A core feature of my String Gym program is the weekly workout. During these workouts we spend a focussed hour on one technical or musical topic, often deconstructing the most basic techniques and building them back up from the ground floor.
A recent workout went in depth on string crossings. Now, I design these workouts for maximum benefit for my students, but every so often I realize that it’s also the workout I need in my own playing! I was surprised by how much better my own bow arm felt afterwards!
The workout got me thinking more about the basic principles of smooth string crossing: what are the essential ideas and exercises to craft a smooth bow arm? I distilled that hour-long workout until I had just twenty minutes of what I consider to be the fundamental ideas and etudes for building legato string crossing.
My hunch is that if you try the exercises in the video, you’ll find your bow moving quite a bit smoother than it did beforehand!
Click here to download a free PDF of the exercises in the video.
In my first Artist-in-Residence post for the American Viola Society, I offer a solution to a core coordination problem in string playing.
“Shift Work” is a fantastic pedagogical resource that belongs on the stand of any violist looking to improve their left hand.
My favorite warm-up for a light left hand is a tune from on of my favorite bands.
A slim volume with tons of technical knowledge that will reinvigorate your warmup routine.
Making the mindset shift to making a great sound every time you pick up the instrument.
A review of Melissa Matson’s excellent book on orchestral excerpts.
A short routine you can perform in (near) silence to cover many of the basic playing actions in viola playing, from the basic bow movements to shifting, vibrato, tone production and more.
How my time in the weight room has influenced my time in the practice room.
All the videos I made as part of my time as an American Viola Society Digital Artist-in-Resident.