125 JMTE 3 (2+3) pp. 125–139 Intellect Limited 2010 Journal of Music, Technology & Education Volume 3 Numbers 2 and 3 © 2010 Intellect Ltd Article. English language. doi: 10.1386/jmte.3.2-3.125_1 KEYWORDS violin bowing model music education CORDELIA V. HALL AND JOHN T. O’DONNELL University of Glasgow Calibrating a bowing checker for violin students ABSTRACT Playing a string instrument, such as the violin, requires solving many problems in controlling the bow. For example, the player may find that ‘saving bow’ is crucial to getting through a passage, yet not know why. Computer models may be able to help musicians to understand such problems better and to find solutions. We have devel- oped a simple bowing model that analyses a piece of music and calculates predicted bow speeds and positions. The model takes account of notes, slurs and ties, tempo, and dynamics. It has been implemented as a computer program that reads a score, analyses it and outputs an annotated score that indicates detailed information about the predicted bow positions and speeds. To support practical applications, as well as further research, the model needs to be validated and calibrated. In this article, we compare the predictions of the model with the performances of one of us, a violinist with a professional violin performance education. The results indicate that the model is accurate enough to predict places where practical difficulties, such as running out of bow, are likely to occur. INTRODUCTION The study of bowing is a vital part of learning to play a string instrument. Each player develops their own preferred approach to bowing, but there are general problems faced by all string players. This work aims to provide tools for understanding those problems better, for both performers and musicol- ogists. Our approach is to develop a model that describes the position and