Ellen Clarke
@talaarts.bsky.social
Violin Coach ✨ Guides violin players to overcome hurdles one technique at a time while still loving their violin ✨ Have instructed around 500 students so far ✨ Creator of the “Stress Less & Love Your Violin Again” method.
Too hot to function today. 🥵 The A/C units are still sitting in the garage. I've been doing the bare minimum. #heatwave #sendhelp #workingfromsauna I just want to sleep. Some days are just what they are.
(Photo by Neil Bates on Unsplash)
(Photo by Neil Bates on Unsplash)
June 6, 2025 at 5:17 PM
Too hot to function today. 🥵 The A/C units are still sitting in the garage. I've been doing the bare minimum. #heatwave #sendhelp #workingfromsauna I just want to sleep. Some days are just what they are.
(Photo by Neil Bates on Unsplash)
(Photo by Neil Bates on Unsplash)
That liminal space between the end of the school year and the start of summer feels like nature holding its breath. What do you want to breathe life into during this in-between time? A dream, a project, a new habit?
(Photo by Shen Geng Lin on Unsplash)
(Photo by Shen Geng Lin on Unsplash)
June 5, 2025 at 5:09 PM
That liminal space between the end of the school year and the start of summer feels like nature holding its breath. What do you want to breathe life into during this in-between time? A dream, a project, a new habit?
(Photo by Shen Geng Lin on Unsplash)
(Photo by Shen Geng Lin on Unsplash)
When I first tried Scrivener, I gave up—too many features, too confusing. My mistake? Trying to learn it before using it. Turns out, it’s best learned by starting simple and adding tools as you go. Dive in, then grow! #amwriting #Scrivener #writingtips
(Photo by Carli Jeen on Unsplash)
(Photo by Carli Jeen on Unsplash)
June 4, 2025 at 5:10 PM
When I first tried Scrivener, I gave up—too many features, too confusing. My mistake? Trying to learn it before using it. Turns out, it’s best learned by starting simple and adding tools as you go. Dive in, then grow! #amwriting #Scrivener #writingtips
(Photo by Carli Jeen on Unsplash)
(Photo by Carli Jeen on Unsplash)
What’s one thing on your to-do list you’re actually excited about? Even the thing you dread most. I’ve been putting off tackling my yard weeds, but 20–30 mins at a time is doable. Beats staring out the window thinking I can’t. Progress > perfection. 🌱
(Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash)
(Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash)
June 3, 2025 at 5:21 PM
What’s one thing on your to-do list you’re actually excited about? Even the thing you dread most. I’ve been putting off tackling my yard weeds, but 20–30 mins at a time is doable. Beats staring out the window thinking I can’t. Progress > perfection. 🌱
(Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash)
(Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash)
I’ve found it’s way easier to get results when I work in small chunks. Last week, I was stuck trying to set my color palette in Podia. Today, with just 30 minutes, I cracked it. Progress doesn’t need hours, just focus and a timer. 🕒✨ #CreativeWins #podiapower
(Photo by Windows on Unsplash)
(Photo by Windows on Unsplash)
June 2, 2025 at 5:00 PM
I’ve found it’s way easier to get results when I work in small chunks. Last week, I was stuck trying to set my color palette in Podia. Today, with just 30 minutes, I cracked it. Progress doesn’t need hours, just focus and a timer. 🕒✨ #CreativeWins #podiapower
(Photo by Windows on Unsplash)
(Photo by Windows on Unsplash)
As May winds down, what’s one thing you’re grateful for this month? I’m grateful for the many small, manageable tasks I completed—each one a step toward my bigger goals. No overwhelm, just steady progress. How about you?
(Photo by CDC on Unsplash)
(Photo by CDC on Unsplash)
May 29, 2025 at 3:44 PM
As May winds down, what’s one thing you’re grateful for this month? I’m grateful for the many small, manageable tasks I completed—each one a step toward my bigger goals. No overwhelm, just steady progress. How about you?
(Photo by CDC on Unsplash)
(Photo by CDC on Unsplash)
How do you define a productive day—by what you did or how you felt? For me, it's the feeling of satisfaction after completing what I set out to do. Turns out, my good feelings depend on what I did. How about you? #Productivity #CreativeLife #soulfulwork
(Photo by Ella Jardim on Unsplash)
(Photo by Ella Jardim on Unsplash)
May 28, 2025 at 3:06 PM
How do you define a productive day—by what you did or how you felt? For me, it's the feeling of satisfaction after completing what I set out to do. Turns out, my good feelings depend on what I did. How about you? #Productivity #CreativeLife #soulfulwork
(Photo by Ella Jardim on Unsplash)
(Photo by Ella Jardim on Unsplash)
Something I’m working on this week: setting up my violin school in Podia! My old platform had too many limits; I couldn’t give students everything I wanted to. Grateful to have found a new home that lets me share freely. 🎻💻 #violin #creators #musicteacher
(Photo by Arnel Hasanovic on Unsplash)
(Photo by Arnel Hasanovic on Unsplash)
May 27, 2025 at 5:42 PM
Something I’m working on this week: setting up my violin school in Podia! My old platform had too many limits; I couldn’t give students everything I wanted to. Grateful to have found a new home that lets me share freely. 🎻💻 #violin #creators #musicteacher
(Photo by Arnel Hasanovic on Unsplash)
(Photo by Arnel Hasanovic on Unsplash)
Tell me about a time you surprised yourself with what you were capable of. 🎨 I did recently, by taking an online painting class! It turns out that trying something new can reveal talents you didn’t know you had. What’s something that brought out a hidden side of you?
(Photo by Ivan Pergasi)
(Photo by Ivan Pergasi)
May 22, 2025 at 3:08 PM
Tell me about a time you surprised yourself with what you were capable of. 🎨 I did recently, by taking an online painting class! It turns out that trying something new can reveal talents you didn’t know you had. What’s something that brought out a hidden side of you?
(Photo by Ivan Pergasi)
(Photo by Ivan Pergasi)
What helps you stay consistent when motivation is low? Tiny rituals for me: taking out my violin, opening the music. Action invites inspiration, especially in small steps. What’s your go-to trick to keep showing up? #violin #writing #creativity #consistency
(Photo by Jabber Visuals on Unsplash)
(Photo by Jabber Visuals on Unsplash)
May 21, 2025 at 2:18 PM
What helps you stay consistent when motivation is low? Tiny rituals for me: taking out my violin, opening the music. Action invites inspiration, especially in small steps. What’s your go-to trick to keep showing up? #violin #writing #creativity #consistency
(Photo by Jabber Visuals on Unsplash)
(Photo by Jabber Visuals on Unsplash)
Quick Tip: I leave my violin out with the case open so I can grab it anytime and “practice” (aka play for fun). Less friction = more joy. What’s one habit or tool that’s made a real difference in your creative flow?
(Photo by Philip Myrtorp on Unsplash)
(Photo by Philip Myrtorp on Unsplash)
May 20, 2025 at 1:53 PM
Quick Tip: I leave my violin out with the case open so I can grab it anytime and “practice” (aka play for fun). Less friction = more joy. What’s one habit or tool that’s made a real difference in your creative flow?
(Photo by Philip Myrtorp on Unsplash)
(Photo by Philip Myrtorp on Unsplash)
This week, I’m showing up for me - AND you! - writing, painting, and building my soulful violin biz. Even 10 minutes counts if it moves me toward this year’s intentions. Tiny steps, big energy. 💫 #CreativeLife #ViolinWithHeart #showupforyourself
(Photo by Gabrielle Henderson on Unsplash)
(Photo by Gabrielle Henderson on Unsplash)
May 19, 2025 at 5:46 PM
This week, I’m showing up for me - AND you! - writing, painting, and building my soulful violin biz. Even 10 minutes counts if it moves me toward this year’s intentions. Tiny steps, big energy. 💫 #CreativeLife #ViolinWithHeart #showupforyourself
(Photo by Gabrielle Henderson on Unsplash)
(Photo by Gabrielle Henderson on Unsplash)
Small shift, big heart: I’m now focusing on helping violinists grow technically and connect more deeply with their playing—emotionally, spiritually, soulfully. If you crave more meaning in your music, I’m here for it. 🎻💫 #ViolinWithHeart #SoulfulStrings
(Photo by Rosario Janza on Unsplash)
(Photo by Rosario Janza on Unsplash)
May 16, 2025 at 3:44 PM
Small shift, big heart: I’m now focusing on helping violinists grow technically and connect more deeply with their playing—emotionally, spiritually, soulfully. If you crave more meaning in your music, I’m here for it. 🎻💫 #ViolinWithHeart #SoulfulStrings
(Photo by Rosario Janza on Unsplash)
(Photo by Rosario Janza on Unsplash)
If your left hand feels tired, check your thumb. It should be flexible with the joint bent. Loosen it up and let your fingers dance. 🎶 #ViolinLife
(Photo by Iain Robertson on Unsplash)
(Photo by Iain Robertson on Unsplash)
May 14, 2025 at 3:36 PM
If your left hand feels tired, check your thumb. It should be flexible with the joint bent. Loosen it up and let your fingers dance. 🎶 #ViolinLife
(Photo by Iain Robertson on Unsplash)
(Photo by Iain Robertson on Unsplash)
Open strings aren’t cheating—they’re your tuning fork, your reset button. They keep you honest 😁 Use them. Love them. 🎻 #violintips
(Photo by Xingchen Yan on Unsplash, playing with a Baroque bow)
(Photo by Xingchen Yan on Unsplash, playing with a Baroque bow)
May 13, 2025 at 5:42 PM
Open strings aren’t cheating—they’re your tuning fork, your reset button. They keep you honest 😁 Use them. Love them. 🎻 #violintips
(Photo by Xingchen Yan on Unsplash, playing with a Baroque bow)
(Photo by Xingchen Yan on Unsplash, playing with a Baroque bow)
Bach’s E Major Sonata was frying my brain—especially m. 33–34 (all sharps!). 🎻 Tried every fingering, finally landed on 3rd position. Just 10 mins a day, and it's clicking. Micro movements work. Stay curious, not frustrated! #violinlife #Bach #microwins
(Photo by Ellen Clarke)
(Photo by Ellen Clarke)
May 9, 2025 at 3:28 PM
Bach’s E Major Sonata was frying my brain—especially m. 33–34 (all sharps!). 🎻 Tried every fingering, finally landed on 3rd position. Just 10 mins a day, and it's clicking. Micro movements work. Stay curious, not frustrated! #violinlife #Bach #microwins
(Photo by Ellen Clarke)
(Photo by Ellen Clarke)
Violinists, your bow pinky isn’t just tagging along—if it’s stiff, your sound is too. Bend it. Flex it. Let it work its magic ❤️🎻
(Photo by Adam J Wester on Unsplash)
(Photo by Adam J Wester on Unsplash)
May 7, 2025 at 2:37 PM
Violinists, your bow pinky isn’t just tagging along—if it’s stiff, your sound is too. Bend it. Flex it. Let it work its magic ❤️🎻
(Photo by Adam J Wester on Unsplash)
(Photo by Adam J Wester on Unsplash)
Don’t just play your piece from top to bottom on repeat. That’s the fast track to boredom. 🎻 Play it through once a week, spot the tricky parts, and live there. The goal? A full run-through at tempo—no stumbles, no sweat.
(Photo by Joel Timothy on Unsplash)
(Photo by Joel Timothy on Unsplash)
May 6, 2025 at 3:24 PM
Don’t just play your piece from top to bottom on repeat. That’s the fast track to boredom. 🎻 Play it through once a week, spot the tricky parts, and live there. The goal? A full run-through at tempo—no stumbles, no sweat.
(Photo by Joel Timothy on Unsplash)
(Photo by Joel Timothy on Unsplash)
Big dreams grow from small steps. Even 5–10 minutes a day: vacuuming, violin, a quick post, or moving one task forward; keeps the momentum alive. Progress isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up, even in sweats. #DailyWins #ProgressNotPerfection
(Photo by Lukas Blazek on Unsplash)
(Photo by Lukas Blazek on Unsplash)
May 5, 2025 at 5:37 PM
Big dreams grow from small steps. Even 5–10 minutes a day: vacuuming, violin, a quick post, or moving one task forward; keeps the momentum alive. Progress isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up, even in sweats. #DailyWins #ProgressNotPerfection
(Photo by Lukas Blazek on Unsplash)
(Photo by Lukas Blazek on Unsplash)
🎻 I’ve played violin for 51 years, and it still feels new. I fall in love again by learning fresh music, exploring new styles, and staying curious. Progress isn’t about perfection. It’s about fun! #ViolinLife #LifelongLearning #GrowthMindset #MusicEducation
May 1, 2025 at 2:58 PM
🎻 I’ve played violin for 51 years, and it still feels new. I fall in love again by learning fresh music, exploring new styles, and staying curious. Progress isn’t about perfection. It’s about fun! #ViolinLife #LifelongLearning #GrowthMindset #MusicEducation
The hardest thing to learn on violin? Not shifting or vibrato. It’s a correct bow hold. It controls tone, phrasing, expression, everything. Small adjustments here = huge results. Don’t underestimate the bow hand. #ViolinLife #BowHold #MusicEducation
(Photo by Denny Muller on Unsplash)
(Photo by Denny Muller on Unsplash)
April 30, 2025 at 2:16 PM
The hardest thing to learn on violin? Not shifting or vibrato. It’s a correct bow hold. It controls tone, phrasing, expression, everything. Small adjustments here = huge results. Don’t underestimate the bow hand. #ViolinLife #BowHold #MusicEducation
(Photo by Denny Muller on Unsplash)
(Photo by Denny Muller on Unsplash)
🎻 Practice myth I’d love to retire: You don’t need hours.
15–20 focused minutes on one tricky phrase = real progress.
Small, smart steps > marathon frustration.
If you’re stuck, don’t go longer—go smaller.
#ViolinLife #PracticeTips #MusicEducation
(Photo by Faith Knight on Unsplash)
15–20 focused minutes on one tricky phrase = real progress.
Small, smart steps > marathon frustration.
If you’re stuck, don’t go longer—go smaller.
#ViolinLife #PracticeTips #MusicEducation
(Photo by Faith Knight on Unsplash)
April 29, 2025 at 5:32 PM
🎻 Practice myth I’d love to retire: You don’t need hours.
15–20 focused minutes on one tricky phrase = real progress.
Small, smart steps > marathon frustration.
If you’re stuck, don’t go longer—go smaller.
#ViolinLife #PracticeTips #MusicEducation
(Photo by Faith Knight on Unsplash)
15–20 focused minutes on one tricky phrase = real progress.
Small, smart steps > marathon frustration.
If you’re stuck, don’t go longer—go smaller.
#ViolinLife #PracticeTips #MusicEducation
(Photo by Faith Knight on Unsplash)