Specialist Help for Violinists Experiencing Tension, Pain, Discomfort and Physical Problems
Private, One-to-One Specialist Consultations for Violinists and Violists of All Levels
Physical problems when playing the violin or viola can affect your comfort, freedom of movement and ability to play as you want.
You may experience tension, pain, discomfort, stiffness, fatigue, restricted movement, altered sensation or difficulties with the way you hold and support the instrument.
Sometimes the problem is obvious. At other times, you may simply feel that something is not right when you play.
The specialist consultation is focused specifically on understanding these problems in the context of your playing and working towards a practical solution.
Specialist Help — Not Conventional Violin Lessons
A regular violin lesson is primarily concerned with developing your playing. A specialist consultation is different: it is dedicated specifically to understanding a physical problem that is affecting you as a violinist or violist.
The consultation provides focused time to discuss the problem, see you play and consider the physical circumstances involved.
There is no particular technique that you are expected to adopt. The purpose is to understand your individual situation rather than assume that there is one correct way to hold or play the instrument.
Depending on the problem, the consultation may consider the instrument hold, bow hold, posture, movement, muscular activity, support and the way these factors interact.
Explore the Physical Problems →
For Violinists and Violists at Every Level
Physical problems can occur at any stage of playing.
The service is for:
- Beginners
- Amateur players
- Advanced players
- Professional musicians
- Soloists
You do not need to be a professional musician. What matters is the physical problem you are experiencing and the effect it is having on your playing.
Private and Confidential
Your enquiry is private and confidential from the moment you make contact. Every consultation is also 100% confidential.
You do not need to provide a detailed medical history or diagnosis when making an enquiry. A brief description of the physical problem you experience when playing is sufficient to begin the conversation.
This privacy is particularly important for professional violinists and soloists who may prefer not to have physical difficulties discussed with colleagues, teachers, conductors or other professional contacts.
45 Years of Experience
Michael Hegeman has 45 years of experience playing and teaching the violin.
He studied at the Conservatory of Utrecht, Netherlands.
Violin studies with Pavel Šorm, Concertmaster of the Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, provided a strong connection with the Russian School of violin playing.
Viola studies with Prunella Pacey, Soloist and Principal Viola of the Royal Northern Sinfonia Orchestra, provided experience of the Belgian-French tradition of viola playing.
His experience also includes playing and teaching both with and without a shoulder rest.
This background provides experience with different approaches to the physical relationship between player and instrument, rather than one predetermined way of playing.
Read more about Michael Hegeman →
A Private Specialist Consultation
When a physical problem interferes with your playing, it can be difficult to understand exactly what is happening or why it occurs.
A private consultation provides dedicated time to consider the problem in the context of your playing, understand the individual circumstances involved and work towards a practical solution.
Consultations are available in person or online internationally.
Private. Individual. 100% Confidential.