Violin Beginnings

I haven't written about violin yet so...

Where do you start as a beginner?
+ Holding the violin is the most basic foundation- maintain proper spinal alignment, rest the violin so that it sits securely on your shoulder and doesn't slide down your chest.  If you don't already have a shoulder rest- I recommend them, as I have never been able to find a position that is both comfortable and secure without one.  It should rest comfortably between your chin and shoulder without having to hold it with your left hand.

+ Holding the bow is a simultaneous first with holding the violin.  Key principles for bow hold are thumb, pinkie, and index fingers- maintaining a relaxed, flexible grip.  The thumb is the fulcrum, and the index and pinkie fingers provide stability.  The middle two fingers give a little bit of stability, but they aren't the primary focus of the bow grip.  Your thumb joint should be able to move a little bit- never locked.  The tip of the thumb should touch the wood of the bow just against the frog.  The middle finger wraps over the top of the bow- making contact in between the first and second knuckle.  The pinkie tip touches on top of the bow, and the first finger touches just on the inside of the 2nd knuckle.