Michigan, US, 6th March 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, Marnie Thies of proviolin.com believes that practicing the violin or any musical instrument is an art in and of itself. As she continues to refine her teaching skills, Marnie Thies continues to deepen her understanding of various ways to practice.

The most important practice tip is finding a good time to practice and establishing a set practice time. Ideally, an adult student or child practices when they are the most mentally alert. Many teachers assert that establishing a regular time to practice helps ensure a sense of routine, thus making it easier to practice. Additionally, a well-known strategy for making practice easier is to leave the instrument out of the violin case. This serves as a practice reminder.

Another proven way of practicing the violin or any instrument is to play musical excerpts slowly. Practicing slowly is both effective and essential when learning new music, and it remains valuable throughout the process of refining pieces. Practicing in this way enables the player to pay closer attention to pitch, rhythm, dynamics, phrasing, and other musical details, while also helping the musician memorize pieces more effectively.

When a violinist is learning new repertoire, difficult musical segments will arise. While it is understandable that a musician may want to learn the piece right away, it is more beneficial to break things down sequentially. Dividing music into smaller sections makes it easier to master more challenging pieces. Another advantage of practicing passages in smaller sections is that it increases the chances of success, motivating musicians to practice more.

As Dr. Suzuki, the founder of the renowned Suzuki method, famously said, “Celebrate small steps.” Working on music in smaller segments is especially important because some students need to experience success shortly after starting to work on something. This approach to practicing is essential when parents are working with their young children, which is a cornerstone of the Suzuki method.

When learning a new piece, it is easy to overlook dynamics due to the focus on other elements of musical performance, such as pitch, rhythm, tone, and other musical details. Many teachers, including Marnie Thies, recommend color-coding music to highlight where soft and loud dynamics occur. To help begin the process of color-coding music, Marnie Thies states, “I have students write down which colors symbolize loud and soft dynamics. When a student does not know where to begin, I may suggest that the color red be for loud and blue is for soft dynamics. From there, a student’s creative juices may flow, which will help them color-code other musical signs such as crescendo (getting louder) or decrescendo (getting softer). Color-coding the music may help a student recognize the dynamic differences he or she should execute when playing the violin.” If a student needs help remembering certain musical nuances when playing, Marnie Thies advises older students to take notes by using post-it notes.

During high school, Marnie Thies studied violin under Mary West, the former emeritus professor of violin at the University of Minnesota. She emphasized listening to at least three different artists when learning new repertoire. Listening to different violinists is helpful because a performer can take what they like in terms of dynamics and phrasing from each performer and incorporate it into their own playing. With the innovation of YouTube, students can incorporate dynamics and phrasing as well as bowings and fingerings into various pieces. Bowings and fingerings can easily be seen on YouTube and can influence how a piece sounds. By watching a violinist perform “The Swan” by Camille Saint-Saëns, Marnie Thies learned to make a more effective crescendo by using two bows as opposed to using one. This made the piece more exciting because the crescendo was easily heard by Marnie Thies and the audience.

It is natural for violinists to want to play through pieces and “perform” them during practice. However, it is more effective to designate certain parts of various pieces as practice spots when musical nuances such as dynamics, phrasing, continuous vibrato, and other aspects of a polished performance are not up to par. When Marnie Thies instructs students during lessons at Marnie Thies Violin Lessons to mark specific sections of their repertoire as practice spots, they understand that these areas require focused, repetitive attention during practice. Focusing on specific sections of a piece helps achieve a higher-quality performance when playing it in full during auditions and recitals.

When learning a new piece, a student writes down various musical details to remember during lessons and in practice. As the weeks go by, it is easy for music to get cluttered with various reminders of how to play certain notes. Starting out with multiple photocopies of the music is helpful because old copies can be discarded when the musical details written in are no longer applicable.

It is important to have optimal mental alertness during practice sessions. Practicing in short bursts keeps the mind more fresh and alert. For some pupils, it may make sense to practice for 10 minutes at a time. For others, longer practice sessions might be more suitable. It is advisable for students to find the amount of time they can practice before they lose focus. Shorter practice sessions decrease the likelihood that faulty technique ensues and may increase the probability of learning new music correctly with regards to pitch, rhythm, dynamics, phrasing, and other musical aspects.

Many violinists take note of musical nuances to watch and listen for before they play musical excerpts. This makes a lot of sense. However, Marnie Thies found that it’s more effective for players to recall musical details just before they need them, rather than at the beginning of the excerpt.

It is crucial for students to listen to the pieces they are studying every day. Listening promotes internalization of the piece, which is a deep awareness of pitch, rhythm, dynamics, phrasing, and other musical nuances to the point that the student can accurately sing what is written on the sheet music. Once a student has internalized a piece, they can independently correct errors while playing various repertoire. This enables more lesson time to be dedicated to new material, making it easier for students to advance through the repertoire.

There are online and offline resources available that explain various ways of how to practice.
Many YouTube videos provide a wealth of information about practicing effectively. A few online videos that may benefit musicians trying to improve their practice technique are David Kim, who is currently Concertmaster of the Philadelphia Orchestra, and Nathan Cole, concertmaster of the Boston Symphony.

Another resource that may be helpful to teachers is Philip Johnston’s The Practice Revolution: Getting Great Results From the Six Days Between Lessons. In this book, Johnston discusses various practice strategies, highlighting those that are effective and those that are not. He helps teachers learn ways to approach practicing so that they can coach their students. His second book about practicing, Practiceopedia: The Big Book of Practice Help, was written for students and parents. This manual explores practice tips and tricks.

The Suzuki Method, developed by Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, emphasizes the involvement of a “practice parent.” For Suzuki parents, students, and teachers, this approach requires the parent to attend lessons, take notes, and practice alongside their child. Suzuki parents may find it helpful to read Edmund Sprunger’s book, Helping Parents Practice. Mr. Sprunger draws on years of teaching experience and his background in psychotherapy to explain different practice strategies parents can use when working with their children.

At the release of this publication, Marnie Thies is available for both online violin lessons and in-person lessons to children and adults in St. Paul, in the suburbs of Falcon Heights, and North Oaks. Marnie Thies looks forward to expanding her teaching locations to include the Anoka County area in cities such as Blaine and Coon Rapids. Marnie Thies has been teaching online since 2014 and more frequently since 2020 with Marnie Thies Violin Lessons. Her website showcases the progression of her student who began taking lessons online exclusively with Marnie Thies. Another video on her online lessons page highlights how her student learned vibrato solely through online lessons. To collaborate with Marnie Thies, please contact her through her website.

Michigan, US, 6th March 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, Ammar Jali, a renowned explorer and entrepreneur recently explored Dades Gorges, one of Morocco’s most stunning natural wonders. Jali’s exploration of the Dades Gorges showcased the raw beauty, rich history, and deep cultural heritage of this awe-inspiring region.

Marveling at Nature’s Grandeur

Nestled between the Atlas Mountains, the Dades Gorges are a series of dramatic canyons carved over millennia by the Dades River. Towering red and ochre cliffs, winding roads, and verdant valleys make the region a visual masterpiece and an adventurer’s paradise.

“As I trekked through the gorges, I was in absolute awe of the landscapes around me,” Jali shared. “The interplay of light and shadow over the rock formations, the deep canyon walls, and the contrast of lush green oases against the rugged terrain make this place feel otherworldly.”

Jali’s journey took him through some of the most iconic points of the gorges, including the famous “Monkey Fingers” rock formations and the serpentine roads leading up to breathtaking viewpoints that revealed panoramic views of the entire valley.

Discovering the Cultural and Historical Essence of the Gorges

Beyond its geological magnificence, the Dades Gorges hold deep cultural and historical significance. Jali took time to engage with the Berber communities who have called this region home for centuries, learning about their traditions, craftsmanship, and way of life.

“The people of the Dades region have an incredible connection to the land,” Jali noted. “Their hospitality, their stories, and their resilience in such a striking yet harsh environment are truly inspiring.”

One of the highlights of his visit was exploring the ancient kasbahs and fortified villages dotting the landscape. These historic structures, once integral to trade routes and community life, serve as reminders of Morocco’s rich past.

“The kasbahs tell stories of centuries of trade, battles, and survival in this rugged terrain,” Jali reflected. “They are architectural marvels that embody the spirit of the Berber people.”

Embracing the Adventure

Jali’s trip was not merely about sightseeing but about experiencing the adventure that the Dades Gorges offer. He embarked on hikes along the canyon ridges, explored hidden valleys, and even took part in a thrilling off-road journey through the rocky landscapes.

“This region is a dream for any adventure enthusiast,” Jali said. “Whether it’s trekking, climbing, or simply taking in the scenery on a road trip, there’s an endless sense of exploration here.”

He also spent time observing the unique flora and fauna of the region, from rare mountain birds to resilient desert plants that thrive in the arid conditions.

A Journey Through Time and Nature

One of the most striking elements of Jali’s visit was the sense of timelessness that the Dades Gorges exude. From ancient geological formations to the unchanged traditions of local communities, the region embodies a harmony between history and nature.

“This place is a testament to the power of nature and the endurance of human civilization,” Jali remarked. “It’s a destination that not only captivates the eyes but also the soul.”

His exploration of the Dades Gorges underscored the importance of preserving such natural and cultural treasures. He expressed admiration for the conservation efforts made by local groups to protect the environment and sustain their heritage.

Encouraging Others to Discover Dades Gorges

For those looking to experience the Dades Gorges, Jali offers simple advice: “Come with an open heart and a spirit of adventure. There’s something magical about immersing yourself in a landscape so grand and yet so intimately connected to its people.”

Ammar Jali’s journey through the Dades Gorges serves as a testament to the wonder of exploration, the richness of Morocco’s landscapes, and the enduring connection between nature and culture. His adventure invites others to step off the beaten path and witness the breathtaking beauty and timeless traditions that make this region an unmissable destination.