Recently I have been checking out an interesting pedagogical site called Violinmasterclass.com. This site features some great multimedia resources for both music teachers and students. Here is some information about the site:

Violinmasterclass.com was created for violin professionals, teachers, parents, and students at all levels to enhance the study of playing the violin.

This site provides information that was until now available only to those able to audition into the world’s foremost violin studios, such as the classes of Dorothy DeLay, Ivan Galamian, and Carl Flesch.

Violinmasterclass.com is underwritten by the Dorothy Richard Starling Foundation in support of the teaching and performance of the classical violin. The Starling Project Foundation, Inc., the host of violinmasterclass.com, is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Access to this site is free of charge.

The site features videos of Mr. many aspects of violin technique including stance, bow hold, intonation exercises, and other technical exercises. Kurt Sassmannshaus is the teacher in the videos I have watched, and he does a great job conveying clear concepts to the students. The production quality of these videos is quite high.

Additionally, the site features a great deal of useful PDF files, including practice charts and other sorts of worksheets. Here is a small sampling from the practice chart section of the site:

Basics: Your Fundamental Skills
Blank Chart (pdf)
Sample Completed Chart (pdf)

Scales: The Artist’s Tool
Blank Chart (pdf)
Sample Completed Chart (pdf)

This Week: Stay in the Virtuous Zone
Blank Chart (pdf)
Sample Completed Chart (pdf)

Do-It-Yourself: Create a Schedule to Reach your Goals
Blank Chart (pdf)
Sample Completed Chart (pdf)

Even though the material on Violinmasterclass.com is geared toward violinists most musicians will find valuable material here. Teachers can generate some good ideas and get some good practice schedule templates, and students can get some clear video demonstration of many string techniques and practice strategies.

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