The Violin Geek Podcast

20

Welcome 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. Episodes are accessible to beginners, yet contain the depth appreciated by the advancing student or seasoned performer alike. Happy Practicing!

Recent Episodes
  • All About Études
    Feb 20, 2025 – 00:45:34
  • Your String Questions Answered
    Dec 19, 2024 – 00:59:35
  • Play Faster (not just for violinists!)
    Nov 18, 2024 – 00:37:20
  • Your Violin Questions
    Sep 16, 2024 – 00:47:21
  • Recovery Practice
    Jul 29, 2024 – 00:18:09
  • Pitch versus Tone
    Jun 24, 2024 – 00:22:46
  • "Weaving musical worlds into one" - a conversation with Jazz violinist and composer Meg Okura
    May 13, 2024 – 01:29:27
  • Shifting Technique Deep Dive
    Apr 15, 2024 – 00:37:35
  • Play More Musically
    Mar 25, 2024 – 00:47:12
  • Getting comfortable with Uncomfort: Tools for Overcoming Performance Anxiety
    Feb 19, 2024 – 01:11:05
  • "Make Great Music with Ease" - a chat with violinist and Art of Freedom Method creator Jennifer Roig-Francolí
    Jan 15, 2024 – 01:35:57
  • Finding a comfortable and effective chin and shoulder rest
    Dec 4, 2023 – 00:19:32
  • Music Careers, Part 3
    Nov 13, 2023 – 00:34:41
  • Russian versus American Music Education - a conversation with Russian violinist and educator Michael Dvoskin
    Oct 9, 2023 – 01:28:57
  • Making Time for Music: a chat with violinist Julia Reddy
    Sep 11, 2023 – 01:19:56
  • Finding our voice, from Classical strings to Hot Jazz - A chat with violinist Gabe Terracciano
    Aug 10, 2023 – 01:44:26
  • Rediscovering Baroque Bows - a chat with historical bowmaker Ralph Ashmead
    Jul 10, 2023 – 01:24:18
  • Where am I supposed to put my thumb on the violin neck? Principles and considerations.
    Jun 14, 2023 – 00:20:58
  • Music Careers, Part 2
    May 23, 2023 – 00:26:44
  • Strengths and Challenges of Adult Learners - an interview with Rachael Ridge of "The Adult Violin Academy"
    May 1, 2023 – 01:03:39
  • Music Careers, Part 1
    Apr 3, 2023 – 00:47:52
  • Challenges of the Adult Beginner Violinist: Laurel's interview on the Violin Class Podcast
    Mar 10, 2023 – 00:58:36
  • Intonation Mastery #4: Issues within our Technique and Approach
    Feb 13, 2023 – 00:36:50
  • "Learning By Ear" - a chat with fiddler Lissa Schneckenburger
    Dec 16, 2022 – 01:19:53
  • Stories About Songs - "If A Wave"
    Nov 7, 2022 – 00:22:31
  • Intonation Mastery #3: Avoiding External Factors + Practicing For Better Tuning
    Oct 21, 2022 – 00:29:17
  • Following Your Passion to a Unique Career - an interview with DJ violinist and entertainer Asher Laub
    Sep 23, 2022 – 01:26:37
  • Functional Fitness for Musicians, Part 3: Spine, Low Back, and Hips
    Aug 26, 2022 – 00:26:09
  • Functional Fitness for Musicians, Part 2: Neck, Shoulders, Upper Back
    Aug 5, 2022 – 00:25:11
  • Traveling with Your Instrument - Tips and Stories!
    Jul 28, 2022 – 00:58:13
  • Functional Fitness for Musicians, Part 1: Arms and Hands
    Jul 2, 2022 – 00:29:50
  • How Do I Get Out of Pain? - Playing Health in the Spotlight
    Jul 2, 2022 – 00:42:48
  • "Back to Bach" - rediscovering your path and passion with Israeli/German violinist Maya Lorenzen
    May 27, 2022 – 01:27:48
  • Female Composers in the Spotlight - an interview with Dr. Cora Cooper
    Apr 15, 2022 – 01:20:39
  • "Counting Down the Hours" - finding freedom and joy with Classical violinist and fiddler Maura Shawn Scanlin
    Mar 17, 2022 – 00:57:37
  • Learn to Love Your Metronome
    Feb 18, 2022 – 01:03:42
  • Stories About Songs - "Money Shouldn't Talk That Strong"
    Jan 21, 2022 – 00:50:10
  • Stories About Songs - "Make Me Come Alive"
    Dec 18, 2021 – 00:34:52
  • "A Grand Journey" - bridging musical worlds with violinist Alexandr Kislitsyn
    Nov 24, 2021 – 01:10:02
  • Arranging Pop and Non-Classical Genres for Solo Violin or Ensemble
    Oct 10, 2021 – 01:36:12
  • Championing the Viola and Modern Classical Music - an interview with acclaimed soloist Brett Deubner
    Sep 3, 2021 – 01:46:49
  • Virtual Teaching for Success - Laurel Thomsen interviewed for FAR-West Teaches
    Aug 16, 2021 – 01:10:43
  • DIY Empowerment for Creatives with Justine Lucas of Madwoman Productions
    Jul 10, 2021 – 01:35:31
  • Recording a violin, viola, or cello
    Jun 4, 2021 – 00:14:10
  • Learning to love the process
    May 27, 2021 – 00:10:09
  • Improve Your Intonation Now
    Apr 1, 2021 – 00:18:00
  • Traditional folksongs in conflict with political correctness and racial equality
    Feb 22, 2021 – 00:10:01
  • Discovering great new artists and heartfelt songs
    Jun 4, 2019 – 00:11:57
  • Tips to help prepare for an orchestra, ensemble, or band practice
    Feb 7, 2019 – 00:09:47
  • A Theory Behind the Flesch and Galamian Arpeggio Sequences
    Jan 10, 2019 – 00:07:41
Recent Reviews
  • Waitlossgyrl
    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!
  • Violinguy88
    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
  • rubberfaerie
    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 but would love them more! <3 Thank you again SO MUCH for taking your precious time and energy to do these Laurel!!!!
  • Cello Rob
    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!!!
  • Philosophical Beat Podcast
    Superbly Done!
    A FANTASTIC podcast by a talented musician and someone who is incredibly natural in running an informative, engaging podcast.
  • JapaneseTeacher
    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!
  • YT.Iowa
    Must for every Violin student
    Great podcasts. Thank you
  • Noellie706
    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 few musicians learn from other outlets. I love her straightforward, relaxed, and focused approach to the rigors of musicianship! Many music savantes are only generous with tips to a degree, but Laurel selflessly shares her secrets in areas from practice to performance ( as well as memorization tips, technique improvement, and everything in between! ). I've also discovered that she is very responsive to listeners; she literally invites questions and comments from them. In fact, I asked her a specific question, and she addressed it in a podcast! I have recommended her podcast to other violinists, and I will continue to do so. I will also tell my violist and cellist friends about it, as Laurel also deals with universal principles in her episodes. Laurel Thomsen truly does what she does out of a pure love for music, and the Violin Geek podcasts are brimming with expressions of that love! Thank you, Laurel, for your podcast! :-D
  • jcth0mas
    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 you love having music in your life.
  • camaero
    Fun and easy to learn from!
    Laurel's podcasts have been very beneficial to me and I really appreciate the fact that she takes the time to make them. Her podcasts have some terrific information (definitely check out the one on tips for renting or purchasing an instrument if you are in the market) plus they are fun and easy to listen to. You can tell she enjoys herself and that keeps these from ever sounding boring. The information is great The entertainment is great Totally worth subscribing to.
  • burschix
    Thank you Laurel!
    Very thrilled to see Laurel producing a podcast and spreading her insightful way working with students of all ages and backgrounds to web 2.o! May the subscribers come aplenty :)
Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork on this page are property of the podcast owner, and not endorsed by UP.audio.