Hi everyone! Joel Kennedy here with Kennedy Violins. Today, I’m going to break down some simple yet effective exercises to help you master trills on the violin. Trills can be tricky, but with consistent practice and the right approach, they can become easier, more consistent, and—believe it or not—even enjoyable! Let’s dive in.

Why Are Trills Challenging?

Many players struggle with trills, especially when they appear in pieces from the Suzuki method or other repertoire. The key to overcoming these challenges lies in technique and mindset. Trills demand light, relaxed fingers and an organized approach. If you’re tense or pressing too hard on the strings, you’ll find it much harder to play them cleanly and quickly.

Key Principles for Better Trills

1. Light Fingertips: The faster you play, the lighter your fingers need to be. Imagine just the tip of your finger touching the string lightly. Avoid pressing too hard on the fingerboard.

2. Relax Your Left Hand: A relaxed hand moves faster. Tension is the enemy of speed and precision.

3. Think Ahead: Always know which finger you’ll start and end with. Being mentally prepared makes the process smoother and more efficient.

Exercise 1: G Major Scale with Trill Patterns

This exercise is foundational for developing trills and warming up your left hand. Start slow, using a metronome set to 50 beats per minute (BPM), and gradually increase the speed as you gain confidence.

Steps:

1. Play a G Major scale with trills added to each note pair.

2. Begin each trill with the lower note and end on the higher note.

3. Change your bow on the higher note of the trill.

Example:

• Ascending Scale: If you’re playing open string to first finger, change the bow on the first finger. If it’s first finger to second finger, change the bow on the second finger, and so on.

• Descending Scale: Change the bow on the higher note of the trill, e.g., for 3-2, change the bow on the third finger.

This exercise not only helps with trills but also serves as an excellent warm-up, especially for older players who may experience stiffness in their hands.

Gradual Speed Increases

Start at 50 BPM and work your way up in increments of five (50, 55, 60, etc.). Pay close attention to accuracy and control. When you reach a speed where mistakes begin to occur, dial it back slightly and practice at a slower tempo until it feels easy.

Exercise 2: Full Trills

Once you’re comfortable with the first exercise, move on to full trills. In this exercise, you’ll sustain a trill for the duration of each note pair, focusing on keeping the motion light and symmetrical.

Steps:

1. Start with the same G Major scale pattern.

2. Sustain a trill for the full two beats per bow.

3. Begin and end each trill on the same note.

This exercise emphasizes control and consistency, teaching your fingers to move in an organized, rhythmic manner.

Tips for Success

• Relax and Focus: Always maintain a relaxed hand and focus on the tips of your fingers.

• Be Systematic: Start slow, build speed gradually, and always think ahead to the next note.

• Practice Patience: Trills, like any violin technique, take time to master. Consistent, focused practice will yield results over time.

The Bigger Picture

Remember, learning the violin is a process. No one masters trills, vibrato, or spiccato in a day. It’s about steady progress and developing your skills step by step. Stick with it, be disciplined, and trust the process. With time and effort, you’ll be able to play anything you set your mind to.

Conclusion

I hope these exercises and tips help you on your journey to mastering trills. Don’t forget to stay patient and systematic in your practice. And as always, if you found this helpful, feel free to like and subscribe to our channel for more tips and tutorials. Happy practicing, and I’ll see you next time!