How to Keep Your Left and Right Pinky Round in Playing Violin or Viola

Written by Zlata Brouwer
Published: March 26, 2014 at 9:36 AM [UTC]

Sylviane writes:

Hello Zlata,
I just watched your youtube video on the Pinky Training Program that you posted at the violinist.com!
What a marvelous idea!
I have an 8-year old daughter who has been playing the violin for almost 4 years, under Suzuki method. I myself started learning violin just to accompany her. One of the challenges that my daughter has is her pinky, on both hands! Her left pinky would stay curled until she needs to use it. Her teacher and I keep reminding her about this, sometimes it works but when we stop reminding her, that she would fall to the bad habit again.
And her right pinky, is often doing the exact position you showed on the video: sky slope rather than curled pinky. She used to have a pinky tube on her bow when she started, but now she doesn't want to have any of these 'aids' as she believes she is quite advanced. She might be more advanced than 4 years ago but she definitely needs remindings.
I will show her the video, most of the times she listens to others better than her mother!
I will check out your website violin lounge and the free workshop as well.
Thank you again and hope to see you soon on your video!
Sylviane

Perhaps your teacher told you a hundred times to keep your pinky round. A round left pinky will improve your intonation. A round right pinky will improve your bowing and tone production.

It’s easier said than done. Your pinky needs strength (muscles!), flexibility and balance. My Pinky Training Program will help and is available for free worldwide. Check it out here!

In this video I will share with you some additional tips, tricks and exercises to keep your pinky round. Also I will share my opinion about aids, like a pinky tube, to solve the pinky problems.