ADAPTATION OF SHOULDER REST USE ACCORDING TO PERSON

Abstract

Shoulder rest is an accessory, which could be attached to instruments such as violin and viola to add height to the shoulder, to avoid elevating left shoulder, to prevent the instrument from slipping during the performance and to provide a more relaxed body posture. The aim of this study is to give general information about the purpose of using shoulder rest. Within the scope of literature review, the opinions of the sources on the shoulder rest were examined in three categories. It has been described, how to get hold of the violin by the long-necked players, when the shoulder rest is not used and it has been put forth the negative effects of using shoulder rest, when the shoulder rest is used to create excessive height. It has been determined that when used correctly, the shoulder rest avoids possible musculoskeletal injuries. According to all these findings, it has been concluded that individual anatomical characteristics must determine the use of soft or hard shoulder rest.