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.

How I prepared Shostakovich's Romance for performance in just a week.

Strategies and tactics from Juilliard professor Carol Rodland on using musicality to counteract nerves, playing with color and habits for a healthy violist.

Core ideas and exercises for developing smoother string crossings.

From hearing the Paganini Sonata live at the AVS Congress to performing it myself, in just 27 years!

How planning my breathing helped me in a crucial performance.

Notes on Michael Tree’s unique approach to the fingerboard.

A video tutorial examining some of Primrose’s fundamental bow concepts.

A video tutorial covering fundamental exercises to chart your personal mental map of the fingerboard.