When you think of playing a crystal singing bowl, you probably assume that rubbing the mallet around the rim of the bowl is the only way to play. There is another way, often referred to as the violin method. In the video below, I explain how its done.

The benefit of this method is that you don’t get that rubbing sound when playing along the rim. I also find that it is easier to sustain the tone for a longer time with less chance of the mallet vibrating on rim as often happens once the bowl gets going.

The key point to notice in this video is that you are not rubbing the mallet along one point on the bowl, you are rubbing one point on the mallet along as much of the surface of the bowl as you can.

So give this a try and let me know how it works out for you. It does take some practice so if you don’t get it right off, keep trying. It took me more than a few attempts before I got it.

By the way, the red bowl in this video is the Ruby Opaque, the blue one is Ocean Gold. See all crystal singing bowls.