Press Release
Marnie Thies Violin Lessons in St. Paul, Near Minneapolis, MN, Explains How to Cultivate a Relaxed Left Hand
Minneapolis, US, 9th July 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, Marnie Thies of proviolin.com emphasizes the importance of cultivating a relaxed left hand to improve technique and reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries like tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome. Left-hand tension hinders finger placement, affecting intonation and vibrato, both of which rely on fluidity and ease. Since tension limits both speed and control, maintaining relaxation is key to achieving musicality and physical comfort.
Understanding the Causes of Tension
The first step in addressing left-hand tension is identifying its causes. According to Marnie Thies, common contributors include poor posture, improper violin setup, inefficient finger placement, and mental or emotional stress. By focusing on body alignment, hand flexibility, and mental relaxation, violinists can develop a more natural, tension-free approach. This, in turn, enhances tone, shifting, vibrato, and overall musical expression.
The Left Hand’s Role in Intonation and Vibrato
Understanding the role of the left hand in producing accurate intonation and expressive vibrato is crucial. When the hand is stiff or tense, finger movement becomes restricted, which can lead to strained or awkward shifts along the fingerboard, reduced control over finger placement, and inconsistent pressure on the strings-all of which may result in uneven tone quality and a vibrato that lacks fluidity and expressiveness. At Marnie Thies Violin Lessons, Thies stresses that a relaxed left hand improves both precision and comfort, reducing the risk of injury. Poor posture and improper instrument positioning are often the culprits here. For example, holding the violin at the wrong angle or gripping the neck too tightly forces the hand into awkward positions, increasing strain on the thumb and fingers. These habits can lead to chronic tension over time. Marnie Thies also notes that psychological pressure, such as performance anxiety, can lead to the hand becoming tense.
Preventing Tension with Proper Setup and Posture
To prevent tension, it is essential to ensure proper setup and posture. The violin should rest comfortably on the shoulder, allowing the left hand to move freely across the fingerboard (ebony strip). It’s important to choose a chin rest and shoulder rest that fit the player’s body comfortably to avoid unnatural positions. After selecting the ideal shoulder rest, additional adjustments may be made for increased comfort. Additionally, relaxing the shoulders and upper body helps alleviate strain on the hand and arm. This is a fundamental principle taught consistently at Marnie Thies Violin Lessons, located near Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Improving Finger Placement
Another critical element in reducing tension is correct finger placement. Marnie Thies recommends keeping the fingers naturally curved over the strings, with the thumb relaxed and gently placed on the side of the neck. Applying too much pressure with the thumb creates strain and restricts flexibility. A relaxed thumb, on the other hand, facilitates more fluid movement, improving both intonation and vibrato.
Let the Hand Lead, Not the Arm
A key concept in preventing tension is learning to let the hand lead, not the arm. Thies observes that many beginner violinists try to control the left hand with their entire arm, resulting in unnecessary muscle use. Instead, the hand should move independently, with the arm simply supporting and following the motion. This principle encourages more fluid and efficient playing and is central to the approach at Marnie Thies Violin Lessons, serving students in St. Paul, greater Minneapolis, and surrounding areas.
Relaxation Techniques in Practice
Thies recommends incorporating relaxation techniques into practice routines. One effective approach is to practice simple pieces and scales at a controlled, slow tempo. During practice, students should listen for an even tone quality while staying mindful of any tension in the hand. Over time, this approach helps build speed and accuracy without compromising comfort.
Shifting and Tension
Shifting is another area where tension can easily develop. Marnie advises practicing shifts slowly and deliberately, which helps build muscle memory while reducing physical strain. As comfort and confidence grow, violinists can shift positions more smoothly and intuitively. For personalized instruction, contact Marnie Thies Violin Lessons at 763-413-4791 to learn how to integrate these techniques into your practice.
The Role of Mental Relaxation
In addition to physical relaxation, mental relaxation plays a significant role in reducing tension. Performance anxiety can cause the left hand to tighten, even when the technique is otherwise solid. Marnie Thies encourages students to incorporate breathing exercises, body awareness, and visualization techniques into their practice. Calming the mind helps alleviate unconscious tension, leading to a more confident and enjoyable playing experience.
Mindfulness and Taking Breaks
Mindfulness during practice is essential for managing tension. Marnie Thies Violin Lessons, just a short drive from Minneapolis and St. Paul, recommends taking regular breaks to reassess posture and release any developing tension. A useful exercise involves pausing to gently shake out the hand and arm. Another effective technique is to let the left arm hang freely by the side of the body, allowing the player to familiarize themselves with the feeling of complete relaxation. This sensation can then be recalled during playing.
The Benefits of a Relaxed Left Hand
Achieving a relaxed left hand requires patience and consistent effort, but the benefits are substantial. By focusing on posture, finger placement, and mental relaxation, violinists can reduce physical strain, improve technique, and play with greater ease and expression. A tension-free left hand contributes to better tone, smoother shifts, greater agility in fast passages, and more expressive vibrato, enhancing performance and long-term enjoyment. For more guidance, call 763-413-4791 and speak directly with Marnie Thies.
About Marnie Thies Violin Lessons
As of this publication, Marnie Thies Violin Lessons offers in-person instruction for students aged five and older, including adults. Lessons take place in St. Paul, near Minneapolis, Minnesota, and serve surrounding suburbs such as Falcon Heights and North Oaks. Marnie Thies has been teaching online since 2014, and has more frequently taught online since 2020. Her online lessons page showcases the progression of a student who began studying the violin exclusively with Marnie learning vibrato solely online. Looking ahead, Marnie hopes to expand to additional locations, such as Blaine, Coon Rapids, or another area in Anoka County. To learn more or schedule a lesson, visit proviolin.com or call 763-413-4791.
About Author
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Digi Observer journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.
Press Release
Open Dialogue Experts at NC ‘Russia’ Discuss Success Formula in the Economy of the Future
Moscow, Russia – 08/10/2025 – (SeaPRwire) – An expert session of the Open Dialogue “Future of the World. New Platform for Global Growth” took place on October 7 at the National Center “Russia”. World-class experts participated in the discussion on “New Economy: Competition for Positive Development.”
The session participants were welcomed by the moderator, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Administration of the Russian Federation and Deputy Chairman of the National Center “Russia” Organizing Committee, Maxim Oreshkin.
“In the primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors of the economy, competition is being won by those who used to be called developing economies. Now these are the economies of the global majority. The key marginality of many markets is concentrated not in the production process itself, but in creating image, perception of ideas associated with certain products. I am confident that in production itself, in creating goods and services, in the new economy, the economy of the global majority is winning the competition step by step. The same will happen in the experience economy,” stated Maxim Oreshkin.
Experts discussed values and meanings as a factor of competitiveness. Using food production as an example, Sergey Ivanov, Executive Director and Board Member of EFKO Group, explained how through the presence of additional meanings, a product can become not just a commodity but a lifestyle and source of impressions.
“Branding is the experience economy. Only there, impressions are tied to the product and add emotional benefits to its rational benefits,” explained Sergey Ivanov.
According to him, the future of the primary sector lies in transitioning from price competition to competition for trust, emotions, and cultural significance of the product. The speaker also emphasized the importance of ethical considerations in the experience economy.
“At some stage of the experience economy’s development, there arose a temptation to separate emotional benefits from rational ones. To turn them from accompanying properties into a separate commodity. A modern corporation in its relationships with consumers most resembles a huge hulk who has seriously entered into a duel with a kindergarten child. Because modern marketing can impose and sell anything. Today’s experience economy is not just an emotion market. It’s a laboratory where human beings are being reassembled. If we don’t agree on rules and ethics, then the experience economy will with high probability destroy society from within,” noted Sergey Ivanov.
Continuing the theme, James Law, founder of James Law Cybertecture International (China), discussed how design, public spaces, and aesthetics create economic and social value, and how the level of impressions and user experience are becoming new performance indicators in architecture and urban planning.
“It can be confidently stated that in the new economy, cities based on impressions act as catalysts for well-being, competitiveness, and positive development,” emphasized James Law.
Dmitry Vasiliev, Development Director and co-founder of Karfidov Lab, touched on the value of creativity in industry. He stated that in the new economy, companies that integrate creativity into the value creation chain—from idea to end user—win.
“Creativity is becoming a real driver of industrial development: innovative design and non-standard engineering solutions enhance the competitiveness of production facilities. Therefore, modern industry must create not only functional products but also impressions that form trust and demand. Successful projects are born at the intersection of engineering competencies and creative approach—in the synergy of science, technology, and creativity,” Dmitry Vasiliev is convinced.
Nitaya Kanokmongkol (Thailand), Executive Director of the Fine Arts Department of Thailand, stated that impressions increase demand for art, forming an “economy of beauty.”
“Beauty is becoming a real economic value. Aesthetic impressions in museums and galleries stimulate cultural tourism, education, and creative industries. We try to balance between identity and globalization, preserving the authenticity of Thai culture and making national art attractive to international audiences, because new experience in content and meaning management can be formed even without using technology,” noted Nitaya Kanokmongkol.
Brian Gleeson (Ireland), General Manager of Radisson Collection Paradise Resort & Spa, continued the theme of “impression capital” in tourism and hospitality. He explained that implementing local culture and responsible practices can not only increase brand value but also stimulate the development of other industries, and what can help unlock the untapped potential of international tourism that Russia possesses.
“The bet on tourism led Ireland to become one of the world’s largest technology centers. We prioritized developing our country’s brand because it illustrates what we are. This is what I wanted to do in Russia as well. People from abroad must understand how hospitable the people are here, what incredible quality of service there is in everything related to the impressions industry. Five-million-population Ireland receives about 6 billion euros from international tourism. But our country will never compare to Russia. Your country’s marketing potential is enormous. Here you can use geographical features, UNESCO sites, cultural traditions, history, and much more,” concluded Brian Gleeson.
Felipe Buitrago (Colombia), Deputy Minister of the Orange (Creative) Economy, discussed how cultural and meaningful narratives form countries’ competitiveness and their “soft power.” He noted that the experience economy and “orange economy” should become strategic assets for states.
“The state should not just subsidize culture but also form an infrastructure of meanings, financing solutions and innovations. At the same time, we cannot forget about maintaining a balance between international competitiveness and preserving unique local cultural codes in the new economy,” noted Felipe Buitrago.
Producer, screenwriter, and director Mehret Mandefro from Ethiopia touched on the theme of local language and culture as an alternative to existing templates.
“In the conditions of the new economy, local cultures and storytelling traditions can compete with dominant Hollywood formats due to their authenticity. Moreover, local identity and cultural uniqueness act as competitive advantages in positioning projects on global platforms such as Netflix and Disney+, which contributes to forming large-scale content ecosystems—effective solutions for new economies,” concluded Mehret Mandefro.
Additionally, she emphasized that a global shift is occurring in the world of cinematography. Stories that are repeated have devalued and are uninteresting to anyone. The future belongs to authentic stories.
“Stories that have already been told don’t sell anymore—they’re often called plastic stories. Now we’re experiencing such a shift, a revolutionary change. New creative forms are emerging that use local language—it’s a whole cosmos. I believe there’s really great potential there; we can open up a whole new world in storytelling,” said Mehret Mandefro.
The International Symposium “Creating the Future” brings together participants from more than 85 countries worldwide, including China, USA, Italy, Latin American countries, the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Among the guests are scientists, engineers, futurists, art, culture, and media figures, united by the desire to comprehend and shape tomorrow’s appearance.
The recording of the broadcast of the expert session “New Economy: Competition for Positive Development” of the Open Dialogue is available on the Russia.ru website and in the official social networks of the National Center “Russia.”
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Contact for the media
Brand: Russia National Centre
Contact: Media team
Email: Pressa@russia.ru
Website: https://russia.ru
About Author
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Digi Observer journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.
California, US, 8th October 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, Rathi Murthy is widely recognized as one of the most visionary technology leaders of her generation, a trailblazer whose career spans some of the most influential companies in the world and whose impact continues to redefine what is possible at the intersection of artificial intelligence, financial inclusion, and mindful leadership. Named among the Top Women in Tech, Murthy’s influence stretches far beyond the boardroom. She embodies a rare blend of technical mastery, business acumen, and human-centered leadership, positioning her as a role model for the next generation of innovators.
Today, Murthy serves as the Chief Technology Officer at Varo Bank, the first nationally chartered, all-digital consumer bank in the United States. In this role, she leads Varo’s end-to-end technology strategy, advancing its mission to deliver secure, scalable, and AI-powered digital banking platforms. Her vision is bold yet deeply practical: to build real-time, inclusive, and accessible financial solutions for millions of consumers who have historically been underserved by traditional banking systems. For Murthy, AI is not just a technology, it is a tool for social transformation, a force that can dismantle barriers and create pathways for financial empowerment.
A Career Forged at the Crossroads of Innovation
Murthy’s career trajectory is as impressive as it is inspiring. Before joining Varo Bank, she held senior leadership positions at some of the most dynamic organizations in technology, media, and financial services.
As Chief Technology Officer and President of Expedia Services at Expedia Group, Murthy led critical technology pillars across artificial intelligence, e-commerce, payments, and customer experience. She played a central role in modernizing Expedia’s global platform, helping the company reimagine the infrastructure that powers millions of bookings worldwide. Her leadership was instrumental in bringing agility, personalization, and innovation to a highly competitive travel industry.
Earlier, as CTO at Verizon Media, Murthy spearheaded global technology initiatives, driving innovations in 5G, AI, and media platforms. She also served as SVP and CTO at Gap Inc., where she created the digital transformation roadmap for the company’s family of brands, ensuring that the future of retail would be as immersive and data-driven as it was customer-focused.
Her prior roles include CIO of Enterprise Growth at American Express, where she built technology capabilities to support new business models, as well as senior positions at eBay, Yahoo, Sun Microsystems, and WebMD. Each role added new dimensions to her leadership philosophy, sharpening her expertise in scaling technology platforms while keeping people and experiences at the center.
Recognition and Influence
Murthy’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. She has been consistently celebrated as a force in global technology leadership.
• Top 100 Executive Women in Tech to Watch (2023) by WomenTech Network
• Top Woman in Cloud Innovation (2014)
• Most Influential Women in Payments (2015)
These honors reflect more than her accomplishments. They acknowledge her courage in breaking barriers, her commitment to mentoring other women in tech, and her determination to build a more equitable industry.
Mindful Leadership: The Art of Living
Beyond her corporate roles, Murthy is also a teacher of The Art of Living, a global movement dedicated to cultivating mindfulness, resilience, and community well-being. This practice is more than a personal pursuit, it informs her leadership style and her belief that technology must be aligned with humanity’s highest values.
For Murthy, mindful leadership is not a trend but a necessity. In a world where technology evolves at breathtaking speed, she believes that leaders must balance innovation with intention, ensuring that progress does not come at the expense of peace, well-being, or ethical responsibility. Her integration of mindfulness into her executive leadership is one of the qualities that set her apart in the tech industry. She leads with clarity, empathy, and purpose.
Board Service and Mentorship
Murthy is also deeply committed to shaping the future of education and innovation. She serves on the Board of Directors for PagerDuty, on the Board of Governors at Sri Sri University, and as an advisor to the University of San Francisco. She is also an active angel investor, supporting mission-driven startups in fintech, enterprise technology, and social impact. Through these roles, she empowers the next generation of entrepreneurs, ensuring that their ideas and innovations are nurtured with both resources and mentorship.
A Life Rooted in Purpose
Murthy’s journey is not just one of professional triumphs, it is a testament to living a life rooted in purpose. Her story reflects the power of resilience, adaptability, and continuous growth. Whether leading global teams at Fortune 500 companies, advising academic institutions, or teaching mindfulness to communities, Murthy approaches every role with the same conviction: technology must serve humanity, and leadership must serve others.
She holds a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering from Santa Clara University, where she honed the technical foundation that would fuel her ascent in the tech world. Yet her education did not end there. Her lifelong learning through corporate leadership, spiritual practice, and mentorship continues to shape her evolving vision of what technology and leadership can achieve.
About Author
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Digi Observer journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.
Press Release
Darius McGrew Leads Frontier’s AI-Powered Push for Hurricane Preparedness Across Florida
Canton, Michigan, 8th October 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, As Florida braces for another turbulent hurricane season, telecommunications executive Darius McGrew is stepping into the spotlight with innovative AI-powered strategies that are redefining how businesses and communities prepare for natural disasters. As an Enterprise Account Executive with Frontier Communications, McGrew has become a trusted partner to organizations across the healthcare, government, finance, and nonprofit sectors, ensuring they remain connected when storms threaten to disrupt everything.
A Local Leader in the Eye of the Storm
Tampa sits at the heart of one of America’s most hurricane-prone regions. For McGrew, storm season is not just another quarter on the sales calendar. It is a call to safeguard critical infrastructure. By utilizing AI-driven analytics, he has developed a system that categorizes enterprise clients based on risk zone, infrastructure resilience, and historical outage patterns. This allows him to design customized readiness packages that anticipate client vulnerabilities before disaster strikes.
“Enterprise businesses are facing several challenges at this time of year, but we are too,” McGrew said. “At an internet service provider, we must identify and develop replicable systems that can be quickly implemented across particular audiences. Resilient communications are not just about uptime. They are about safety.”
Delivering Resilience in Healthcare
Healthcare organizations, where downtime can endanger lives, are at the forefront of McGrew’s work. MedFleet, a regional medical transport provider, partnered with him to implement redundant internet connectivity, a step that ensures dispatch operations remain uninterrupted throughout storm season. At CoreRX, a Clearwater-based healthcare manufacturer, previous storms had exposed weaknesses in their landline system. During Hurricane Helene, intermittent connectivity created risks for essential operations. McGrew and the Frontier team addressed the issue by introducing cost-effective landline redundancy, a solution that transformed a vulnerable system into one built for reliability and long-term safety.
Municipalities Gain Strength Through Redundancy
Local governments, often on the front lines of disaster response, are also benefiting from McGrew’s approach. The City of Zephyrhills collaborated with him to implement landline redundancy, which enhances communication during severe weather while delivering long-term cost savings. The City of Aledo made a similar investment, ensuring that municipal operations can remain stable and reliable even in the face of heavy storms. These measures allow cities to maintain essential services and communicate with residents without interruption.
Financial Institutions and Nonprofits Benefit
Financial and nonprofit organizations have also sought McGrew’s expertise. Legend Bank, which was expanding with a new branch, relied on him to provide dedicated internet access that secures and stabilizes its financial operations. Meanwhile, Champions for Children, a Tampa-based nonprofit focused on abuse prevention, partnered with McGrew to enhance its inbound call system using RingCentral’s voice solutions. The upgrade ensures that donation calls are never missed, even during periods of high demand or storm-related disruptions, protecting vital revenue streams that fund the organization’s mission.
AI Turns Sales into Safety
Rather than relying on reactive measures such as mobile failovers, McGrew has pioneered an AI-powered outreach strategy that turns storm preparedness into a proactive campaign. By predicting which clients are most vulnerable, he can initiate conversations before disaster strikes. The result is tailored packages that keep hospitals, banks, city halls, and nonprofits connected when hurricanes threaten to sever lifelines.
“Every deal I close is more than a contract,” McGrew emphasized. “It is about making sure a hospital can reach its patients, a city can update its residents, or a nonprofit can answer a critical call for help. Connectivity becomes survival in the middle of a storm.”
Frontier’s Role in Storm Preparedness
Frontier’s extensive telecommunications infrastructure is the foundation of McGrew’s work. From redundant circuits and dedicated internet to cloud-based voice platforms, Frontier offers the tools required for business continuity in storm-prone regions. McGrew’s ability to combine these services with predictive AI models has positioned him as a leader in Florida’s disaster readiness efforts.
“AI-powered outreach and predictive planning have completely reshaped our ability to serve customers,” said McGrew. “By combining Frontier’s technology with forward-thinking strategies, we are not just meeting demand. We are anticipating it.”
Looking Ahead
As climate change fuels longer and more severe storm seasons, McGrew remains focused on expanding his work with businesses and municipalities throughout Florida. His vision is to ensure that no organization has to gamble with its connectivity when disaster looms. From MedFleet ambulances and CoreRX manufacturing lines to city governments and nonprofits serving families in need, his clients share a common goal: They have the confidence that their systems will stay connected when it matters most.
As Florida heads deeper into hurricane season, McGrew stands as a reminder that resilience is not simply about recovering after a storm. With the right strategies, it is about staying connected through it.
About Frontier
Frontier Communications is a leading telecommunications provider delivering high-speed internet, advanced voice services, and enterprise-grade connectivity across the United States. With a focus on reliability, innovation, and community resilience, Frontier helps businesses, governments, and nonprofits prepare for and overcome the challenges of natural disasters.
About Author
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Digi Observer journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.
Open Dialogue Experts at NC ‘Russia’ Discuss Success Formula in the Economy of the Future
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