Ponderings of a Potted Plant

    I play the violin I like to take the violin  traveling with me wherever I go I feel a little conspicuous I feel like a traveling musician that is going to perform at a great concert hall.  I am not.  My violin is my traveling companion and we are still learning how to work together. The great mystery is how to work with the violin to make sounds that are actually pleasing to the ear. At one point, I became frustrated with not producing the sound that I wanted to hear. I went back to the basics and looked at a YouTube video that talked about to hold the bow. The bow of the violin is an essential part of making the music. It can help you create long and smooth notes. The bow of the violin is also essential part of making bad music. It can squeak and bounce and go places that you don't want it to go.  The YouTube video basically said: "Loosen up". Don't grip your bow so tight like you are afraid that it will run away from you.    When you keep yo...