jason kleinberg

10 Common Beginner Violin Mistakes

Do you want to successfully learn the violin? You’re bound to struggle and make mistakes along the way. That’s part of the learning process. And in a way this is what makes learning fun. But by being aware of common pitfalls, you’ll waste less time and energy. Let me help you continue the violin journey … Continued

Learn Violin With Familiar Songs

Overview An easy, familiar song like Twinkle Little Star is not only good for beginner violinists, but it’s also a good practice tool for more advanced players. In this lesson, I’ll give you some ideas for taking these timeworn songs an re-inventing them.   Beginner Practice With Familiar Songs Familiar songs are a great way … Continued

Get Good At Getting Good: Fiddle Practice Tips 

Are you struggling to improve your fiddle skills? If you’re always frustrated during practice, you might be training yourself to be frustrated every time you pick up your instrument. Time to change things up and get good at getting good. 🤔 Recognize Frustration & Change Your Approach Frustration is a common feeling when practicing the … Continued

How To Enjoy Practicing Violin

Overview Practice does not have to suck. Shift your mindset. Give yourself permission to enjoy it. What can you change so that it’s fun? What aspects of the practice do you already enjoy? Try to cultivate those moments and bring it that joy to the aspects you enjoy less. Enjoy the process of practicing music … Continued

Fiddling With Micro-Motions

  Overview By putting movement at the forefront of your practice, you’ll unlock new levels of understanding, and your music will truly come to life. The essential idea is that when first learning a piece or skill, you’re not yet making music. You’re practicing and refining different motions. Become deeply aware of these motions by … Continued

Practice Fiddling Without A Fiddle

  Did you know that you can practice fiddling without a fiddle? Practicing without an instrument is a great way to strengthen your mental models of songs and music. I recently adopted a baby girl named Veda. Probably the most challenging part is having A LOT less time. In response, I’ve been finding ways to … Continued

Fiddling With A Music Journal

If you write about what you practiced today, you can go further tomorrow. Use a music journal to stay motivated, organized and focused. The Three Basic Steps For Using A Music Practice Journal Plan Do Reflect The Plan-Do-Reflect process is the essence of Deliberate Practice. Learn to do this multiple times during a single practice … Continued

Fiddling With Daily Listening

You can actively build mental models of songs through daily listening. It’s a way to practice without your instrument. Doing this allows you to learn tunes more quickly. But more important than that, with daily listening, your music will sound more like music. You’ll naturally add more feeling and expression when you listen. Steven King … Continued

Find The Fun In Fiddling

  I’ve been meeting with two coaches to help me develop the Play Every Day game and course. I mentioned that I was anxious about a lot of the logistics. How to print cards? How to promote the product? When to do what? Coach Dave advised me to “Find the fun in it.” The Fun … Continued