Frequently Asked Questions
Here you will find answers to common questions about private specialist consultations for violinists experiencing tension, pain, discomfort, restricted movement, muscular fatigue or other physical problems when playing.
FAQ Categories
3. Violin Hold, Posture and Setup |
6. Professional Violinists and Soloists |
7. Physical Problems and Medical Treatment |
8. Approach and Possible Outcomes |
1. About the Service
What is a specialist consultation?
A specialist consultation is a private, one-to-one consultation focused on physical problems that affect the way you play the violin.
The consultation is concerned with understanding what happens when you play and exploring practical possibilities for resolving the problem.
This may include examining the violin hold, bow hold, posture, movement, muscular tension and the physical relationship between you and the instrument.
Is this a violin lesson?
No.
This is not a conventional violin lesson and the purpose is not to teach you a particular method of violin technique.
The focus is specifically on the physical problem you are experiencing when playing.
How is this different from conventional violin teaching?
Conventional violin teaching generally focuses on musical development, technique, repertoire and performance.
A specialist consultation begins with a physical problem.
The purpose is to examine what happens physically when you play, understand possible contributing factors and explore practical changes relevant to your individual situation.
What kinds of problems can you help with?
Consultations can concern problems such as:
- Tension
- Pain or discomfort
- Muscle fatigue
- Restricted movement
- Problems with the violin hold
- Problems with the bow hold
- Posture and physical balance
- Neck or shoulder tension
- Arm, wrist or hand problems
- Excessive gripping
- Difficulty maintaining physical freedom
- Problems that develop during prolonged playing
- Problems that become more noticeable during demanding repertoire or performances
The problem does not need to fit into one particular category.
If something does not feel physically right when you play, you can describe the situation and we can determine whether a consultation is appropriate.
Do I need to know what is causing my problem?
No.
You do not need to diagnose the problem yourself.
An important part of the consultation is examining what happens when you play and considering what may be contributing to the difficulty.
Do I need to have pain to have a consultation?
No.
The service is not limited to pain.
It can also be appropriate for violinists experiencing tension, discomfort, stiffness, restricted movement, muscular fatigue, excessive effort or other physical difficulties that affect their playing.
Can I have a consultation if something simply does not feel physically right?
Yes.
You do not need to have a clearly defined diagnosis or a specific medical condition.
If you feel that something about your physical experience when playing is not working well, this can be discussed and examined during a consultation.
Do you work with violinists at all levels?
Yes.
The service is available to:
- Beginners
- Amateur violinists
- Advanced players
- Professional violinists
- Soloists
You do not need to be a professional or advanced player.
The important consideration is the physical problem you are experiencing when playing.
Is my enquiry and consultation confidential?
Yes.
Every enquiry and consultation is private and confidential.
You can discuss your physical difficulties openly and privately, knowing that the information you provide is treated confidentially.
Can I contact you if I am not sure whether my problem is suitable for a consultation?
Yes.
You do not need to determine in advance whether your particular problem is suitable.
You can provide a brief description of what you are experiencing when you submit your enquiry, and this can be considered before the consultation is arranged.
2. Physical Problems
Can you help with tension?
Yes.
Tension can occur in different parts of the body and can develop gradually or become noticeable during particular movements, repertoire or playing situations.
The consultation can examine what happens physically while you play and consider possible factors contributing to the tension.
Can you help with arm, wrist or hand problems?
Yes.
Physical difficulties can involve the arm, wrist, hand, fingers or forearm.
The consultation considers the problem in the context of your complete playing position rather than automatically treating the area where you feel the discomfort as the only relevant area.
Can you help with excessive gripping?
Yes.
Excessive gripping can involve the left hand, thumb, bow hand or other parts of the body.
The consultation can examine when the gripping occurs and what may be happening elsewhere in the playing position at the same time.
Can you help with muscle fatigue?
Yes.
If you become physically tired, heavy, stiff or increasingly tense while playing, this can be examined in relation to the way you play and the demands placed on your body.
Can you help with restricted movement?
Yes.
Restricted movement can affect shifting, vibrato, bowing, string crossings, position changes, left-hand movement, right-arm movement or head and neck movement.
The consultation looks at the movement in the context of the whole physical relationship between player and instrument.
Can you help if the problem only occurs after prolonged playing?
Yes.
The timing of a physical problem can be important.
If the problem develops only after a certain amount of playing, we can consider what changes physically as the playing continues.
Can you help if the problem only occurs with difficult repertoire or during performances?
Yes.
A physical problem may become more apparent when the technical, physical or performance demands increase.
If possible, the relevant playing situation or passages can be examined during the consultation.
Can you help if the problem comes and goes?
Yes.
Recurring or intermittent problems can still be examined.
It can be useful to identify the circumstances in which the problem appears and what is different when you are able to play without difficulty.
3. Violin Hold, Posture and Setup
Can you help with problems involving the violin hold?
Yes.
The way the violin is supported is an important part of the physical relationship between player and instrument.
We can examine how the violin is currently supported and whether this may be relevant to the problem you are experiencing.
Can you help with problems involving the bow hold?
Yes.
The bow hold can be relevant to tension or discomfort in the fingers, thumb, hand, wrist, forearm and arm.
We can examine what happens in the bow hand and arm while you play and how this relates to the physical problem.
Is there one correct way to hold the violin or bow?
No.
I do not believe that every violinist should be placed into one fixed system.
My experience includes different traditions of violin playing, as well as playing and teaching both with and without a shoulder rest. The individual player and the particular physical problem remain the starting point.
Do you recommend a particular shoulder rest or setup?
Not automatically.
I have experience playing and teaching both with and without a shoulder rest and do not regard one particular method of supporting the violin as universally correct.
A particular shoulder rest, chin rest or other setup may be appropriate for one violinist but not for another.
The purpose of the consultation is to examine your individual physical relationship with the violin rather than impose a particular setup.
Can equipment be part of the problem?
It can be relevant.
The way the violin is supported and the physical relationship between the player and instrument may influence comfort, movement and muscular tension.
Equipment is therefore considered in the context of the individual problem rather than in isolation.
Will I have to change my violin hold, bow hold or equipment?
Not necessarily.
The purpose is not to make you change something simply because it differs from a particular method.
If a change appears relevant to your problem, it can be explored and tested in actual playing.
4. The Consultation
What happens during a consultation?
The exact consultation depends on your individual situation.
We discuss the problem, including when it occurs and how it affects your playing.
Where appropriate, I observe you playing so that we can examine what actually happens physically.
We may then examine the violin hold, bow hold, posture, movement, muscular tension and the physical relationship between you and the instrument.
Practical possibilities can be explored and tested in actual playing.
The aim is not to impose a predetermined method, but to determine what may be appropriate for your particular situation.
Will you observe me playing?
Where appropriate, yes.
Observation can be important because a physical problem may not be apparent from conversation alone.
Seeing what happens while you play allows us to examine the problem in the context in which it actually occurs.
Will I need to play during the consultation?
Where appropriate, yes.
Playing can provide important information about what happens physically when the problem occurs.
The amount and type of playing will depend on the individual situation.
Do I need to prepare anything before the consultation?
There is no special preparation required.
It can be useful to think about what you experience, when the problem occurs, what effect it has on your playing and what you have already tried.
You do not need to prepare a detailed medical history or diagnose the cause of the problem.
Can I show you the problem while I am playing?
Yes.
If the problem occurs during a particular movement, position, passage or playing situation, this can be examined during the consultation.
This can help us understand what is happening physically at the moment the problem occurs.
What if my problem does not happen during the consultation?
That does not necessarily prevent useful work from being done.
We can discuss when the problem normally occurs and examine relevant aspects of your playing that may help clarify the situation.
If a problem is particularly situation-dependent, information about when it occurs can also be important.
Will I be expected to change the way I play?
No predetermined changes are imposed.
If a particular adjustment appears relevant, we can examine it and test what effect it has.
The aim is to understand the problem and explore practical possibilities rather than make you adopt a fixed technique.
What if I have already tried changing my technique or equipment?
That is useful information.
If you have already tried changing your playing position, violin hold, bow hold, equipment, practice routine or other aspects of playing, this can be discussed during the consultation.
The purpose is not simply to introduce another predetermined technique or recommend another piece of equipment, but to examine what is actually happening in your individual situation.
5. Online Consultations
Can the consultation be online?
Yes.
Consultations are available online internationally.
An online consultation is a full specialist consultation and is not treated as a reduced version of the service.
Can an online consultation be useful if you have not seen me play in person?
Yes.
Online consultation allows you to play while being observed and allows us to discuss and examine the physical problem in the context of your playing.
The possibilities and limitations of an online consultation can also be discussed when you make your enquiry.
What do I need for an online consultation?
You will need your violin and a suitable device with a camera, microphone and internet connection.
You should also have enough space to play comfortably and allow your playing position and movements to be observed.
Where should I position my camera for an online consultation?
The appropriate camera position depends on what needs to be observed.
It is useful to have a setup that allows your playing position, violin and relevant movements to be seen clearly.
The appropriate arrangement can be discussed before the consultation if necessary.
Can an online consultation examine the violin or bow hold?
Yes.
The way the violin or bow is held can be observed during online playing, provided that the camera position allows the relevant aspects of your playing to be seen clearly.
Do you offer consultations internationally?
Yes.
Online consultations are available internationally.
In-person consultations are also available where appropriate.
6. Professional Violinists and Soloists
Do you work with professional violinists and soloists?
Yes.
Professional violinists and soloists are an important part of the service.
Physical problems can become particularly significant when they affect demanding repertoire, rehearsals, performances, recordings, auditions or other professional requirements.
Why might a professional violinist seek a specialist consultation?
A physical problem can become particularly important when a violinist needs to maintain a high level of playing over long rehearsals, demanding repertoire, performances, recordings or other professional commitments.
A consultation provides an opportunity to examine the problem privately and consider practical possibilities relevant to the violinist’s professional playing.
Is my enquiry and consultation confidential?
Yes.
Every enquiry and consultation is 100% confidential.
This is particularly important for professional violinists and soloists who may need to discuss physical difficulties without concern about their professional reputation or opportunities.
Can the consultation be arranged around my professional schedule?
Yes.
The appointment is arranged individually rather than through an instant online booking system.
After you submit an enquiry, Claudia will contact you by email to arrange a suitable date and time.
7. Physical Problems and Medical Treatment
Is this medical treatment?
No.
This service is not medical diagnosis, physiotherapy or medical treatment.
The consultation focuses on the relationship between your physical experience and the way you play the violin.
Can you diagnose an injury or medical condition?
No.
The purpose of the consultation is not to diagnose medical conditions or injuries.
If your symptoms require medical assessment or treatment, you should consult an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
What if I have significant pain?
If you have significant pain, an injury, neurological symptoms or another condition requiring medical attention, you should seek advice from an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
A specialist violin consultation does not replace medical assessment or treatment.
Can I have a consultation if I am already receiving medical or physiotherapy treatment?
The consultation is separate from medical or physiotherapy treatment.
If you are receiving treatment for a physical condition, you should continue to follow the advice of your appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
The consultation can focus on the relationship between the problem and the way you play the violin, where appropriate.
What if my problem has been diagnosed by a doctor or physiotherapist?
You can still discuss how the problem affects your violin playing, provided that doing so is appropriate in your individual circumstances.
The consultation does not replace medical or physiotherapy treatment and does not provide medical advice or diagnosis.
8. Approach and Possible Outcomes
Do you use a particular violin technique or method?
No.
I do not apply one predetermined system to every violinist.
My experience includes different traditions of violin playing and playing and teaching both with and without a shoulder rest.
The individual player and the particular problem remain the starting point.
Will I have to change my playing technique?
Not necessarily.
The purpose is not to impose a particular playing system.
If a possible change appears relevant to the problem, it can be explored and tested in actual playing to determine how you respond to it.
Will my problem be solved after one consultation?
There is no guarantee that a physical problem will be resolved after one consultation.
Different problems have different histories and may have different contributing factors.
The purpose of the consultation is to understand the problem more clearly, identify possible contributing factors and work towards practical possibilities for resolving it.
Do you guarantee a particular result?
No.
I do not promise a particular outcome.
The consultation is an individual process based on observation, discussion, experimentation and your response to possible changes.
What if I need more than one consultation?
Some problems may require continued individual work.
After an initial consultation, it may be appropriate to continue with follow-up consultations depending on the nature of the problem and what is discovered.
Follow-up consultations and consultation programmes are available.
How will I know whether further consultations are appropriate?
This can be considered after the initial consultation.
If continued individual work appears useful, the possible next steps can be discussed with you.
You are not required to commit to a programme before the initial consultation.
9. Booking and Payment
How do I arrange a consultation?
Complete the consultation enquiry form on the Book a Consultation page.
You can select the consultation option you are interested in. If you are unsure which option is appropriate, you can choose “I would like to discuss the options.”
Do I choose my appointment time when I submit the form?
No.
The enquiry form is not an instant booking system.
After you submit your enquiry, Claudia will contact you by email to arrange a suitable date and time.
Who arranges the appointment?
Claudia manages the appointment arrangements.
She will contact you by email after your enquiry and arrange a suitable date and time.
When is my appointment confirmed?
After a suitable date and time have been arranged, you will receive the appointment details and payment instructions.
The appointment is confirmed after payment has been received, unless otherwise agreed.
How do I pay?
Payment can be made by PayPal or bank transfer.
Payment instructions will be provided by email after the appointment arrangements have been made.
What consultation options are available?
The current consultation options are:
- Initial Specialist Consultation — 75 minutes — $295
- Follow-Up Consultation — 60 minutes — $225
- Programme of Three Consultations — $625
- Programme of Five Consultations — $975
The Initial Specialist Consultation is the recommended starting point.
Why is the Initial Specialist Consultation the recommended starting point?
The initial consultation provides the opportunity to examine your individual situation in detail before deciding whether further consultation would be appropriate.
This means that you do not need to commit to a longer programme before the problem has been examined.
Can I choose between an online and in-person consultation?
Yes.
You can indicate your preferred format when submitting the enquiry form.
The available arrangements will then be discussed with you by email.
Can I arrange a follow-up consultation without purchasing a programme?
Yes.
A Follow-Up Consultation can be arranged individually following an Initial Specialist Consultation.
Do I have to purchase a programme?
No.
You can begin with an Initial Specialist Consultation and decide afterwards whether further individual work would be appropriate.
What if I am unsure which consultation option to choose?
You can select “I would like to discuss the options” on the enquiry form.
Claudia can then discuss the arrangements with you by email.
What happens if I need to cancel an appointment?
Cancellations must be made by email.
The applicable cancellation terms are set out in the Terms & Conditions.
What happens if you need to cancel an appointment?
If I need to cancel an appointment, you will be informed by email as soon as possible and the appointment will be rearranged where possible.
The applicable arrangements are set out in the Terms & Conditions.
Can I change my appointment?
If you need to request a change to an arranged appointment, contact us by email as soon as possible.
Any applicable conditions concerning changes to appointments are set out in the Terms & Conditions.
10. Recording and Privacy
Can I record the consultation?
No.
The consultation may not be recorded in any form or by any means, whether audio, video, screen recording or any other method.
Can I publish or share a recording of the consultation?
No.
Recording, publishing, sharing, distributing or otherwise making the consultation available to another person or to the public is not permitted.
The applicable provisions are set out in the Terms & Conditions.
How is my personal information handled?
Your personal information is handled in accordance with the Privacy Policy.
Information provided in connection with an enquiry or consultation is handled for the purposes described in the Privacy Policy.
What information is collected when I submit an enquiry?
The information you provide when submitting an enquiry is used to respond to your enquiry, arrange consultations where applicable and administer the service.
The handling of personal information is described in the Privacy Policy.
11. Practical Questions
How long is the initial consultation?
The Initial Specialist Consultation lasts 75 minutes.
How long is a follow-up consultation?
A Follow-Up Consultation lasts 60 minutes.
Where are in-person consultations held?
In-person consultations are available where appropriate.
Details concerning the location and arrangements can be discussed when your appointment is arranged.
What should I bring to an in-person consultation?
You should bring your violin and bow and, where relevant, any equipment that forms part of your normal playing setup.
If a particular piece of music or passage brings out the problem, it can also be useful to have that material available.
Can I bring my normal shoulder rest and chin rest?
Yes.
If you normally use a particular shoulder rest, chin rest or other setup, it is useful to use your normal arrangement when the problem is being examined.
Should I change my setup before the consultation?
There is no need to change your setup in advance.
It is generally more useful to examine what you normally do and what you normally experience when playing.
What should I include in my enquiry?
Please provide a brief description of the physical problem you are experiencing and, where useful, indicate when it occurs and how it affects your playing.
There is no need to provide a detailed medical history.
Do I need to send photographs or videos before the consultation?
Not necessarily.
If additional material would be useful in relation to your particular situation, this can be discussed when the consultation is arranged.
Still Have a Question?
If your question has not been answered here, you can contact us directly.
If you would like to discuss a physical problem and determine whether a specialist consultation is appropriate, you can submit a private consultation enquiry.