Specialist Help for Violinists and Violists 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 involves precise, 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 affect players at any level, from beginners and amateur musicians to advanced players, professionals and soloists. Sometimes the difficulty is obvious. At other times, something simply does not feel right when you play, and the reason is not clear.
The specialist consultation is dedicated entirely to your individual physical problem when playing the violin or viola. You do not need to know its cause before making an enquiry.
Could This Be Relevant to You?
You may experience difficulties involving the neck, shoulders, back, arms, wrists or hands, or have problems with tension, fatigue, stiffness, movement, sensation, or the way the instrument is held and supported.
The difficulty may arise only during particular movements, positions or passages, or become more noticeable after extended playing. You may have tried different approaches without finding a satisfactory explanation, or you may not know where to begin.
You do not need to identify the cause yourself, and the problem does not have to match a particular description before you can make an enquiry.
If you would like to explore the different difficulties that can arise, visit the Physical Problems page.
A Specialist Consultation, Not a Regular Violin Lesson
A regular violin lesson is primarily concerned with developing your playing. The consultation is dedicated entirely to your individual physical problem when playing the violin or viola. We work directly with your playing situation, examine the difficulty you are experiencing, and explore relevant possibilities in relation to your particular circumstances.
My work draws on 45 years of experience playing and teaching the violin, many years of experience helping violinists with physical problems, and extensive research into the physical difficulties that can arise when playing the violin or viola.
Each consultation is individual. I do not impose a particular technique or assume that there is one correct way for every player to hold or play the instrument. What is relevant to consider depends on your particular difficulty and what happens when you play.
The initial consultation is a complete appointment in its own right. You can focus on your individual problem without committing to further consultations.
45 Years of Playing and Teaching Experience
My background combines extensive practical experience with research into the physical demands of playing the violin and viola. This informs an individual approach to the difficulties musicians experience, rather than relying on general advice or assuming that the same approach is appropriate for everyone.
My experience includes playing and teaching both with and without a shoulder rest, giving me first-hand experience of different ways of supporting and playing the instrument.
Further information about my background and experience is available on the About page.
Private, Individual and Confidential
Privacy is important when discussing a physical problem that affects your playing. Enquiries and consultations are handled confidentially, whether you are a beginner, an amateur musician, an advanced player, a professional or a soloist.
Private. Individual. 100% Confidential.
In Person or Online Internationally
Consultations are available in person or online for violinists and violists internationally. The online consultation is a full specialist consultation, not a reduced version of the service.
If a physical problem is affecting your playing, you can take the next step by arranging a private consultation focused on your individual situation.