Thesteelydane.com » Violin

Why I love the viola

Nicolaj — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:01:51 +0000

A couple of months ago I borrowed a viola just for fun, and to make a long story short: I am in love – and for 2 very good reasons. First of all, I love the sound of it. There’s something about the slightly melancholic and very singing, smooth sound of the viola that speaks to me. It seems, at least to me to be closer to the human voice. I also discovered that it fits my body like a glove. I have very long arms and long fingers, and surprisingly some of the things I struggle with on the violin, becomes easy and natural on the viola. With the violin, my left elbow is very closed, and in recent months that has created some discomfort during the long opera…

Teaching testimonials

Nicolaj — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 22:17:24 +0000

I enjoy teaching, and have over the created many excellent results with students of all ages, backgrounds and levels. My teaching philosophy centers around inspiring students through my own passion for the violin. I also believe in helping my students develop healthy habits from day one, so should they one decided to pursue a professional career in music, they will have a solid platform to start from. I also encourage creativity and independent thinking through every phase of the learning process – always innovate, never “just” imitate.

Below is a testimonial from the parents of two former students, that I taught in the US in 2003.

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To Whom It May Concern

It is our distinct pleasure to offer our highest recommendation on behalf of Mr. Nicolaj Nielsen. We have known Mr. Nielsen for…

A new type of shoulder pad: A review

Nicolaj — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:44:25 +0000

I recently saw an article in The Strad that immediately caught my attention. A guy in Japan had invented a shoulder pad (yes, a pad – not a rest) that attached to you instead of the violin. This – at least in in theory – should make it easier to move the violin around and change your playing position, which from a physical therapy point of view is a good thing. I contacted the guy and he kindly send me a test sample. It is very well made of non-slip neoprene and utilizes strong magnets inside the pad to hold it in place. As a player who usually tugs a thick wash cloth under my shirt, the concept isn’t new to me, but I’ve never seen it implemented in such…

Back in business

Nicolaj — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 12:00:31 +0000

My wrist is fine again, and I’m playing full time. It took about a month, and according to medical science I should count myself lucky, as it can take up to 3 months for the overstretched ligaments to heal and fully contract. I have been busy freelancing a lot with the Malmö Symphony Orchestra in Sweden and practicing for upcoming auditions. I have also been preparing a few pieces to record for this website and expect to upload material within a week.

In other news, the article about my story in “Musikeren” (”The Musician”) is coming out in a few days. Stay tuned for more….

Audio/Video

Nicolaj — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 01:45:32 +0000

A video review of a new type of shoulder pad for violin/viola. See more here.

Performance videos in production – coming soon!

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Vieuxtemps: Capriccio for solo viola. You can download the mp3 by clicking on the arrow in the player, from, but please ask my permission if you decide to use it for anything other than your personal enjoyment.

Viuxtemps: “Capriccio” for solo viola by thesteelydane