Rest No More?
(The shoulder rest, that is)

Jonathan Swartz
Professor of Violin
Arizona State University
Jonathan Swartz shares his exploration of playing the violin without a shoulder rest, after almost 40 years of playing exclusively with one.
Fundamental principles of violin set-up, efficiencies of technique, and general physical health are discussed.

      
Common Habits with a Shoulder Rest: InefficientàDetrimental

VIDEO 1

Goals

VIDEO 2

Forces

VIDEO 3

Shoulder Rest or No Shoulder Rest, These Remain the Same

VIDEO 4

Exercises (practice without a shoulder rest)

VIDEO 5/6

Q&A: Chinrests
VIDEO 7A

Q&A: Position of left thumb and relationship to the right hand index finger
VIDEO 7B

Q&A: Vibrating without a shoulder rest
VIDEO 7C

Q&A: Concept of sound before and after the shoulder rest
VIDEO 7D

Q&A: What if anything are the negatives of playing without a shoulder rest
VIDEO 7E