The Violin Geek Podcast
Laurel ThomsenWelcome violin geeks everywhere (or viola, fiddle, cello, guitar, trumpet...)! With all the detail and troubleshooting of a private lesson, violinist and violist, recording artist, author, and string teacher Laurel Thomsen shares daily discoveries, insightful interviews with top performers and music industry leaders, and tips for practicing, polishing, and becoming the best musician you can be. Ep... more
| Publishes | Monthly | Episodes | 128 | Founded | 15 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | MusicMusic Commentary | |||
Listen to this Podcast
Latest Episodes
What scale or excerpt should you choose to audition with? What should you do if all the excerpts are either too difficult and others too easy? When you have limited time to prepare the material, where should you put your focus for the most pay off? W... more
What are études? Should you be playing them? Where do they fit into your practice routine, especially also considering a scale and arpeggio practice? Which ones should you start with, and should you always go in book order?
If you've ever considere... more
Ever wondered what strings might help your instrument sound warmer? Brighter? Louder? Softer? Should you try gut strings? Is there a difference between synthetic and composite strings? What about all metal strings, and do different types of metals ma... more
Can't quite get up to tempo? Starting to wonder if you even "have what it takes" to keep up with an ensemble? In this episode, host Laurel Thomsen demystifies one of the most universal issues among musicians of all types and skill levels, with tips f... more
In this episode, host Laurel Thomsen answers your violin questions, including about strings, rosin, the instrument she plays, how to get dust out of your instrument, the story about the oldest violin she's ever played, and more. Enjoy!
Show Notes: more
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 you... more
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 ... more
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 improvis... more
Key Facts
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Reviews
- Super helpful for this intermediate level viola player
It can be so hard to be passed the beginning levels because there’s not much out there for when you’re in between. Either skills are too hard or they’re too easy. This podcast has helped me regain momentum in my playing. Thank you!
Apple Podcasts5cpatrickmohan
United Statesa month ago - Recommend to violinist
I listen to this podcast everyday, it’s professional and enjoyable, I’d love to recommend to all the violin learners.
Apple Podcasts5nomadicgirl happy
Canadaa year ago - New listener, adult beginner
Really appreciating the in depth discussion for adult learners like myself, thanks for the show!
Apple Podcasts5joshlemerCanada2 years ago - An enjoyable education!
Initially thought these would be way above my ability to comprehend, as a beginner, however they are extremely well-explained, astonishingly interesting and so, so varied. Thank you for all the effort that has clearly been put in! It is really appreciated and a great education. Can imagine listening agin and again.
Apple Podcasts5EdenMarinaTrent
United Kingdom3 years ago - Welcome Back!
I was so sad when you seemed to take a break from the podcast. I made it a routine to search for new episodes several times a year. I’m so glad to see new uploads! Thank you!
Apple Podcasts5WaitlossgyrlUnited States4 years ago - Wonderful yet intimidating
I'm listening to lots of classical music podcasts in preparation for my own podcast launch, and I have to say, Laurel's effort here is outstanding. Good sound quality, great information, clearly presented, and without the stick-up-the-@#! monotone of the NPR casts. Everything I strive for as I get ready to do this myself If this is representative of private violin/classical music podcasts (non-NPR or radio), then I've got my work cut out for me.
Chuck G Violin
Apple Podcasts5Violinguy88United States9 years ago - So Grateful!!! Thanks Laurel!!
This is such an incredible treat! So helpful. I have a private instructor and also chew on this to utilize both. My only suggestion is for the podcasts are for the interviews / conversations with another. I would love to be able to hear the other individuals complete thoughts, their personal views and rabbit trails even. I totally understand that Listening in itself is an art form but in those type of situations its really important to talk less and allow the guest the platform. Still love em bu... more
Apple Podcasts5rubberfaerieUnited States11 years ago - Skype Lessons
I just had my first Skype lesson with Laurel & would highly recommend! She's great!
Apple Podcasts5hannahvdBUnited Kingdom11 years ago - Super amateur podcast
The very best violin technique podcast
Apple Podcasts5Pravda23
South Korea13 years ago - Great for a Cellist!
I love Laurel's genuine and charming spirit as she guides her listeners through an expanding world of music.
As a cellist I find her podcast very applicable and inspiring, especially her casts regarding intonation and creativity.
Keep up the great work!!!
Apple Podcasts5Robert McManusUnited States13 years ago - Superbly Done!
A FANTASTIC podcast by a talented musician and someone who is incredibly natural in running an informative, engaging podcast.
Apple Podcasts5Philosophical Beat PodcastUnited States13 years ago - If you play the violin (or are just starting to learn), you MUST subscribe to this podcast!
1) It's free!
2) The violin is something to be excited about and finally, we have a professional and talented voice that agrees with us :) Thank you, Laurel Thomsen.
3) What are you waiting for, subscribe already!
Apple Podcasts5JapaneseTeacherUnited States13 years ago - Must for every Violin student
Great podcasts. Thank you
Apple Podcasts5YT.IowaUnited States13 years ago - This is an amazing tool for all string musicians!
This podcast is truly an example of what one should be: informative, concise, candid, and comprehendible yet insightful!
I have been listening to the Violin Geek podcast for about eight months, and each one of Laurel Thomsen's podcasts has fit these criteria. As a violinist who is currently working on my own, I find her advice to be a huge advantage in keeping my playing competitive. Her podcasts adeptly cover issues in every aspect of a musician's life; they have given me so much advice that fe... more
Apple Podcasts5Noellie706United States14 years ago - A music podcast for all musicians
What is a professional trumpeter doing listening to a violin podcast? Well, I'm learning many things applicable to my teaching and music making. Laurel's podcast is a wonderful place to go to think about music and to consider how one enriches their life with music in it. She is knowledgeable and personable, and her approach is straightforward and honest, with encouragement and joy for what she does. After listening to a couple podcasts, I'm now a subscriber, and you should be too, especially if ... more
Apple Podcasts5jcth0masUnited States14 years ago
Listeners Say
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Chart Rankings
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #231 | United States/Music/Music Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #73 |  Hong Kong/Music/Music Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #189 |  India/Music/Music Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #190 |  Sweden/Music/Music Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #224 |  Singapore/Music/Music Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #228 |  Switzerland/Music/Music Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #243 |  Norway/Music/Music Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #245 |  Japan/Music/Music Commentary |
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Talking Points
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Violin Geek Podcast
What is The Violin Geek Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?
Listeners will find a rich source of knowledge designed for string players, with a particular focus on the violin. Content typically features practical advice on topics such as techniques to improve playing, the nuances of different musical styles, and the importance of practice techniques. Insights from both solo performances and interviews with accomplished musicians deepen the understanding of various musical concepts, while also addressing common challenges faced by players. Each episode balances accessibility for beginners with advanced insights that seasoned musicians will appreciate, making it a comprehensive resource for anyone looking to enhance their string instrument proficiency.
Where can I find podcast stats for The Violin Geek Podcast?
Rephonic provides a wide range of podcast stats for The Violin Geek Podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the information that we could find in our comprehensive podcast database. See how many people listen to The Violin Geek Podcast and access YouTube viewership numbers, download stats, audience demographics, chart rankings, ratings, reviews and more.
How many listeners does The Violin Geek Podcast get?
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What are the audience demographics for The Violin Geek Podcast?
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How many subscribers and views does The Violin Geek Podcast have?
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How many episodes of The Violin Geek Podcast are there?
The Violin Geek Podcast launched 15 years ago and published 128 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
How do I contact The Violin Geek Podcast?
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Where can I see ratings and reviews for The Violin Geek Podcast?
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What guests have appeared on The Violin Geek Podcast?
Recent guests on The Violin Geek Podcast include:
1. Meg Okura
2. Jennifer Roig-Francolí
To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.