Violin Seminar
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DETAILS OF SEMINAR
The seminar has three components:
1. Rigorous Technique Training
A systematic, thorough study of practical violin technique based on the pedagogical works of Galamian, Flesch, Frischenschlager, Yankelevich, and others. This is the core of the Seminar, and is ideal for motivated students currently frustrated by a lack of knowledge or confusion over the specific mechanics and physical/mental techniques of virtuoso playing. Students will learn exercises and practice methods to overcome common technical problems, and will learn to conceive of technique as a skill set that can be systematically trained as a means to achieve artistic freedom. This will be taught following a detailed curriculum of Mr. Peckins’ design, including freedom of movement, all bow strokes, double stops, vibrato, glissandi, sound production, posture, as well as virtuoso skills such as chords, harmonics, ricochet, left hand pizzicato, etc. Students will also develop skills for self-assessment and further, independent study of technique. The full syllabus of technique is divided among the four, 6-week sessions. Each session stands alone as a self-contained course to provide maximum flexibility, but students are encouraged to take all four sessions to experience the full syllabus.
2. Musical Context
Exposure to recordings of master violinists of the past and present, including legendary figures such as Heifetz, Neveau, Hahn, and Oistrakh, as well as contemporary competition contestants/winners, festivals, and ensembles. Specific recordings will coincide with techniques currently being taught in class. Class discussion will focus on how the techniques are demonstrated by the masters, as well as the professional/artistic possibilities available to violinists. Students will gain a wider perspective of violin playing in the professional world, and will learn to see their personal work in a larger context.
3. Performance Experience
Students will perform solo repertoire in masterclass format, and will receive feedback from the class and Mr. Peckins. Students will gain valuable experience applying the skills taught in this seminar to their own performance, and will learn to give constructive, supportive feedback.
“When I think of myself in those years, it seems to me that I was playing quite freely and fluently, tonally pure. But there is still have many years of hard work over the sound, rhythm and dynamics. Of course, most importantly, a deep comprehension of the inner content.” – David Oistrakh
Rationale:
This seminar offers violin students a forum to learn a thorough, cohesive concept of violin technique, and to explore the richness of their field. This seminar does NOT seek to replace the vital guidance of one-on-one training that occurs in private lessons, but rather to present a detailed survey of violin technique and master violinists. Though still a practical course at its heart, this quasi-pedagogical approach lends itself best to a seminar format, and will give students the broad knowledge base that is necessary for long-term and independent learning. Extended listening sessions, group discussion, and in-class performance, furthermore, are not practical in private lessons.
Instructor Information:
Violinist Joshua Peckins has taught for over a decade in Vienna and Boston, and is on the faculty of the New England Conservatory Prep School. Currently among the most active recitalists in New England, and with advanced degrees in Violin Performance from Yale, New England Conservatory, and the Vienna University of Music, he has performed from Carnegie Hall to Beijing’s Performing Arts Center and is both a dedicated performer and teacher. Click here for a full performance bio or click here for a full teaching bio.
Click here to listen to live performance recordings by Mr. Peckins.
Joshua Peckins’ Beliefs and Seminar Philosophy:
“I believe strongly in the necessity of a systematic, thorough approach to training violin technique. Students must understand (with analytical study) and train (with diligent practice of exercises) every aspect of violin technique, learning each one independently and as part of a cohesive whole. Many students, even at advanced college levels, lack fundamental understanding of vital concepts, such as the clear differences between specific bow strokes, types of glissandi, and even a natural way to position and move the hands. These are but a few examples, but the problem is all too present, and leads to much frustration among violinists!
“Furthermore, I am a strong believer in late bloomers, who often are talented and motivated, but simply lacked rigorous technical training when younger. Students in this category can radically change their career trajectories by making a rigorous study of violin technique, even in their later years. It should be the mission of all teachers and music schools to help these students achieve this radical change, rather than (immorally and often falsely) to discriminate between prodigies and also-rans.
“Common technical frustrations, such as tension in the vibrato, a weak fourth finger, lack of control in off-the-string bow strokes, lack of core sound in upper registers, etc., usually are caused by specific, objective mistakes in the technique. The solution in this case is not just ‘more practice,’ but rather a clear understanding of the correct physical mechanism and mental approach. These things can be explained and taught, and there are time-tested exercises used by top violinists to train these specific skills. Unfortunately, many students have never been exposed to this level of clarity, focus, and organization, and therefore waste countless hours of effortful, but confused, practice. Worse yet, they may never achieve their full potential, which would require just as many hours of effortful practice, but with a clear understanding of what to train and how to train it.
“It is easy for successful musicians to take for granted the backdrop of information that informs and motivates their individual pursuits. By this “backdrop of information,” I mean knowledge of the great musicians, the great orchestras and chamber ensembles, the important international competitions and festivals, legendary recordings and performances, the vast Classical repertoire, etc. A shocking number of students today cannot recognize the vibrato of Heifetz, the glissandi of Kreisler, the tone of Elman, let alone name the current rising stars on the concert stages of the world. Through exposure to this larger world, presented with context and class discussion, I believe students can gain an invaluable awareness that will inspire and guide their personal violin studies and dreams.
“This course is inspired by the Technique Class taught by Professor Michael Frischenschlager at the Vienna University of Music, which I had the great fortune to take for several years as a postgraduate student. There are other long-standing traditions of seminar-format violin classes, where students of talent and ambition come together to pursue great violin playing. While this course cannot hope (and certainly does not propose!) to live up to achievements of the legendary violin classes taught by Frischenschlager, Heifetz, and others, it draws inspiration from them and attempts to follow in their footsteps.
“I have taught this seminar multiple times at the New England Conservatory, both in person and online, as part of the Prep School’s summer classes and workshops, as violin coach for YPO (NEC’s top youth orchestra), and as violin coach for NEC’s Festival Youth Orchestra. A masterclass is planned at the Walnut Hill School for the Arts 2020. I have also recorded components of the seminar in a series of video lectures, viewed by students around the world. These various formats and teaching experiences have convinced me of the value, as well as the practicality, of this seminar.”
– Joshua Peckins, violinist and Seminar instructor
“The violinist is that peculiarly human phenomenon distilled to a rare potency – half tiger, half poet.” – Yehudi Menuhin
APPLICATION INFO
Intended Participants: The Violin Seminar is offered as a special opportunity for Mr. Peckins advanced students, pending student interest and Mr. Peckins’ availability in a given year. Students from outside the studio may apply (by email), and may be accepted depending on availability of space in the class, the applicant’s level and goals, and at Mr. Peckins’ sole discretion; an audition may be required. The ideal participant is analytically minded, curious about violin technique and playing, and motivated to radically improve his/her technique through intensive study. College and high-school students, dedicated amateurs, as well as professionals looking for a thorough review are encouraged to apply. Teachers looking for a comprehensive survey of violin technique may also be interested. This course is not recommended for students under 14 years of age, allowing for possible exceptions for extremely talented students.
Prerequisites: Students must have a minimum technical level to benefit form this course. This is not a “how to play for beginners” course – it is intended for students already at an advanced or upper-intermediate level, looking to refine and advance their skills. Mr. Peckins’ private students are invited to join the seminar once they are comfortable playing 3-octave scales and double-stops, are thoroughly into Kreutzer’s 42 Studies (or beyond), and are already studying the standard concert repertoire. For prospective students outside of Mr. Peckins’ studio, you may have the minimum necessary level if you are able to do all of the above with good set-up and correct technique. Consult your private violin teacher for an assessment of your personal readiness to work on advanced (and possibly strenuous) techniques before applying.
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted until all spots are filled, on a rolling basis throughout the year. You can apply mid-year. Please note, this class is not offered every year, but you can apply to join a waiting list.
Apply Now: Contact joshua@joshuapeckins.com for more information or to apply.