Handbook of violin playing

by Carl Schroeder

Testing the position.

Having succeeded in acquiring a firm hold of the instrument and of the bow, it is best to examine before a looking-glass the attitude of the whole body, which must be natural and unconstrained. The body and head should be held erect, the shoulders somewhat back. When beginning to draw the bow across the strings the manner of holding should be examined and corrected after every stroke before proceeding further.