Best Laurel Thomsen Podcasts (2024)

1
Recovery Practice 18:09

15d ago18:09

18:09

We know we can't stop to fix mistakes during a performance, so why don't we ever seem to spend time in the practice room practicing how to recover? In this episode, host Laurel Thomsen shares why "recovery practice" might be the missing factor in your routine, and three ways to practice getting better at getting back on track when we do make a mist…

1
Pitch versus Tone 22:46

2M ago22:46

22:46

Beginning students, but even the more advanced among us, often struggle with pitch (intonation) and tone. Troubleshooting sounds we'd like to improve can be especially frustrating when we're having a hard time differentiating between the two. One is the domain of the left hand, while the other, the domain of the right. In this episode we explore ho…

1
"Weaving musical worlds into one" - a conversation with Jazz violinist and composer Meg Okura 1:29:27

3M ago1:29:27

1:29:27

In this episode we speak with Tokyo born, New York based Jazz violinist and composer about her new album, "Lingering," with pianist Kevin Hayes, how her conversion to Judaism has informed her life and music, her journey from Julliard to free improvisation, and how she's managed to turn labels and stereotypes into assets along her career path. Show …

1
Shifting Technique Deep Dive 37:35

4M ago37:35

37:35

What is shifting? How do we make our shifts more accurate and clean? If we're just beginning and not ready to learn how to shift yet, what can we do to ensure we'll be ready when the time comes? Join me as we dive deep into the nuances of shifting technique as it applies to the violin or viola, with tips also helpful for cellists, and for both begi…

1
Play More Musically 47:12

5M ago47:12

47:12

Many of us were drawn to play the violin, viola, or cello because we'd heard playing that brought us to tears, filled us with joy, or expressed a feeling that we couldn't even describe with words. Truly, there seems to be no limit to the emotions and the variety of sounds these instruments can express. However, our first weeks, months, and even yea…

1
Getting comfortable with Uncomfort: Tools for Overcoming Performance Anxiety 1:11:05

6M ago1:11:05

1:11:05

It's frustrating and disheartening when all our preparation in the practice room doesn't make it out onto the stage. Instead of presenting the polished piece we've been performing in the comfort of our room, we're suddenly overcome by hyper-drive vibrato, sweaty palms, or a bow that jitters and skids as we squeak out our phrases. We're overwhelmed …

1
"Make Great Music with Ease" - a chat with violinist and Art of Freedom Method creator Jennifer Roig-Francolí 1:35:57

7M ago1:35:57

1:35:57

Happy New Year! We want our music making journey to be positive and comfortable, so we can express ourselves with freedom. Listen in as I chat with Jennifer Roig-Francolí, a professional violinist, certified Alexander Technique instructor, and the creator of the Art of Freedom Method. We learn about Jennifer’s path from concert violinist to her rol…

1
Finding a comfortable and effective chin and shoulder rest 19:32

9M ago19:32

19:32

It's holiday time! Why not give the gift of comfort to yourself, your child, or your student, with a more suitable chin or shoulder rest! In this episode, violinist/violist, teacher, and host Laurel Thomsen shares the factors we need to consider when shopping for a more secure, effective, and comfortable chin and shoulder rest. And as we'll find, t…

1
Music Careers, Part 3 34:41

9M ago34:41

34:41

In this last installment of her Music Careers series, violinist/violist, teacher, and host Laurel Thomsen explores music careers that are more "behind the scenes," as well as a few that don't neatly fit into other categories. Despite not necessarily placing us in the spotlight, most could become stand-alone full-time careers, or a supplement to a p…

1
Russian versus American Music Education - a conversation with Russian violinist and educator Michael Dvoskin 1:28:57

10M ago1:28:57

1:28:57

In this episode we enjoy a fascinating conversation with Russian born violinist and educator Michael Dvoskin about the differences between violin training in Russia versus the United States. Michael also shares his story about immigrating to America, and tips for students preparing for an audition or recital. In effort to create both a successful a…

1
Making Time for Music: a chat with violinist Julia Reddy 1:19:56

11M ago1:19:56

1:19:56

Today we speak with violinist, educator, and Violin Class podcast creator and host Julia Reddy about making time for practice. We discuss how to ramp back up after a hiatus, how to make the most out of limited time, how to effectively divide up our practice time and focus our attention for results, and how to balance our practice routine when juggl…

1
Finding our voice, from Classical strings to Hot Jazz - A chat with violinist Gabe Terracciano 1:44:26

1y ago1:44:26

1:44:26

Today we chat with Grammy-nominated violinist Gabe Terracciano, who's expanding the range of the violin as a member of the Turtle Island String Quartet and the Hot Toddies Jazz Band, among other exciting projects. We hear about Gabe's transition from nearly quitting early Classical lessons to discovering and falling in love with Jazz, discuss what …

1
Rediscovering Baroque Bows - a chat with historical bowmaker Ralph Ashmead 1:24:18

1y ago1:24:18

1:24:18

The bow is a string player's primary "tool for tone," but like any tool, sometimes we need more than one to get the job done. In this episode we speak with historical bow maker Ralph Ashmead, learning all about the differences between Baroque, Transitional, and Modern bows, the reasons why we might choose one over another, and exploring the factors…

1
Where am I supposed to put my thumb on the violin neck? Principles and considerations. 20:58

1y ago20:58

20:58

A lot of us often wonder, where am I supposed to place my thumb on the violin (or viola) neck? What finger should it be closest to? Should it be stationary? Should it move? Is there a spot that will magically help it stop gripping and finally relax? Today we explore this question recently posed by a podcast listener. Always a frequent topic among L…

1
Music Careers, Part 2 26:44

1y ago26:44

26:44

In this second installment of her Music Careers series, violinist/violist, teacher, and host Laurel Thomsen explores music careers and activities that require knowledge and skill in music, but not necessarily on one particular instrument. It’s rare for even very talented musicians to be able to make a living at performance alone, so piecing togethe…

1
Strengths and Challenges of Adult Learners - an interview with Rachael Ridge of "The Adult Violin Academy" 1:03:39

1+ y ago1:03:39

1:03:39

In this episode, we talk to Rachael Ridge, an Indiana based violinist and violin teacher, and the creator of "The Adult Violin Academy," a self paced online, video based course geared towards adult learners and their unique needs. We discuss the strengths that adult students bring to the table, as well as common challenges, like finding enough time…

1
Music Careers, Part 1 47:52

1+ y ago47:52

47:52

Whether or not we plan to make a career of music, this series will be relevant for everyone! If we keep at it, we all reach a point where we're ready to take our music beyond the practice room, but as one of Laurel's students recently asked: "What can I do with this violin besides become Hilary Hahn or TwoSet?" Thankfully, there are many more optio…

1
Challenges of the Adult Beginner Violinist: Laurel's interview on the Violin Class Podcast 58:36

1+ y ago58:36

58:36

Last summer I was honored to chat with Julia Reddy of the Violin Class podcast about life, music, managing our inner critic, improving our self-esteem, and the experience of starting over with technique and getting to the other side. Julia has been on maternity leave, so the episode has just released and I hope you enjoy our conversation! It was ni…

1
Intonation Mastery #4: Issues within our Technique and Approach 36:50

1+ y ago36:50

36:50

In this fourth installment of her Intonation Mastery series, violinist/violist, teacher, and host Laurel Thomsen explores common issues within our technique that may contribute to intonation issues, as well as some considerations within our approach to tonality, and tempered versus non-tempered intonation applications (this latter topic is definite…

1
"Learning By Ear" - a chat with fiddler Lissa Schneckenburger 1:19:53

1+ y ago1:19:53

1:19:53

In today's episode we speak with celebrated New England based fiddler and songwriter Lissa Schneckenburger, who's been helping students increase their confidence and improve their skills through her popular ear-training workshop for years, and now as the 14-week self-paced online course, "Learning By Ear." We learn about the inspiration behind the …

1
Stories About Songs - "If A Wave" 22:31

2y ago22:31

22:31

In this episode we travel behind the scenes again, into the making of one of the songs Laurel wrote and released earlier this year, along with Canadian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Dan Frechette, on their album "After the Fire." This time, Laurel shares the origins of her hopeful and empowering song, If A Wave. We learn about the mea…

1
Intonation Mastery #3: Avoiding External Factors + Practicing For Better Tuning 29:17

2y ago29:17

29:17

Ten years since recording the first episodes in this series, violinist/violist, teacher, and host Laurel Thomsen revisits the topic with fresh tips to help you sound more in tune on your violin, viola, cello, or bass. In this episode we cover several factors with our instrument which can affect intonation, as well as tips for how we can approach pr…

1
Following Your Passion to a Unique Career - an interview with DJ violinist and entertainer Asher Laub 1:26:37

2y ago1:26:37

1:26:37

In today's episode we speak with Asher Laub, a New York City based Classically trained violinist turned improvising DJ violinist, entertainer, producer, composer, and entrepreneur. We learn about how Asher has been able to chart a unique career path, making a name for himself, performing high energy stage shows across four continents. We discuss ge…

1
Functional Fitness for Musicians, Part 3: Spine, Low Back, and Hips 26:09

2y ago26:09

26:09

Note: this is a hands-on video episode. If your podcast app does not support video podcasts, while it may be possible to follow along with only the audio, please find the video here https://youtu.be/YGOs71Lu6RM In this supplemental video series of the Violin Geek Podcast, violinist/violist and educator Laurel Thomsen shares a variety of simple warm…

1
Functional Fitness for Musicians, Part 2: Neck, Shoulders, Upper Back 25:11

2y ago25:11

25:11

Note: this is a hands-on video episode. If your podcast app does not support video podcasts, while it may be possible to follow along with only the audio, please find the video here https://youtu.be/RWbF3jrwwdY In this supplemental video series of the Violin Geek Podcast, violinist/violist and educator Laurel Thomsen shares a variety of simple warm…

1
Traveling with Your Instrument - Tips and Stories! 58:13

2y ago58:13

58:13

People are starting to hit the road again, but what does this mean for our instruments? In this episode, violinist/violist and educator Laurel Thomsen shares tips for safely getting your instrument from point A to point B, whether by car or plane. Having averaged 150 tour dates per year pre-pandemic, Laurel also shares stories about her experiences…

1
Functional Fitness for Musicians, Part 1: Arms and Hands 29:50

2y ago29:50

29:50

Note: this is a hands-on video episode. If your podcast app does not support video podcasts, while it may be possible to follow along with only the audio, please find the video here https://youtu.be/YSXoh_Fn09E In this supplemental video series of the Violin Geek Podcast, violinist/violist and educator Laurel Thomsen shares a variety of simple warm…

1
How Do I Get Out of Pain? - Playing Health in the Spotlight 42:48

2y ago42:48

42:48

Pain and injury related to playing a musical instrument like the violin, viola, or cello, or general pain and tension that makes practicing and performing difficult, can be common. In this episode of the Violin Geek Podcast, violinist/violist and educator Laurel Thomsen shares insight into the cause of pain and tension, and hope that it doesn't hav…

1
"Back to Bach" - rediscovering your path and passion with Israeli/German violinist Maya Lorenzen 1:27:48

2y ago1:27:48

1:27:48

Today we speak with Maya Lorenzen, an Israeli/German violinist who has wrestled internal and external conflict to chart a career path and rediscover her passion for making beautiful, heartfelt music. She’s now helping her students do the same. Maya's new solo album, "Back to Bach," while born out of the loneliness of the pandemic, finds fresh conne…

1
Female Composers in the Spotlight - an interview with Dr. Cora Cooper 1:20:39

2+ y ago1:20:39

1:20:39

In this episode of the Violin Geek Podcast, Laurel Thomsen chats with Dr. Cora Cooper, professor of violin, viola, chamber music, and string pedogogy at Kansas State University, and the editor of "Violin Music By Women" and "Viola Music By Women," graded anthologies of almost entirely unknown, but wonderfully inventive and enjoyable pieces by women…

1
"Counting Down the Hours" - finding freedom and joy with Classical violinist and fiddler Maura Shawn Scanlin 57:37

2+ y ago57:37

57:37

In this episode we hear from Maura Shawn Scanlin, a Boston, MA based Classical violinist and fiddler who is bridging musical worlds with incredible poise and grace. Her new album, "Counting Down the Hours," with her duo "Rakish" is a joyful exploration of Celtic, Classical, and Americana sounds. We learn more about its inception and inspiration, an…

1
Learn to Love Your Metronome 1:03:42

2+ y ago1:03:42

1:03:42

If the metronome inspires fear, dread, or frustration in you, if you're not sure how to even use it, or if you find practicing with it is getting a bit stale, this episode is for you! Join string player and educator Laurel Thomsen as she explores the goals of metronome practice, explains the steps we need to take as we build up our metronome practi…

1
Stories About Songs - "Money Shouldn't Talk That Strong" 50:10

2+ y ago50:10

50:10

In this episode we are celebrating today's release of Laurel Thomsen's fifth album with her partner, Canadian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Dan Frechette, and travel behind the scenes into the making of one of the songs Laurel wrote for the album, "Money Shouldn't Talk That Strong." We learn about the song's origin and lyrics, the duo…

1
Stories About Songs - "Make Me Come Alive" 34:52

2+ y ago34:52

34:52

In this episode of the Violin Geek Podcast we get a behind the scenes glimpse into the making of Laurel Thomsen's new single being released today, "Make Me Come Alive," in collaboration with her partner, Canadian singer-songwriter Dan Frechette. We learn about the song's origin, the duo's recording process, the making of the music video which is al…

1
"A Grand Journey" - bridging musical worlds with violinist Alexandr Kislitsyn 1:10:02

2+ y ago1:10:02

1:10:02

In this episode we hear from Alexandr Kislitsyn, international violin soloist, chamber musician, educator, producer, and the newest member of the acclaimed Trio Casals. We learn about the trio's recent release, "A Grand Journey," featuring four debut works "inspired by traditional melodies and cultural flavors" for piano trio and solo piano, and en…

1
Arranging Pop and Non-Classical Genres for Solo Violin or Ensemble 1:36:12

3y ago1:36:12

1:36:12

Learn what it takes to create a compelling arrangement of a Pop, Rock, or Jazz tune and the factors that help determine whether a song is a good candidate for solo violin treatment or if it needs an ensemble or band to do it justice. If, like host Laurel Thomsen, your performance life has been requiring you to learn new songs in various non-Classic…

1
Championing the Viola and Modern Classical Music - an interview with acclaimed soloist Brett Deubner 1:46:49

3y ago1:46:49

1:46:49

Laurel Thomsen interviews acclaimed viola soloist Brett Deubner, listening to and discussing choice tracks from his recent albums "Mother Earth" and "Transfiguration," learning about his experience working with composers and debuting new music, and sharing tips for performance confidence, moving past setbacks, and creating a clear viola tone whethe…

1
Virtual Teaching for Success - Laurel Thomsen interviewed for FAR-West Teaches 1:10:43

3y ago1:10:43

1:10:43

In this episode Laurel Thomsen is interviewed by award-winning vocalist and FAR-West Board Vice-President, Susie Glaze about her experience with teaching violin and viola online. Long before the Covid-19 pandemic, back in 2009 in fact, Laurel transitioned to primarily teaching online. Here she offers over a decade worth of tips and insight to make …

1
DIY Empowerment for Creatives with Justine Lucas of Madwoman Productions 1:35:31

3y ago1:35:31

1:35:31

If you're a musician, artist, dancer, or maybe a business owner, and you're looking to create more compelling videos, photos, performances, and presentations, listen in as Laurel Thomsen speaks with Justine Lucas, singer-songwriter, director, producer, and the creative spark behind Madwoman Productions, a San Francisco based company helping indepen…

1
Recording a violin, viola, or cello 14:10

3y ago14:10

14:10

You’ve just perfected a difficult passage of your favorite concerto and grab your smartphone to capture this monumental practice achievement. You run through the passage again and while not perfect, you still feel pretty good about your progress. You listen back, expecting to hear exactly what you thought you heard while you were playing, but it so…

1
Learning to love the process 10:09

3y ago10:09

10:09

"When we let our passion for the violin extend into the actual process of learning, welcoming even our out-of-tune notes, missed shifts, and bad tones as opportunities to find and fix problems, like any great mechanic, we position ourselves for a lifetime of music making." In this "pep talk" episode from the Violin Geek Blog, host Laurel Thomsen ta…

1
Improve Your Intonation Now 18:00

3+ y ago18:00

18:00

"When awareness is channeled appropriately, even most beginners have the skills needed to listen carefully and make elegant intonation adjustments." Join Laurel Thomsen for tips to immediately improve your intonation on the violin, viola, or cello, or the intonation of your students. Original Violin Geek Blog post http://www.laurelthomsen.com/Violi…

1
Traditional folksongs in conflict with political correctness and racial equality 10:01

3+ y ago10:01

10:01

This difficult conversation concerning the origins of many popular folk song melodies came up in my teaching studio recently. Especially in light of the police brutality and BLM protests of this past year, addressing the historical context of folk songs seems to be an increasingly important piece of the learning. Adam Miller blog post mentioned htt…

1
Discovering great new artists and heartfelt songs 11:57

5y ago11:57

11:57

A special episode from the Violin Geek Blog! See http://www.laurelthomsen.com/Violin_Geek_Blog/Archive.html for more. The question posed on a forum was: "How can people find great music and new artists if they don't go to bars or listen to Spotify?" In today's mini episode, Laurel Thomsen fills us in on what a house concert is and why it may be you…

1
Tips to help prepare for an orchestra, ensemble, or band practice 9:47

5+ y ago9:47

9:47

A special episode from the Violin Geek Blog! See http://www.laurelthomsen.com/Violin_Geek_Blog/Archive.html for more. As soon as a performance is on the horizon, the pressure mounts and our enjoyment of playing can easily turn to stress. Join Laurel Thomsen for some practice tips to help prepare for an orchestra, ensemble, or band practice. To lear…

1
A Theory Behind the Flesch and Galamian Arpeggio Sequences 7:41

5+ y ago7:41

7:41

A special episode from the Violin Geek Blog! See http://www.laurelthomsen.com/Violin_Geek_Blog/Archive.html for more. Two pedagogues. Two similar arpeggio patterns. Is the order of the Flesch and Galamian arpeggios arbitrary or do they contain some deeper wisdom? To learn more about your host, Laurel Thomsen, check her tour dates, or download her C…

1
Audition Breakthrough 1:18:32

7+ y ago1:18:32

1:18:32

Join Laurel Thomsen and special guest Will Timmons of AuditionBreakthrough.com as they discuss tips for getting the mind and body prepared to "Audition like a Pro." Until April 15, 2017 use coupon code "violin geek" to receive a discount for the 2017 online Audition Breakthrough Summit which features a number of guest speakers diving deep into the …

1
Tour Stories Part 2 1:08:43

8+ y ago1:08:43

1:08:43

Join Laurel Thomsen and special guest co-host Dan Frechette, as well as special guests Cara Luft and Quiles & Cloud, as they share a variety of memorable stories from their experience on the road. Learn more about Dan Frechette by visiting him at www.danfrechette.com as well as his website with Laurel - www.danandlaurel.ca. Learn more about Cara Lu…

1
Tour Stories Part 1 1:21:23

8+ y ago1:21:23

1:21:23

Join Laurel Thomsen and special guest co-host Dan Frechette, as well as special guest artists Boscoe's Brood and Toby Gray, as they share a variety of wacky, intense, and memorable stories from their time on the road. Learn more about Dan Frechette by visiting him at www.danfrechette.com as well as his website with Laurel - www.danandlaurel.ca. For…

1
Canadian Fiddlers Part 3 - An interview with Grammy and Juno winner Tania Elizabeth 1:21:14

8+ y ago1:21:14

1:21:14

In this episode, host Laurel Thomsen shares a recent live interview with fiddler, vocalist, and recording artist Tania Elizabeth. Formerly a founding member of Canada's The Duhks, Tania now tours full time with the Avett Brothers as well as in a duo with her husband Andy Stack in The Stacks. Tania shares important insight into performance as an art…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Laurel Thomsen Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide