Creating a sense of ease on both ends of the dynamic spectrum is a worthy goal for any violist: while the acoustic limitations of the instrument can lead to strain and fatigue in louder passages, extended sections of very soft playing—such as in an orchestral setting–can be just as exhausting.

In this workshop we’ll explore several tools for effortless dynamics at both ends of the spectrum via the principles of the Till Approach. Developed by violinist Sophie Till, this system of string technique harnesses the innate brilliance of our everyday movement patterns in service of the instrument and the repertoire, giving players a set of tools for meeting their musical goals in ways that harmonize with the body’s design.

With regard to dynamics and tone production, we’ll learn how the friction equation (surface area of hair + tension in string + tension in bow) can do the work of loud and quiet playing for us, eliminating fatigue. We’ll also examine how moving over the fulcrum of the feet and sit bones both enables the right arm to create power with minimal effort and allows it to remain supported by the body throughout the bow stroke, and how the experience of resting down on the string with resilience offers a sense of ease and control in softer dynamics.

Presenter:
Nora Krohn