What is the purpose of applying violin rosin to your bow?

violin rosin
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Why would anyone use rosin on a violin bow? In order to understand why, it is necessary to understand what a violin rosin is, and why it is used.

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What Is Violin Rosin?

Violin rosin is originally made from the tree sap, the sap is also know as liquid resin. The liquid resin is heated until it becomes of a solid texture, it smells like pine and has a glassy look.

The texture of the rosin is of a brittle texture which then requires to user to handle it with care. If the rosin is accidentally dropped on the floor, the rosin will shatter like glass.

How to apply the rosin To your violin bow?

Firstly, you need to tighten the bow hairs. Secondly, hold the rosin with your left hand and simply glide the rosin all over the bow. Typically the player will apply at the frog and move slowly to the middle of the bow and finally the tip of the bow. This will ensure a good coverage of the rosin applied on the violin bow. Do note to not over apply if not it will be useless. Typically, students should re-apply rosin onto the bow hair every four to six playing hours. For beginners, rosin can be applied before each time you practice your violin.

applying rosin on violin bow

How should I clean off the accumulated rosin dust particles on my violin?

Old rosin residue will build up over time on the violin. Therefore, it is good to clean the violin with a dry cleaning cloth over time. You can make it a good habit to clean the violin after your violin lesson or viola lesson.

Why Should I Apply Rosin To My Violin Bow?

In one word, to create friction.The rosin will allow the bow hair to “grip” the strings and make the strings vibrate clearly. If no rosin is applied on the bow, the bow will slide across the strings without enough friction and thus a very dull and muted sound is produced from the violin.
Rosin is an essential product to playing the violin or even the viola and cello. Please ensure that you have your rosin with you during your music lessons, like your cello lessons.

rosin type

What Type Of Rosin Should I Choose?

The best way to choose is to try on the one that works best for you. Here are some tips:

  1. If you are a beginner, you can try entry level rosin or you may just start with a high end rosin for the ultimate playing experience.
  2. If you are sensitive to dust in general, you may want to consider the rosin that are hypoallergenic or those that does not produce as much rosin powder.
  3. If you live in a warm country, you may consider the darker rosin as it is more resistant to heat. However, if the rosin is kept in a cool environment the lighter rosin will be fine too. 
About The Author:
About The Author:

Alan Senejani
Alan is the co-founder of LVL Music Academy and in charge of everyday operations. His wife, teacher Janice and himself are passionate to bring out the best in kids & adults with quality music lessons in Singapore. He is a loving father to his 4 years old little girl & 1 year old little boy.

About The Author:
About The Author:

Alan Senejani
Alan is the co-founder of LVL Music Academy and in charge of everyday operations. His wife, teacher Janice and himself are passionate to bring out the best in kids & adults with quality music lessons in Singapore. He is a loving father to his 4 years old little girl & 1 year old little boy.

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