If something does not feel right when you play the violin or viola, or you experience tension, pain, discomfort or another physical problem, it can be difficult to know exactly what is causing it or how to address it.
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.
During the consultation, you can simply explain what you are experiencing and what you would like to understand about the problem. We then work from your individual situation and what you experience when playing.
Understanding the Problem
We consider when the difficulty occurs, how it affects your playing and what happens when it occurs. The difficulty can occur only during certain movements, passages or positions, or develop after you have been playing for some time.
During the consultation, you will play, and we can examine what happens when the difficulty occurs. We can try relevant changes or different possibilities and consider how the problem responds.
This practical process can help clarify what is relevant to the problem and what may be useful in addressing it in your playing.
An Individual Approach
I do not believe there is one technique or one way of holding or playing the violin or viola that is right for everyone.
Every player is different, so the approach needs to be individual. Your physical characteristics, playing background, instrument and way of playing can all be relevant.
I do not impose a particular technique. The focus is on what is relevant to your situation rather than on making your playing fit a particular approach.
My approach is informed by 45 years of experience playing and teaching the violin, together with research into physical problems associated with violin and viola playing.
Working on the Problem
A consultation is not simply about discussing the difficulty. During the consultation, we work directly with your individual physical problem and examine what is happening when you play. We can try relevant changes or different possibilities and consider how the problem responds.
The aim is to identify approaches that make sense for your particular situation, rather than starting with a predetermined answer.
Patience Is Part of the Process
Understanding and addressing a physical problem is not always an immediate process. In some situations, a useful change or solution may lead to an improvement relatively quickly. In others, your body and playing may need time to adapt to changes or adjustments identified as part of working on the problem.
How long this takes can vary from person to person. It can depend on the nature of the problem, how long you have been experiencing it, the changes being made, and how quickly your body and playing adapt to those changes.
It is therefore important to be patient. In many situations, you need to give your body and your playing time to adapt — potentially over several weeks rather than expecting an immediate change.
Similarly, discomfort, tension or pain may not disappear immediately when a contributing factor is changed. The time required can vary considerably from one person and one problem to another.
Patience is part of the process. The aim is not simply to make a change, but to allow you time to experience how that change works in your own playing and how your body responds over time.
A Private Consultation
You do not need to arrive with a diagnosis or already know what is causing the problem.
Consultations are available in person, or online for clients internationally.
If you are experiencing tension, pain, discomfort or another physical problem when playing, you can contact me and briefly describe what you are experiencing.
Private. Individual. Confidential.