Much like the five-note roll in Last of the Mohicans that uses the pinkie, the fourth finger has already been a hot topic here during vibrato season. I mentioned that I didn’t really have a silver-bullet exercise for fourth finger vibrato. I’ve mostly been sharing little tips and ways I think about it. But late last night I sat straight up in bed because actually… I do. If your vibrato works on the other fingers but folds on the pinkie, it’s usually not a relaxation or coordination issue. It’s strength. Not surprising considering how small that finger is and how little we use those muscles in daily life. There’s a surprisingly simple way to build that strength. Here’s an exercise I share inside Jenny’s Daily Lessons during the Yuki’s Song module, one of the early songs adult beginners learn in their first six months. Take a piece of newspaper and crinkle it up into one hand using mostly your pinkie. Then do the other hand. Repeat this every day. That tiny movement challenge builds strength in the exact muscles the fourth finger needs on the violin. Try this daily for a couple weeks and let me know- does the vibrato feel easier? In case you didn’t see the comments I posted yesterday, here’s my running roundup of thoughts on fourth finger vibrato: 1) Fourth finger vibrato has its own personality Let it be more about the bone moving inside the finger pad rather than a full fingertip wobble. The pinkie often approaches the string at a slightly different angle, especially if you have long fingers. It’s just going to feel/sound different, and that’s okay. Sometimes we just need permission to let it be a little different. 2) Thumb support The pinkie isn’t just the weakest finger, it’s also the furthest from the thumb, which is where vibrato stability comes from. Sometimes a tiny bit of forearm rotation helps the pinkie and thumb feel connected so the finger isn’t working alone. Play with that supportive feeling, and check the position of your elbow under your violin, before you start the pitch movement.

Welcome! Here’s how to get oriented: ⬜ Introduce yourself in the 👋 Introductions thread ⬜ Visit the 🥋 Dojo: Vibrato 2026 thread and try an exercise (coming March 3) ⬜ Share a win or question anytime This space is for encouragement and shared focus - whether you’re training inside Jenny’s Daily Lessons or are simply a fellow adult violin learner. If you’re enrolled in Core Training or Personal Coaching, use this space to support and strengthen your structured training. If you’re not enrolled, you’re still fully welcome here on Skool - and you can explore the full structured training path anytime → https://www.jennyoconnor.com/programs/ Nothing here is required. Jump in when you’re ready. — 🔔 Quick Note on Notifications (Optional) Skool can send a lot of emails by default. You may want to adjust this once: • Click your profile photo (top right) • Go to Settings • Select Notifications • Customize what emails you receive That’s it - set it once and you’re good. 🎻💪 Jenny

We have some new faces here - and a few familiar ones too - so let’s make this our official intro spot. If you haven’t introduced yourself yet (or if it’s been a while), please jump in and share: ~Where you’re playing from ~One piece that made you wanna learn violin ~One thing you’re into besides violin Brand new? Returning after years away? Grinding nonstop? Either way, pull up a chair. (Photos welcome but no pressure!)

You look incredible ! Lovely pic.🔥🎻 I still love how tiny Oscar’s violin is on the wall haha, Is he inspired yet ? Or is there more convincing required haha. He has know idea how lucky he is if ever wants to play !! I’m looking forward to this vibrato session ! I so need this! This is the kick up the bum I need haha