About Michael Hegeman
45 Years of Experience with the Violin
I have 45 years of experience playing and teaching the violin.
My experience has included different traditions of violin playing and different approaches to the physical relationship between violinist and instrument.
Today, my work is focused specifically on helping violinists who experience tension, pain, discomfort and other physical problems when playing.
This is specialist consultation work rather than conventional violin teaching.
Conservatory of Utrecht
I studied at the Conservatory of Utrecht, Netherlands.
My musical education included teachers from different traditions of violin and string playing.
Pavel Šorm
I studied violin with Pavel Šorm, Concertmaster of the Radio Philharmonic Orchestra.
Through this training I developed a strong connection with the Russian School of violin playing.
Prunella Pacey
I also studied viola with Prunella Pacey, Soloist and Principal Viola of the Royal Northern Sinfonia Orchestra.
This gave me experience of the Belgian-French tradition of string playing.
My background therefore includes perspectives from both Russian and Belgian-French traditions.
With and Without a Shoulder Rest
I was taught to play both with and without a shoulder rest.
This is relevant to my present work because I do not regard one particular method of supporting the violin as automatically correct for every player.
Different players have different physical characteristics, histories and problems.
The individual player has to remain the starting point.
Why This Experience Matters
A physical problem when playing the violin cannot always be separated from the way the instrument and body interact.
A violinist may feel discomfort in one location while the contributing factors involve several aspects of the playing position and movement.
Forty years of direct experience with the violin provide a practical basis for examining these relationships.
My role is not to impose a particular technique.
It is to examine the physical problem and explore practical possibilities relevant to the individual player.
Professional Recognition
My playing has been recognised by professional musicians, including:
Rudolf Koelman, student of Jascha Heifetz:
“I like his playing very much: very precise; perfect intonation; nice timing; and good style!”
Geza Hosszu Legocki, student of Dora Schwarzberg:
“Your playing resembles the quality of Schlomo Mintz.”
Ann Fontanella, student of Erick Friedman:
“Wonderful playing.”
Who I Work With
I work with violinists at all levels:
- Beginners
- Amateur players
- Advanced violinists
- Professional violinists
- Soloists
The common factor is a physical problem that is affecting the way they play.
A Private Specialist Service
Consultations are conducted privately and 100% confidentially.
This is particularly important for professional musicians who may not wish to discuss physical difficulties that could affect performances, auditions, recordings or professional opportunities.
Consultations are available in person or online internationally.
A Medical Boundary
This service is not medical diagnosis, physiotherapy or medical treatment.
If your symptoms require medical assessment or treatment, you should consult an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
The focus of the consultation is the relationship between your physical experience and the way you play the violin.