This week in Practice Club I owned up to using first position too much in my playing, and honestly, to some degree I've made my peace with it. I practise as much as I can with 2nd 3rd and the rest but I dont think we have to stay clear as much as in classical. Whilst it makes sense to try and utilise all of the instrument for tone or ease for certain phrases, it's also important to play with as little tension and with as much confidence as possible. If first position will make you do that then don't feel bad (I think) Using first position as your base will make it easier to improvise, you've got more room to think because you're not worrying about shifting. Tell us your thoughts!

This week in the Beginners Class we learnt the B section of Lady Be Good, and it reminded me how hard simple melodies can be to learn properly. "How many Es is it again?" Learning the lyrics really helps, and so does listening to the vocal versions, even if like me you only half know them. Which tune have you learnt from a singer's version and who is your go to singer to check out?

Taking apart the first few lines of my Etude over "Rose Room" last night in the practise club. These sessions are always centred around material that will help you play better, not always just adding to your list of things to practise but sometimes. like in this little clip, taking things away... Being a part of the Jazz Violin Practise Club will guarantees this... You will practise more You will practise better You will enjoy practise more evenly. If you fancy giving it a go, send me a message or comment on this post and I'll get you set up for a free try this month.

@Tamsin Haggis has been an active member of the community since she first joined. She came here with no jazz experience at all and has been working hard, using the Practise Diaries thread to stay on track, took the 5 Day Challenge and is now working through my Blues course. It’s been really fun seeing your progress and hearing all about the work you are doing Tamsin! Thanks for being here and for being such an active and supportive member of the community too. Matt

This is your spot to log what you're working on, whenever you practise. No pressure to post daily, just whenever you've had a session and want to note it down or share it. It could be something you've been working on, in your own time or with lessons with me. Anyone in here can post! Comment below with: 📅 Date: 🎻 What I worked on: ⏱️ Time practised: 🎉 One win: 🤔 One thing I'm stuck on: Doesn't need to be polished. A quick video or voice note works just as well if you'd rather show than write. I'll be dropping my own practise notes in here too, not just replying to yours. And if you've got a spare minute, leave a comment on someone else's check-in as well. Even just a "nice work" will help us all feel motivated to keep on keeping on! Drop your first check-in below 👇