Giveaway Contest - Win 5 StringVision Bow Grips!!! - Violin Sheet Music, Free PDFs, Video Tutorials & Expert Practice Tips!

Giveaway Contest - Win 5 StringVision Bow Grips!!!

1/24/2016

Hello and thank you for visiting me here on the Music for Young Violinists project! I am holding another giveaway contest - thru the end of the month anyone who leaves a blog comment will be entered to win 5 Bow Grips ($50 value) from StringVision. These bow grips are an innovative design originally created as an anti-fatigue device by a string player. I have used these with success for my students who struggle to have a soft bow hand. They are 1 size fits all.

PS- My last giveaway contest of 2 Aloha Tuners only had 2 participants and they both won. We are a small group, your odds for winning are good.

127 Comments

Allison link

1/24/2016 08:37:34 am

I love this! As a teacher I am always looking for new and innovative ways to help my students get the perfect bow hold. I would love to win these!!!

Heather

1/24/2016 08:47:40 am

Hello, Thanks Allison for your comment and feedback! You are entered for a chance to win. Best wishes, Heather

Carolina

1/24/2016 08:43:43 am

I have never tried these but I'm excited to experiment with my students. Would love to win!!

Heather

1/24/2016 08:48:23 am

Thank you Carolin for taking a moment of your day to comment and share some feedback! You are entered for a chance to win. Best wishes, Heather

Jackie Dubill

1/24/2016 08:47:18 am

I've never used a bow hold aid but would love to try for those kids who just can't get it.

Heather

1/24/2016 08:49:36 am

Hi Jackie, Thank you very much for comment. I found these most successful for the student who just needed to press the reset button and when all my other strategies were unsuccessful. You are entered to win and I will announce the winner in the next newsletter. Heather

Cindy Budd link

1/24/2016 08:49:14 am

I teach a school group of young violinists and it's hard to pay close attention to EVERY child's bow hold EVERY minute of the lessons. Having a few of these would really help my kids!

Heather

1/24/2016 08:50:33 am

Hi Cindy, Thank you very much for the work you do in the world and for taking a moment of your day to participate in this contest. I am rooting for you! Heather

Catherine Cmiel

1/24/2016 08:51:19 am

Would love to try these!

Heather

1/24/2016 08:53:50 am

Thanks Catherine! You are entered to win, HF

Ashley Butters

1/24/2016 08:54:21 am

These would be PERFECT for a few of my students with some unruly fingers!

Heather

1/24/2016 09:26:18 am

Hi Ashley, Thanks so much for the enthusiastic post. I agree, these are really helpful for the students you mentioned. Happy teaching!

Alison

1/24/2016 09:04:50 am

I am continually amazed at what I learn from you, Heather. I had to enter- I really want to try these. Even if I don't win I will have another tool on my teaching 'belt'. Thanks!

Heather

1/24/2016 09:26:57 am

Thank you for the comment and such kind words. I am grateful for the support and you are now entered!

Colleen

1/24/2016 09:05:38 am

I have enjoyed using your materials and have shared them with my daughter who is also a Suzuki string teacher. I was excited to see a new bow grip aid. Even if I don't win one, I will be getting some to try with my students!

Heather

1/24/2016 09:28:17 am

Hello, Thank you very much for entering and sharing some kind feedback. These actually have been around for at least 8 years but I suspect things like this are hard to market to major catalogs (speaking from experience) They have helped some of my students. Best wishes to you and your daughter! H

Anne Marie

1/24/2016 09:05:45 am

Hi Heather,

I'd love a chance to experiment with a new innovation for my students. Older adults with arthritis are especially appreciative of mechanical support while they are learning their new skill of playing the violin!

Heather

1/24/2016 09:29:45 am

Hello- Thank you for the feedback and new angle for use of these. I have never thought of this as being used for the more mature student but think they would be fantastic. Lets face it, holding a bow is intricate and sometimes support helps us find the way. Best wishes, Heather

Kamilah link

1/24/2016 09:20:57 am

I admit, I'm skeptical in fear that they would become a crutch. But I'd be willing to try. You never know.

Kamilah

1/24/2016 09:31:28 am

Hello, Thank you for the feedback and honesty. I completely see your point of view and have gone back and forth over the years with using novelties to aid technique. I can assure you that this will not do the work for you and is not a quick fix. Thanks also for entering! I will announce the winner in the next newsletter. Heathe

Stephanie

1/24/2016 09:23:32 am

I love your website! I'm always looking for ways to help my students master their bow hold! I would love to win!

Heather

1/24/2016 09:32:32 am

Thank you Stephanie for the positive feedback and for entering this contest. Best wishes, Heather

Eric link

1/24/2016 09:30:15 am

I'll give em a try!

Heather

1/24/2016 09:33:07 am

Thank you Eric for entering and being open to a new way to support bow holds. Best wishes, Heather

Abby

1/24/2016 09:32:48 am

I'm always interested in trying new things! Love your stuff:)

Heather

1/24/2016 09:35:54 am

Hi Abby, Thank you so much for the sweet note. You are entered!!!

Julianne

1/24/2016 09:37:52 am

Would love to try these!

Heather

1/24/2016 09:42:07 am

Hello Julianne - Thank you for the enthusiasm - you are entered in the giveaway! Heather

Annie

1/24/2016 10:07:59 am

Hi Heather, thank you for being such a generous violin teacher with your time and your talents. I am especially impressed with your marketing strategies that aren't obnoxious :-)I've enjoyed your music with my students, and occasionally find a need for a bow aid. Please enter me in your contest!

Heather

1/24/2016 02:29:33 pm

Hi Annie, Thank you for the kind comment - this made me laugh. I truly hope that all of my interactions with this group enhance your life. I know that you are busy and work hard and I hate wasting someone's time. You have been entered ;)

Carmen

1/24/2016 10:40:56 am

I'd love to try these with my students! I have several students who came to me from another teacher & they all have very poor bow holds. I'm always looking for ideas to help them!

Carmen

1/24/2016 02:30:28 pm

Hi Carmen, Thank you very much for the comment and entry. I wish you success with your new students and the work to be done on their technique! HF

Chin-Mei Li

1/24/2016 11:14:11 am

Love to try this... do they have the cello one???? .... I love to try on my little violin students first... ^^Thanks!!!!

Heather

1/24/2016 02:38:03 pm

Hello - Thank you so much for taking a moment to comment and enter. I actually do not know about this being available for cello. I recommend going to the website for this: http://stringvision.myshopify.com/

Irene

1/24/2016 11:16:29 am

hi Heather! thank you for finding these for us! I am always looking for a way to help students make better bow holds.

Heather

1/24/2016 02:37:06 pm

Hello - Thank you very much for taking a moment to visit this site and comment. I will enter you in the contest, best wishes, HF

Virginia Lamboley link

1/24/2016 11:43:36 am

I use these myself to help with numbness in my bow thumb! I have tried them on a few students as well. They are good for training inside bow thumbs, not so much for pinky troubles. I would love a few freebies!

Heather

1/24/2016 02:36:05 pm

Thanks so much for taking time out of your day to comment and be a part of the giveaway contest. I agree that the forte of this product would assist a thumb but not necessarily the pinky in need of a make-over. HF

Ana

1/24/2016 11:49:15 am

I would absolutely love to try that!!

Heather

1/24/2016 02:35:01 pm

Thank you so much for the enthusiastic comment - you have been entered in the giveaway contest. Heather

Julie

1/24/2016 11:54:44 am

I would like to try them.

Heather

1/24/2016 02:34:23 pm

Thanks Julie! You have been entered, HF

Briana link

1/24/2016 12:20:58 pm

These look great! Would love to try them. I'm so glad I found your site. Thanks!

Heather

1/24/2016 02:34:00 pm

Hello Briana, Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to visit the project and comment. You have been entered. HF

Jenny F

1/24/2016 12:53:04 pm

Sounds interesting! First time I've heard of these. :) Would be interesting to try.

Heather

1/24/2016 02:33:21 pm

Thanks Jenny for taking the time to comment. You have been entered ;) HF

Douglas Pettigrew

1/24/2016 01:37:54 pm

Hope this is the right place for the grip give away. I've wanted to use some of these, but haven't gotten around to it. Learning with my son at the same time would make sense for both of us to get it right from the beginning. So, here's to hoping to win.

Heather

1/24/2016 02:32:50 pm

Hello, Thank you so much for the comment and you have been entered. I think that is fantastic that you are learning along with your son. Have you done spider crawls? Although these may appear childish they really benefit adult beginners by helping wire the mid body circuitry. Best wishes, HF

Giulia

1/24/2016 01:56:58 pm

Love your blog. Would love to win one of these to try with students and my own kids.

Heather

1/24/2016 02:31:16 pm

THANKS SO MUCH GIULIA! You have been entered, HF

Janet Ruth Mason link

1/24/2016 03:02:50 pm

Hi Heather, It is not clear to me how your bow grip works from the picture, but it may be more effective than those aids I have tried before. Certainly, young students need help in developing a natural bow hold. I am also very interested in your comments about the phrasing in Suzuki books and how you have addressed this. All the best with the success of Music for Young Violinists! Janet

Heather

1/24/2016 04:59:11 pm

Hi Janet, Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to visit the site and share a comment. These bow grips have pros and cons. They are not for everyone but do help certain players. Regarding phrasing in the Suzuki Books - I adhere to the research that our brains read patterns. I personally feel this is a blindspot in the way some of the Suzuki material is edited with respects to have 4 bar phrased pieces divided up into 3 bars/line and 5 bars/line. I feel this holds students back from seeing the patterns and better accessing their pieces. Thanks for asking, Heather

Laura Klein

1/24/2016 04:02:23 pm

Hi Heather! Thanks for all you do! I have been referring my students to your videos and website ever since I found you. We are having a lot of fun learning the high and low 2 right now and they love that there is a video to play along with at home.
Would love to have the bow hold helpers in my toolkit! I have a couple of students with tension issues and think this might help.
Again, thanks for all you do!
Cheers!
Laura

Heather

1/24/2016 05:00:10 pm

Hello, Thank you for such a kind comment and it always makes me day to learn that my materials are of value - that is the beauty of projects like this! Bets wishes, you are now entered in the giveaway contest. Thanks, Heather

Heather

1/24/2016 06:26:44 pm

Hi Heather! I'm super-grateful for all the sharing that you do. Thank you! I'm always up for trying new things with my students to help. My intuition says these might be great for the tight/more-self-conscious older beginners. 😊
Heather
P.s. You have a great name!!

Heather

1/24/2016 07:15:33 pm

Hi Heather, First things first: great name yourself! ;) I love exploring new products and first got a set of these 8 years ago. They have pros and cons. Another teacher commented here that they were indeed helpful for older beginners with tight bow hands. I appreciate you taking time out of your life to visit this project and comment. You are now officially entered in the giveaway contest!!! How exciting

Jenna link

1/24/2016 07:11:09 pm

Thanks for putting so much time and effort into sharing your ideas and teaching ressources. I absolutely love your blog!

Heather

1/24/2016 07:16:13 pm

Thank you Jenna, it is my honor to share resources with colleagues and I appreciate your kind words. You are now officially entered in the contest. Heather

Lizette

1/25/2016 09:43:40 am

I love your idea and your material. Intento revisarlo cada cierto tiempo y aunque el idioma no me acompaña mucho, he utilizado bastante material del que amablemente compartes.
Cariños!

Heather Figi

1/25/2016 06:37:51 pm

Hello and thank you so much for sharing your feedback. I am so happy to connect here and that the materials are useful for you. Please stay in touch. You are now entered in the contest! Heather

Jerri

1/25/2016 03:51:35 pm

Wow! So many comments on this one, but I would love to try the bow grips. Thanks for the opportunity.

Heather Figi

1/25/2016 06:56:47 pm

Hi Jerri! Thank you so much for visiting the site and taking a moment to comment You are now officially entered, I will choose a winner Sunday night and announce on the next newsletter. HF

Ann

1/25/2016 06:30:31 pm

Heather, I am so grateful for all your pedagogical materials. I will continue to direct colleagues to your site. Thank you!

Heather Figi

1/25/2016 06:57:47 pm

Hello, Thank you and I am also grateful for people like you who have come together to help make this possible. I always appreciate when you spread the good word. Thanks for entering my contest!

Danielle link

1/26/2016 05:07:48 am

Heather, this site gives me such great ideas! As a brand new teacher with brand new students, this is a great resource for me! Thank you for doing all that you do. Those bow grips look like they would be perfect for some of my little ones!

Heather

1/26/2016 07:56:00 am

Hi Danielle, Thank you for visiting the site! I would love to enter you in this contest and will let the winner know February 1st and announce the winner to the news list in the February newsletter. Best wishes with your teaching and please stay in touch, Heather

Allison link

1/26/2016 08:51:16 am

Like I mentioned before I love new and innovative ways to help students develop a proper bow hold! I've been thinking about my students and what kinds of technical aspects are difficult for them and I am curious what kind of suggestions you have (or perhaps this could be another blog post) for students who struggle to keep their left wrist straight! I'd love to hear some ideas on this topic!

Heather Figi

1/26/2016 01:27:32 pm

Hi Allison, Thank you so much for taking a moment out of your day to visit the Music for Young Violinists project and share your feedback. There is a product called the wrist rascal that some people have had success with. Other ideas just off the top of my head are to help build awareness by using video with the student. It is hard to fix technique BUT IT IS EVEN HARDER IF YOU DO NOT KNOW YOU ARE DOING IT. Next, I would move onto the violin set-up: posture (feet - head), chin rest & shoulder pad and make sure all of these are balanced and in support of your musicians unique needs. Often time poor left hand technique is due to things closer to the body such as posture, particular set-up of the chinrest/shoulder pad. Lastly, I do a series of Left Hand Technicals that are useful from beginner to advanced. They will teach the hand a more fluid way to relate to the neck of the violin to over-ride the natural instinct and habit to grab the neck. Here is a video of these: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlYLm4qjKlc

Jean Hayes

1/26/2016 11:00:48 am

I'm not a 'little one' but a 70-year-old beginner. I love your practice exercises and use a different one each day for my warmup.. However, the bowhold feels so awkward and I'm struggling with it.
A young friend of mine (she's only 65) feels the same - frustrated by the bowhold. Carry on and keep fiddling.
Jean

Heather Figi

1/28/2016 07:34:04 am

Hi Jean, I am grateful for you taking a moment out of your day to visit the Music for Young Violinists project and share some feedback with me. Bow holds are awkward. They humble us and even after 36 years I am STILL working on releasing my thumb when I play near the frog. Best wishes and please stay in touch, Heather

Mellisa Nill

1/27/2016 01:17:17 pm

Thank you for finding new and exciting products. I would love to try these!

Heather Figi

1/28/2016 07:35:50 am

Hi Melissa! Thanks so much for visiting my site and sharing some feedback and enthusiasm. You are now officially entered in the contest. I will pick the winner soon. Best wishes, Heather

Vicky Yagi

1/27/2016 04:52:31 pm

Hi there, thanks for your website and best wishes to you, Vicky

Heather Figi

1/28/2016 07:37:25 am

Hi Vicky, I appreciate your kind words and wishes. You are now officially entered in this contest. I will announce the winner soon. HF

Tracy Thielen link

1/28/2016 06:16:38 am

Thank you for all of your amazing resources and ideas! I love finding new ways to teach. I currently use some bow grips for my classroom teaching but I would love to try a different model!

Heather Figi

1/28/2016 07:38:25 am

Hello Tracy, I love hearing from other teachers and appreciate you taking a moment of your day to visit the site, share some feedback and enter this contest. Best wishes, Heather

Brecklyn Ferrin link

1/28/2016 01:14:08 pm

Pick me, please! I love teaching gadgets. No really, I LOVE them. Thanks, Heather!

Heather Figi

1/28/2016 10:34:01 pm

I love your zeal - thanks for the blog note and smile your post gave me. You are now officially entered I will do an old school draw a name from a hat to pick the winner. Feel free to enter more than once. Heather

Elizabeth

1/31/2016 09:13:24 am

I'm I retested in these but curious above what it Helps with? Is it primarily for shape or does it also help with tension? How is the transition when they come off? Thanks and thanks for sharing!

Heather Figi

1/31/2016 02:58:31 pm

Hello, Thank you very much for taking a moment to visit my site and share a blog comment. These assistive devises have pros and cons. Pros would help a student with a tight thumb just moving into the advanced bow bowhold. Cons would be for a student who has sweaty palms. These are just a couple of things about this device and other teachers shared interesting feedback here as well. Ultimately, nothing replaces intentional work and repetitions so they are not a magic wand. HF

Christine Hoffmann link

1/31/2016 09:25:43 am

I am looking forward to trying these with my students!

Heather Figi

1/31/2016 02:59:48 pm

Thanks Christine! I really appreciate you visitng the site and you are now officially entered in the contest. Best wishes, Heather

Donna Ngai

1/31/2016 09:42:56 am

Aren't we all on the search for ways to help our students become the best they can be?! Would love to see how these could work! Thank you for the opportunity!

Heather Figi

1/31/2016 10:16:46 pm

Donna I love the way you state the quest we are all on. I agree, we are always searching for ways to better help our students. It is an amazing world to explore with the many angles involved. You may like my new page THINGS I LOVE designed just for this: http://www.musicforyoungviolinists.com/things-i-love.html

Donna

2/1/2016 05:32:15 am

Heather - Thank you for sharing your favorite things page. :) Lots of wonderful ideas. My students especially love to use the "review" dice! Lots of fun!

Erika Lord-Castillo

1/31/2016 09:43:33 am

I'm very curious about these! They seem a lot less obtrusive than many bow grip aides... I would love to try them!

Heather Figi

1/31/2016 10:17:43 pm

Hi Erika and thanks so much for stopping by to share a comment. These are an interesting product and have pros and cons. HF

Elizabeth link

1/31/2016 09:47:41 am

These would be great for my studio! I have 2 older beginners who have been struggling with correct bow hold. I'm always looking for more ways to get students to relax their grip and have a loose, yet secure bow hand. I've never tried this product, but I'm interested to see how it would work!

Heather Figi

1/31/2016 10:19:19 pm

Hello Elizabeth, Thank you so much for stopping by and touching base. Older beginners are as unique to work with as young beginners. It is possible that this product could help - especially with the way the thumb is cradled into the frog. I have you entered into the contest! HF

Alissa Rieb link

1/31/2016 10:17:05 am

Haven't found a perfect bow grip assistant. This would be fun to try for myself AND the kiddles :) thanks for the chance to win!

Heather Figi

1/31/2016 10:20:45 pm

Hi Alissa thanks so much for the comment. I always try out materials for myself so I can understand from direct experience how they operate. You are entered ;)

Morgan link

1/31/2016 10:35:28 am

These are fantastic! I love that you don't have to remove the frog to put them on.

Heather Figi

1/31/2016 10:21:58 pm

Hi Morgan - thanks so much for taking a moment to stop by the site and share a comment. That is a pro of this product that it stays on AND it is much more durable than some of the crafty things I do to help bow holds. Best wishes, H

1/31/2016 11:03:52 am

I've never seen these. I'm wondering if they would one kiddo in particular who has been struggling with her hold for a year and half.

Heather Figi

1/31/2016 10:23:36 pm

Hi BJ - Thanks so much for the comment. These may help but for some students similar to the one you are mentioning that I thought it would assist it did not ever replace the work needed to be done to train a proper bow hold. Best wishes HF

Carol link

1/31/2016 12:10:06 pm

I've tried a couple other types with little success. Always looking for new ideas.

Heather Figi

1/31/2016 10:24:28 pm

H Carol, Thanks so much for the comment & I would love to know what else you have tried with success. Feel free to drop me a note, HF

Venona Detrick

1/31/2016 12:13:32 pm

My students love these.

Heather Figi

1/31/2016 10:28:25 pm

Hello Venona, Thanks for the comment and the feedback - it's great to hear you are having success with these. HF

Colleen

1/31/2016 12:30:45 pm

OK - How does one get a 50% off coupon?

Heather Figi

1/31/2016 10:29:28 pm

Hi Colleen, Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a comment. I started adding a coupon when teachers signed up for the newsletter. Feel free to sign-up again to get this. Best wishes, HF

Phyllis Calderon link

1/31/2016 01:09:19 pm

I would love to try this for my students who are struggling with a relaxed grip. Thanks!

Heather Figi

1/31/2016 10:30:32 pm

Hi Phyllis. Thank you for taking time out of your day to visit the Music for Young Violinists project and enter the giveaway contest! HF

Marlene W

1/31/2016 01:41:32 pm

These sound wonderful - I have never heard of this product before! My daughter (and myself, lol) would love to use these!

Heather Figi

1/31/2016 10:31:15 pm

Hello - I truly appreciate your enthusiasm and you are now entered in the contest! HF

Melissa

1/31/2016 02:00:59 pm

I have tried the animal bow buddies before but have never seen these ones. I am very interested in trying them out and seeing what my students think.

Heather Figi

1/31/2016 10:14:53 pm

Hello Melissa, Thank you so much for the comment and your open-mindedness for trying something new! You are now entered, HF

Matthew J Pfeuffer link

1/31/2016 03:36:33 pm

I would love to try these with my El Sistema based program! Thanks so much for the opportunity.

Heather Figi

1/31/2016 10:14:02 pm

Hello, Thanks so much for stopping by the Music for Young Violinists project and you are now entered. Best wishes with your teaching, HF

Ana

1/31/2016 03:51:11 pm

I would really really love to try this!!!

Heather Figi

1/31/2016 10:13:14 pm

Hi Ana, Thanks so much for taking a moment to visit the site and participate in this give away!!!

Maria

1/31/2016 04:24:59 pm

Hi Heather!! I would loooove to try this for my students!!! Thanks for everything that you do here. :) :) :)

Heather Figi

1/31/2016 10:12:39 pm

Hello!!! As someone who loves the triple exclamation point I got a kick out of your triple smiley faces. I appreciate your comment and you are now entered ;)

Crystal

1/31/2016 07:14:10 pm

My little girl would love to have one of these she has just started to play and is having trouble holding her bow thanks 😊

Heather Figi

1/31/2016 10:11:44 pm

Hello Crystal and thank you for taking a moment to share a comment here. Congrats to your daughter on beginning her journey into the world of music - we all wish you success with this! HF

Rebekah

1/31/2016 09:10:57 pm

I love all your sheet music, duets and creative technique pages! I have never tried the bow grips, but I trust you and I think they would be awesome for my students!

Thank you for everything you do!

Heather Figi

1/31/2016 10:10:35 pm

Hello and thank you for sharing your gratitude. I appreciate your comment and you are now entered into the giveaway contest! Stay tuned

Manon

1/31/2016 10:55:30 pm

Hi Heather,
I wanna try this with my girl and give others to her fantastic teacher!
Love

Heather Figi

2/2/2016 01:08:32 pm

Hello, Thanks for the comment and your passion for learning and sharing with your violin teacher. You entered just in time, the winner will be announced soon. HF

Marissa

2/1/2016 09:28:21 am

These look like they could be very useful for students who are struggling to put their thumb in the right place! Are they clear? I've only ever seen the black ones online and I like the look of the clear ones! I recently discovered this blog and have been enjoying it!

Heather Figi

2/2/2016 01:09:48 pm

Hello Marissa, Thank you for the kind note here. YES, they are clear. I agree that these are probably most beneficial for the violinists struggling to get proper technique with their thumb. Happy to hear you are enjoying the blog! HF

Nilda Nystrom

2/1/2016 08:25:14 pm

Hi Heather! Thanks for giving us all the opportunity to win the bow grips/helpers :-)

Heather Figi

2/2/2016 01:07:39 pm

You are most welcome. Please stay in touch & thanks for the comment HF

Anneke van Loggerenberg

2/3/2016 12:39:24 pm

Hi

Thank you for the wonderful insights and new things and advice that you share with us. The bow holders are excellent and useful. The best invention in years.

Heather Figi

2/4/2016 05:50:27 am

Hello Anneke, Thank you very much for taking a moment to visit the site and share some feedback. I am happy to hear that these are such a success for you. I will try to communicate this to the creator of the product. Please stay in touch, HF

Donis

2/8/2016 09:01:29 am

I've never tried these but would love to do so!
I have just discovered your site this morning!

Heather Figi

2/8/2016 08:20:41 pm

Hello Donis and welcome to the Music for Young Violinists project. It is great to have you here! If you have any questions please let me know. If you are not already subscribed to the newsletter list I recommend signing up. Best wishes HF

Giveaway Contest - Win 5 StringVision Bow Grips!!!

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