Movement Functionality, Shifting, and use of Rib Cage in Left Hand Viola/Violin Technique

Shifting has long been a potential stumbling block for many string players. The challenge to move up and down the fingerboard with ease at the crucial moment is the real goal so one can express musical ideas effortlessly. Therefore what is easiest in terms of playing technique must be the most innate movement from the standpoint of functionality of the skeleton. It is indeed the skeleton that gives our muscles cues, whether we are willing to listen to them or not. For example there is some confusion among some about what it means to 'relax the shoulder' . In fact, the shoulder girdle rests 'atop' the rib cage. It is, in a sense, a passive component from a functionality standpoint. That said, it is a perfect hinge in the cog initiated by lower back muscles whether one is bowing or shifting.

In terms of shifting, it is first of all essential the shoulder be relaxed and not gripping the instrument. This creates a chain effect leading to difficulty in reaching the left hand around sufficiently to reach higher positions. The real question is 'where do we shift from and how can we relate to the violin/viola with ease so the left hand is free to shift unfettered?' The logical answer by most would be the arm, wrist & fingers. But the most innate momentum for the hand & wrist is actually the rib cage and more specifically, use of the vertebra to raise and lower the rib cage.

Shifting with ease necessitates the left hand be completely unfettered when upward movement is actually executed. How can this possibly be done? Using the law of gravity as a starting point, it is optimum we find the place where the viola/violin is 'falling' into the neck/upper body so the left hand is free to move, unfettered by need to hold up the instrument.

Watching virtuosos like Heiftetz or Primrose, it seems extra dramatic that they would hold their instruments up so high. So dramatic and virtuosic. And yet when you look at the actual angel of the violin, it is falling into the body, facilitating left hand freedom.

So how is this proper angle achieved so the instrument is falling into our body when shifting up the instrument and how can this be done without 'raising' the shoulders? It is the rib cage, and specifically the vertebra that initiate the movement and momentum to shift. One of the most basic awareness movements both in Alexander & Feldenkrais along with other flexibility disciplines - is feeling of vertebra raising & lowering one at a time, whether initiated from the lower spine or top of the head. This too becomes the basis for exploring range of motion with the torso and with respect to playing the violin or viola. This also applies to the most basic technical components of shifting.