Specialist Help for Violinists Experiencing Tension, Pain, Discomfort and Physical Problems
Private, One-to-One Specialist Consultations for Violinists and Violists of All Levels
Playing the violin or viola can involve highly precise and repetitive movements, sustained muscular activity, and continuous physical interaction with the instrument. For some musicians, this can be accompanied by tension, pain, discomfort, stiffness, fatigue, restricted movement, altered sensation, or difficulties maintaining physical freedom while playing.
These problems can occur at any level of playing — from beginners and amateur players to advanced players, professionals and soloists.
Sometimes the problem is obvious. At other times, it may simply feel as though something is not right when you play, without it being clear exactly what is causing it.
The specialist consultation is focused specifically on physical problems that affect your playing.
Specialist Help — Not Conventional Violin Lessons
During a consultation, we discuss the problem and consider the physical circumstances involved. We work together to understand what may be contributing to the difficulty and explore practical ways of addressing it in your playing.
I do not impose a particular technique or assume that there is one correct way for every player to hold or play the violin or viola.
Depending on the problem, we may consider the instrument hold, bow hold, posture, movement, muscular activity, support and other aspects of the physical relationship between you and the instrument.
The focus is on your individual situation and on understanding what is relevant to the particular difficulty you are experiencing.
Physical Problems When Playing
Physical problems can affect different parts of the body and can arise in different aspects of playing. They can include:
- Tension and excessive muscular tightness
- Pain and discomfort
- Stiffness and fatigue
- Restricted or uncomfortable movement
- Numbness or altered sensation
- Difficulties with the neck, shoulders, back, arms, wrists or hands
- Difficulties with posture, balance or support
- Difficulties with the way the instrument is held
- Physical difficulties that occur only during particular movements, positions or passages
- Problems that develop or become more noticeable after extended playing
If the problem you are experiencing is not described here, that does not necessarily mean it is outside the scope of the consultation. You can simply describe what happens when you play.
45 Years of Experience
I have 45 years of experience playing and teaching the violin. My background includes study at the Conservatory of Utrecht, Netherlands, with Pavel Šorm, Concertmaster of the Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, giving me a strong connection with the Russian School of violin playing.
I also studied viola with Prunella Pacey, Soloist and Principal Viola of the Royal Northern Sinfonia Orchestra, giving me experience of the Belgian-French tradition of viola playing.
My experience includes playing and teaching both with and without a shoulder rest. This has given me first-hand experience of different ways of supporting and playing the instrument.
My work draws on practical experience of violin and viola playing as well as research into physical problems associated with playing.
Private and Confidential
Every enquiry and consultation is 100% confidential.
This privacy is particularly important for professional violinists and soloists who prefer not to have physical difficulties discussed with colleagues, teachers, conductors or other professional contacts.
You do not need to know exactly what is causing the problem before making an enquiry. You can simply describe what you experience when playing and how it affects your playing.
In Person or Online Internationally
Consultations are available in person or online internationally.
The online consultation is a full specialist consultation and is not a reduced version of the service.
Private. Individual. 100% Confidential.