This is a common question that many violinists have when starting to learn the instrument. Shoulder rests help support the violin against the collarbone and shoulder, making it easier to hold the instrument in place. However, their use is a point of debate among professional violinists.
The purpose of shoulder rests
Shoulder rests were developed to aid in holding up the violin. Violins are relatively heavy instruments, with even a small violin weighing around 1-2 lbs. Holding up an object of this weight for long periods can cause muscle strain and tension in the shoulders, neck, and jaw. Shoulder rests help transfer some of this weight into the collarbone, alleviating the strain.
They also help stabilize the violin, reducing the need to grip tightly or contort the chin to keep the instrument steady. This allows for greater relaxation and freedom of movement while playing.
Arguments for using shoulder rests
Here are some of the main arguments in favor of using shoulder rests:
- Prevents muscle strain and tension
- Allows more relaxed posture and hold on the violin
- Makes it easier to hold up the violin for long periods
- Provides stability so less effort is required to keep the violin in place
- Can assist with achieving proper chin and shoulder position
- Allows head to be freer to move to reach upper positions
- Easier to control vibrato motions
- Sound projects outwards more directly
Many pedagogues and violin instructors encourage the use of shoulder rests for beginner and intermediate players. They provide valuable support while learning correct posture and technique. They also prevent the development of tension or strain from having to support the violin’s weight unaided.
Arguments against using shoulder rests
However, there are also arguments against using shoulder rests, particularly for professional and advanced violinists:
- Can dampen vibrations and inhibit resonance
- Constant pressure in same spot promotes muscle stiffness
- Prevents complete freedom of head movement
- Can become a “crutch” that inhibits proper posture development
- Some claim the unaided shoulder hold allows greater tonal possibilities
- Many famous historical violinists did not use them
- Modern performance with period instruments typically done without shoulder rest
- Can limit ability to play on different violins
Those against shoulder rest use argue that the unaided hold allows more tonal nuance and resonance from the violin. The pressure and stiffness caused by a rest can dampen subtle vibrations. Great violinists through history like Kreisler, Heifetz, and Oistrakh played without a shoulder rest, proving it’s possible to have good posture and technique without one.
What do professional violinists do?
When looking at professional and concert violinists, there is a mix of those who use a shoulder rest, those who use only a small pad, and those who use no support at all.
In an informal poll on Violinist.com asking whether professionals use a shoulder rest, of the 41 respondents:
| Shoulder rest use | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Use shoulder rest | 61% |
| Use pad only | 15% |
| No shoulder rest | 24% |
So while a majority used a shoulder rest, a sizable 39% used minimal or no support. High-profile soloists like Hilary Hahn, Joshua Bell, and Anne-Sophie Mutter use shoulder rests. While soloists like James Ehnes, Leonidas Kavakos, and Julian Rachlin play without one.
Reasons professionals may avoid shoulder rests
Here are some reasons why professional and advanced players may choose to perform without a shoulder rest:
- Want full freedom of head movement
- Feel it inhibits resonance and nuance
- Want flexibility to play different period instruments
- Wish to emulate historical playing styles
- Prefer minimal support to encourage proper posture
- Find it distracting or uncomfortable
So in many cases, avoidance is an artistic choice relating to sound production, historical authenticity, or individual preference. The highest level violinists have very refined posture and technique that allows them to support the instrument well without external aids.
Use of small pads or cushions
Some professional violinists use minimal support instead of a full shoulder rest. Options include:
- Shoulder cushion or pad – thin padding for one shoulder
- Chin rest cushion – pad stuck onto chinrest
- Cloth shoulder rest – soft fabric draped over shoulder
- Sponge or chamois cloth under chin
These provide a little extra grip and cushioning while avoiding perceived tonal interference. This middle-ground approach gives subtle assistance while retaining freedom of movement.
Making the choice
So in summary, here are some factors to consider when deciding whether to use a shoulder rest:
- Playing level and posture development
- Need for stability and support
- Desired tone production and resonance
- Comfort and tension
- Ability to move head freely
- Historical or artistic motivations
Most beginners will benefit greatly from using a shoulder rest. As technique develops, some advanced players may opt to transition to a minimal support approach. There are good arguments on both sides, so the decision often comes down to individual needs and preferences.
Conclusion
While many professionals use shoulder rests, a significant number also opt to perform without them. There are legitimate reasons for both approaches relating to support, sound production, freedom of motion, and historical practice. There is no universally correct answer, so each violinist must experiment to find what works best for their playing style and needs.
Trying different shoulder rest setups or a rest-free hold can help inform this decision. With refinement, it is certainly possible to play to a very high standard either with or without shoulder support. Maintaining proper technique is vital so the hold does not create excess tension or limit sound projection. An open-minded approach allows each violinist to make their own choice to best serve their individual artistry and performance.