. Keep your shoulder relaxed and in a natural position.

For more tips on the position of your shoulder, please watch this video: Should You Lift or Rotate Your Shoulder when Bowing on the G String

Now something about your left arm, as I’m not sure if you mean left or right arm in your e-mail…

Normally your elbow should be straight under your violin pointing to the ground. Your left arm should be relaxed and should be able to move.