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Browse online violin courses, available exclusively on tonebase Violin.

Browse tonebase Violin's expansive library of online violin courses, featuring violin instructors such as Augustin Hadelich, Glenn Dicterow, Nancy Zhou, and more.
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Sonata No. 2 in A Minor, BWV 1003

Taught by 

Adrian Butterfield

Explore Bach's second sonata for solo violin, BWV 1003 in A minor, with internationally renowned violinist, director, and conductor Adrian Butterfield. Butterfield, who specializes in period performance, takes us on a journey to unfold the beloved sonata's beauty, history, and performance practice.

Intermediate-Advanced

 | 

Repertoire

Sonata No. 5 in F major, Op. 24 “Spring”

Taught by 

Eric Gratz

Eric Gratz, joined by pianist Euntaek Kim, explores the dramatic, lyrical underpinnings of Beethoven's Spring Sonata through technical discussions, such as bow stroke and articulation, as well as musical ones, such as dynamics, character, and much more.

Intermediate-Advanced

 | 

Repertoire

Partita No. 1 in B Minor, BWV 1002

Taught by 

Adrian Butterfield

British violinist Adrian Butterfield walks us through Bach’s Partita No. 1 in B Minor, BWV 1002. Butterfield explores the historical context of each of the dance movements, shares his advice on period performance, and discusses Bach’s harmonic structure.

Intermediate-Advanced

 | 

Repertoire

A Little Blue Danube Waltz

Taught by 

Aleksey Igudesman

Have some fun with Aleksey Igudesman’s violin duet reinvention of Strauss’s famous Blue Danube Waltz.

Intermediate-Advanced

 | 

Repertoire

Rhythm with a Groove

Taught by 

Aleksey Igudesman

Aleksey Igudesman delves deep in this interview, discussing creativity, inspiration, and much more.

Intermediate-Advanced

 | 

Skills

On a Bus in Uruguay

Taught by 

Aleksey Igudesman

Pep up your violin playing with vocal improvisation in Aleksey Igudesman's lesson on his duet piece, "On a Bus in Uruguay."

Intermediate-Advanced

 | 

Repertoire

Extended Techniques

Taught by 

Aleksey Igudesman

Explore the library of sounds Aleksey Igudesman brings to his performances in this course on extended techniques.

Intermediate-Advanced

 | 

Skills

Funk the String

Taught by 

Aleksey Igudesman

Aleksey Igudesman demonstrates his crossover masterpiece "Funk the String" and encourages classical players to get to grips with the different styles and technique he draws from.

Intermediate-Advanced

 | 

Repertoire

Left Hand Relaxation

Taught by 

Augustin Hadelich

In this "Ask Augustin" video, he answers the question: "How do you keep your left hand relaxed even while playing lots of fast notes?" We build stamina over time the more we practice relentless left-hand passages (and take breaks), though Augustin has found certain technical movements to be critical toward this end.

All-Levels

 | 

Skills

¡Si Señor!

Taught by 

Aleksey Igudesman

Hone your stagecraft and get into some Latin grooves working through Aleksey Igudensman’s "¡Si Señor!"

Intermediate-Advanced

 | 

Repertoire

Concerto in D Major, Op. 61

Taught by 

Augustin Hadelich

Augustin Hadelich has performed Beethoven's concerto numerous times, and in this hour-long course, he offers a unique, detailed reflection on each movement and its many technical opportunities.

Advanced

 | 

Repertoire

Klezmer's Freilach

Taught by 

Aleksey Igudesman

Tips and tricks from the colorful world of Klezmer music with Aleksey Igudesman.

Intermediate-Advanced

 | 

Repertoire

4 Tricks for Difficult Passages

Taught by 

Augustin Hadelich

Augustin Hadelich has performed many of the most challenging works in the violin repertoire and worked out different ways to tackle the obstacles. Here, he shares four tips and tricks that have helped him along his journey with specific examples from the repertoire.

All-Levels

 | 

Skills

Dealing with Performance Anxiety

Taught by 

Augustin Hadelich

Hadelich himself struggled with nerves onstage throughout his early twenties, but through repetition and intelligent practice, he's managed to feel perfectly at home during a performance. In this lesson, Hadelich provides a few powerful strategies for recreating the performance environment in your practice room, using breathing to tame a racing heart, walking onstage with confidence, and more. Don't let anxiety damage your tone quality!

All-Levels

 | 

Skills

Music Theory Basics

Taught by 

Eric Silberger

In this in-depth course, Head of Piano Ben Laude and Head of Violin Eric Silberger join forces to take you inside the sonorous world of tonality. Equipped with a 2-octave MIDI station and a 9-foot concert grand, Laude uses the keyboard as a “picture of tonal pitch space” to demonstrate essential musical relationships. Starting with a single tone, Laude shows you how to step your way across an octave, building major and minor scales, modes, and other colorful patterns. This opens up an endless tapestry of musical possibilities enshrined in the circle of 5ths, and culminating in the study of diatonic harmony. Silberger then relates this knowledge back to the violin.

All-Levels

 | 

Skills

When to Go Off-Score

Taught by 

Augustin Hadelich

We spend so much time trying to follow the composer’s every wish – but we don’t often stop and ask if there’s a better way. In this lesson, the great Augustin Hadelich presents a case for when dynamics, bowings, and fingerings actually should be changed to better realize what the composer intended.

All-Levels

 | 

Skills

Partita No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1004

Taught by 

Charles Yang

Join Charles Yang in this course on Bach’s Partita No. 2 in D minor, from the grave Allemande and the brisk Courante to the famous virtuosic Chaconne. He emphasizes the relationships between voices, rhythmic emphasis, bow and fingering technique, and much more in this detailed walk through an 18th-century masterpiece.

Intermediate-Advanced

 | 

Repertoire

Symphony No. 1, mvt. 1 (Excerpt)

Taught by 

David Kim

Most orchestras have one or two excerpts that they will always ask for, and for Philadelphia, that's Beethoven's First Symphony. With the help of David Kim’s personal annotated scores, you can approach this excerpt confidently. He shares many of his own bowings, phrase markings, and articulations, highlighting the variety of different strokes present. Kim stresses the importance of fingerings that are comfortable under pressure, and why he tends to avoid certain positions.

Advanced

 | 

Repertoire

Principles of Violin Playing for the Left and Right Hands

Taught by 

Daniel Phillips

Dr. Demetrius Constantine Dounis had a unique background in medicine and music which gave him the tools to address the efficiency of violin playing in novel ways. Hard work, while necessary, should be geared toward getting the most for minimum effort. This is the main aim of Dounis’s scientific method, one that Daniel Phillips explains in great detail throughout this course.

All-Levels

 | 

Repertoire,Skills

18 Experiments for the Practice Room

Taught by 

Daniel Kurganov

For tonebase’s own Daniel Kurganov, inspiration and experimentation have been essential to his improvement. As musicians, we have constant opportunities to learn from the players around us and the recordings we have access to. By translating that energy into concrete technical and musical ideas in the practice room, we can better diagnose and solve lingering problems and discover new possibilities from our musical expression. These 18 experiments are starting points – make experimentation a lifelong habit!

All-Levels

 | 

Skills

Symphony No. 2, mvt. 1 (Excerpt)

Taught by 

David Kim

The auditioning panel in Philadelphia would encourage you to use whatever bowing and fingering that works most comfortably for you in this very short excerpt; free bowing has long been a part of the culture. David Kim discusses how to make this work delicate, the importance of comfort and reliability, and arriving at the discoveries that only come through repetition.

Advanced

 | 

Repertoire

Symphony No. 3, mvt. 1 (Excerpt)

Taught by 

David Kim

Concertmaster David Kim discusses how to create an elegant rendition of the Scherzo from Beethoven’s “Eroica” Symphony. It isn’t easy to convey pianissimo in an audition, or to properly phrase a long sequence of quarter notes. Kim’s thorough discussion of these elements and more shines a spotlight on what to practice for a stunning performance.

Advanced

 | 

Repertoire

Symphony No. 4, mvt. 4 (Excerpt)

Taught by 

David Kim

Players tend to forget that in the passacaglia in Brahms’ fourth symphony, most of the orchestra is quite turbulent. David Kim explains how he incorporates this information as well as how to phrase the many sequences Brahms writes. With the help of annotated scores and Kim’s audition tips, you’ll be prepared to create a sparkling rendition of this dynamic and expressive excerpt.

Advanced

 | 

Repertoire

Old-Time Music

Taught by 

Gilles Apap

In this intimate course, world music aficionado Giles Apap plays through some popular examples from the rich tradition of North American old-time music. Apap performs three tunes, two with a banjo player, explaining his approach to practicing and learning melodies in this distinctive style. An ancestor of bluegrass and modern country, old-time music is mostly learned by ear, but the course workbook provides detailed transcriptions of some of Apap’s performances.

All-Levels

 | 

Skills,Repertoire

Concerto No. 4 in D Major, mvt. 1 (Excerpt)

Taught by 

David Kim

David Kim, Concertmaster of the Philadelphia Orchestra, shares his secrets on how to nail this excerpt for an auditioning panel, emphasizing what he’d prioritize in potential candidates for his own orchestra. With the guidance of Kim’s performance of the excerpt and his personal annotated scores, he clarifies how to get a “Mozartian” character out of this delicate yet exposing piece.

Advanced

 | 

Repertoire

Scherzo from Midsummer Night's Dream (Excerpt)

Taught by 

David Kim

David Kim opens this lesson by pointing out traps to avoid, as well as what a panel wants to see during an audition with the Scherzo from Mendelssohn’s Midsummer Night’s Dream. In a nutshell, aim for incredible character and personality, showcasing your ability to play a wide range of off-the-string strokes.

Advanced

 | 

Repertoire

Symphony No. 39 (Excerpts)

Taught by 

David Kim

Picture an intimate performance of a middle to late Beethoven String Quartet in a loft on the Upper West Side of Manhattan; David Kim urges you to play with this same degree of intimacy with this Mozart excerpt! This lesson covers the first two movements of Mozart’s Symphony #39 and how to audition with them. Kim’s thoughts on bowing and phrasing complement his insider tips on skipping past multi-measure rests and how to charm a panel. The most important thing is remaining true to the character of Mozart: elegant and never dry!

Advanced

 | 

Repertoire

Classical Symphony (Excerpt)

Taught by 

David Kim

Never fear, David Kim is here to help tame this beast that is Prokofiev’s Classical Symphony. By using bowings that work for you, aiming for charm over muscle, and gaining familiarity with a wide variety of recordings, we can lessen the burden of this highly exposed excerpt.

Advanced

 | 

Repertoire

Don Juan (Excerpt)

Taught by 

David Kim

No conversation about orchestral auditions is complete without reference to “Don Juan”! We need not approach it the same as Strauss’s other heavy tone poems; it’s actually much more of a light excerpt. David Kim’s annotations, bowing tips, and insight into musicality can take some of the stress off this imposing work. He ends with a discussion of technique and what’s required for those interested in working with a major orchestra.

Advanced

 | 

Repertoire

Concerto No. 1 in D Major, mvt. 1 (Excerpt)

Taught by 

David Kim

Concertmaster David Kim breaks down this Romantic concerto that’s typical of the semifinals round in an audition. Kim highlights what you want to demonstrate to a panel, how to navigate dynamics and fast runs, and the improvisatory character that begins the excerpt. Finally, he explains how to approach auditioning with a pianist that you may have never met!

Advanced

 | 

Repertoire

Symphony No. 2, mvt. 2 (Excerpt)

Taught by 

David Kim

When dealing with excerpts that can feel somewhat awkward to play, like Schumann’s Scherzo, the music always comes first. David Kim’s detailed annotations can help you make sense of it all, including his thoughts on structured slow practice. His tips on dynamics and bowing aim to create the feeling that the panel hears an entire symphony behind the curtain, not just a lone violin.

Advanced

 | 

Repertoire

Berceuse Romantique

Taught by 

Eric Gratz

Fritz Kreisler was called the King of Violin in his day; his interpretations of the standard repertoire were learned and insightful, and his original pieces contribute colorfully to the canon. Eric Gratz has recorded Berceuse Romantique several times and performed it many more, so he has spent ample time considering best practices for each passage. In this lesson, he shares how he creates a distinct sound world, uses rubato and vibrato, orchestrates his slides with taste, and much more.

Intermediate-Advanced

 | 

Repertoire

Sicilienne and Rigaudon

Taught by 

Eric Gratz

This work in two parts (the baroque-inspired Sicilienne and the fast country dance of the Rigaudon) harkens to an earlier era but introduces a contemporary twist and allows personal liberties to be taken. Eric Gratz explains how he interprets the Sicilienne rhythm, and where rubato is appropriate. The Rigaudon is a perpetual motion of facile sautillé and fluid slurred string crossings. Gratz provides a few practice strategies for addressing the difficult spots and identifies some musical elements to watch out for: creating dynamic ripples, adhering to accents, and being smart with bow division.

Intermediate-Advanced

 | 

Repertoire

Advice and Insight on a Career in Orchestral Playing

Taught by 

David Kim

In this extensive conversation between David Kim and tonebase's own Eric Silberger, Kim shares how his practice schedule evolved from his childhood to now. He has become more of a practical player over time, focusing on the minutiae of his technique to keep his playing healthy. Working with (and leading) a symphony requires a unique set of skills but has much in common with soloistic playing. Kim shares how to get through some of the ups and downs of a career in music, and why a learner’s mindset is so crucial.

All-Levels

 | 

Skills

Sonata No. 3 in D minor, "Ballade"

Taught by 

Eric Gratz

American virtuoso violinist Eric Gratz walks us through Eugene Ysaÿe’s Sonata no. 3 for solo violin, “Ballade.” Highlighting the composer’s extraordinary vision for the piece, Gratz provides a thorough guide through this myriad of textures and tones. As he demonstrates in this lesson, despite the pyrotechnics required of the violinist here, there are always idiomatic solutions to Ysaÿe’s writing.

Advanced

 | 

Repertoire

Liebesfreud (Love's Joy)

Taught by 

Eric Silberger

Violinist Eric Silberger and Pianist Alin Melik-Adamyan demonstrate the endless possibilities for collaboration, spontaneity and variety in this course on Fritz Kreisler’s Liebesfreud.

Intermediate

 | 

Repertoire

Liebesleid (Love's Sorrow)

Taught by 

Eric Silberger

Explore one of Fritz Kreisler’s most beloved and enduring works with violinist Eric Silberger and Alin Melik-Adamyan. In this course, Silberger draws on the performance practice of Fritz Kreisler and Ivry Gitlis to develop a greater sense of nuance, rubato and ways of expression. Silberger reminds us that although Liebesleid means “love’s sorrow,” Kreisler may not have intended the work as a tragedy.

Beginner-Intermediate

 | 

Repertoire

Méditation from Thaïs

Taught by 

Eric Silberger

Eric Silberger with pianist Alin Melik-Adamyan teach the beautiful and famous Méditation from the opera Thaïs, written by Jules Massenet in 1894. He encourages you to build an interpretation based on the emotions you want to communicate, and provides some technical tips to realize some of the key moments. It’s about more than just creating a good sound, Silberger reminds us! Whether you’re playing with a full orchestra, a pianist, or by yourself, this is an iconic and gorgeous solo truly worth getting to know.

Beginner-Intermediate

 | 

Repertoire

Selections from Paganini’s 24 Caprices

Taught by 

Eric Silberger

With his set of 24 Caprices, Paganini gifted violinists a musical cornucopia and a dizzying display of revolutionary techniques. Join our very own Head of Violin at tonebase, Eric Silberger, as he walks through a selection of his favorite items from the set. His tips and tricks will keep you grounded tackling some of the most notorious challenges in repertoire.

Advanced

 | 

Repertoire

Practice Toolkit

Taught by 

Eric Silberger

An internationally renowned soloist and a prize winner of the XIV Tchaikovsky Competition, tonebase's own Eric Silberger shares 19 practice tips, among which some unconventional ones that are creative additions to your practice routine! Silberger's clear and concise advice on violin playing includes examples and applications in a variety of repertoire such as the Bruch g minor concerto, Paganini Caprice no. 5, Meditation from Thais, and more. These practice tips are meant as a starting point, Silberger encourages all of us to take on a creative journey of fun exploration and experimentation, which are the basis of improvement.

All-Levels

 | 

Skills

Irish Music

Taught by 

Gilles Apap

Indigenous Irish music has had a tremendous influence on the popular music of today. Gilles Apap jumps straight into a tune by Paddy Fahey, exploring bowing possibilities and practice techniques.

All-Levels

 | 

Repertoire,Skills

40 Études: Nos. 1-10

Taught by 

Eszter Haffner

Rodolphe Kreutzer's 40 Études are testaments to his pedagogical genius, virtuosity, and vision. Eszter Haffner brilliantly expounds on each etude, beginning with the first ten, offering priceless practice strategies and insights.

All-Levels

 | 

Repertoire

Indian Music

Taught by 

Gilles Apap

While Apap does not claim expert status with Hindustani music, his fascination knows no bounds. This lesson introduces you to the music's wide vibrato and how it has actually freed up Apap's playing.

All-Levels

 | 

Repertoire,Skills

Romanian Music

Taught by 

Gilles Apap

When Apap discovered George Enescu's Third Violin Sonata, he had to learn more. That prompted him to explore traditional Romanian music and its unique ornamental style. This lesson explores how to access this style by removing the complexities of our learned technique.

All-Levels

 | 

Repertoire,Skills

Celtic Music

Taught by 

Gilles Apap

Celtic music, an umbrella term that includes music from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and more, has intrigued Apap since his childhood. In this lesson, he performs "Shores of Lough Gowna" and discusses how to build an individual approach to this music.

All-Levels

 | 

Repertoire,Skills

Right Hand Technique

Taught by 

Giora Schmidt

Acclaimed American/Israeli violinist Giora Schmidt shares a comprehensive guide to right hand techniques, from the basics of bow hold to fundamental bow strokes. In his humorous tone, Schmidt delivers detailed descriptions of the mechanisms of various bow strokes, pizzicato technique, and effective ways to practice them.

All-Levels

 | 

Skills

Ein Heldenleben

Taught by 

Glenn Dicterow

Strauss's "Ein Heldenleben" (A Heroic Life) arguably is autobiographical. As the "hero" in the work may be the composer himself, Glenn Dicterow shares how he makes sense of the concertmaster soloes in this behemoth of the repertoire. Strauss was the master of his craft, with a prolific output of tone poems showing unmatched melodic and orchestrational capacity. Given Dicterow's decades of experience playing this work with the best conductors in the world, he's learned precisely where to take soloistic liberties, where to stretch the time, and how to ensure he is heard among the rumble of the orchestra. Dicterow provides technical guidance, specific fingerings and bowings, practice strategies, and much more in this wide-ranging discussion with tonebase's own Eric Silberger.

Advanced

 | 

Repertoire

Concerto in D major, Op. 35

Taught by 

Ilya Gringolts

In this course, acclaimed violinist Ilya Gringolts will explore one of the most famous pieces in the entire violin repertoire, the Tchaikovsky violin concerto, and deconstruct the piece’s long history of performance practices and various editions. Drawing on his extensive performance experience, Gringolts guides the viewer through the process of finding your own voice when approaching such an iconic piece.

Advanced

 | 

Repertoire

Scheherazade

Taught by 

Glenn Dicterow

The story of Scheherazade from Arabian Nights is full of mystique and gripping suspense, and Strauss's adaptation for orchestra follows suit. There's perhaps no one better to lead the charge through this monumental tour-de-force for the violin than Glenn Dicterow, who served as concertmaster of the New York Philharmonic for thirty-four years, who has taken to the stage with this work hundreds of times. In this far-ranging interview, Dicterow fields questions from Eric Silberger, who studied with Dicterow, and is head of violin at tonebase, touching on everything from Frank Sinatra to ricochet technique. He summarizes his message best when he says, "every violinist plays this differently, but the ones you remember are the ones that play it personally and tell a story!"

Advanced

 | 

Repertoire

The Ergonomics of Violin Playing for Right Hand

Taught by 

Grigory Kalinovsky

In this course, acclaimed violinist and educator Grigory Kalinovsky takes on the basic concepts of playing the violin regarding the right-hand technique. He describes how to balance our core, minimize tension, and utilize the muscular sensation in our body to create a beautiful, consistent sound.

All-Levels

 | 

Skills

The Ergonomics of Violin Playing for Left Hand

Taught by 

Grigory Kalinovsky

In this course, acclaimed violinist and educator Grigory Kalinovsky takes on the basic concepts of playing the violin regarding the left-hand technique. Kalinovsky discusses different fundamental concepts to create an adaptable and independent left hand.

All-Levels

 | 

Skills

Sonata No. 1 in G Minor, BWV 1001

Taught by 

Ilya Gringolts

In this course, internationally renowned violinist Ilya Gringolts guides us through the beauty and depth of Bach's Sonata No. 1 in G minor, BWV 1001. The four movements of this sonata are Adagio, Fuga, Siciliana, and Presto. Gringolts shares his extensive experience with the sonata discussing sources, period performance, baroque style, overcoming technical challenges, and discovering the unique musical quality of some of Bach's greatest works.

Intermediate-Advanced

 | 

Repertoire

Student Concerto No. 5 in D Major, Op. 22

Taught by 

Mann-Wen Lo

Despite its name, Seitz's fifth concerto provides ample material to challenge the ambitious violinist. Mann-Wen Lo, a professor at the University of Houston, discusses each section in detail, demonstrates her ideas with gusto (along with pianist Evan Solomon), and provides a few supplementary exercises to enhance your practice session.

Beginner-Intermediate

 | 

Repertoire

Right-Hand Exercises - A Complete System

Taught by 

Nancy Zhou

In this investigation into right-hand technique, Nancy Zhou provides a blueprint for different components involved in developing an expressive bow technique. Charting a course through the production of vowel and consonant sounds, Zhou uses analogies, exercises from the renowned pedagogue Demetrius Dounis, and detailed physical demonstrations. Zhou caps it off with a course on accented legato, an important tool for making our melodies speak. By the end of this course, you'll have thoroughly examined the playing habits of your entire right arm and be well on your way to doing just about anything you can imagine with the bow!

All-Levels

 | 

Skills

Left-Hand Exercises - A Complete System

Taught by 

Nancy Zhou

Nancy Zhou is a proponent of Dounis, one of the violin's most prolific pedagogues, and her formidable course on the left hand gives the student and professional alike enough material to last them years. Zhou lays a foundation for posture and positioning before working on independent shifts of every combination of fingers, in both the vertical and horizontal dimensions. Her descriptions are complete with practice strategies, detailed visual demonstrations, and suggestions to avoid injury. Take your time with these exercises, and enjoy the process!

All-Levels

 | 

Repertoire,Skills

Concerto No. 1 in A Minor

Taught by 

Rachel Lee Priday

Jean-Baptise Accolay is best known for this student concerto, a stellar bridge between intermediate music and advanced concerto repertoire. Despite the name, the work is still full of fireworks and virtuosity. Under the helm of Rachel Lee Priday and pianist Nozomi Khudyev, this lesson guides you through phrasing, double stops, intonation, left-hand preparation, how to practice, and more.

Intermediate-Advanced

 | 

Repertoire

Violin Concerto, Op. 14

Taught by 

Philippe Quint

In this course, multi-Grammy Award nominee American violinist Philippe Quint will explore Barber’s violin concerto. The three movements of this concerto are Allegro, Andante, and Presto in moto perpetuo. Quint explores Barber’s inspiration, the historical context, and the beauty and depth of one of the most beloved violin concertos. He shares his thoughts and ideas about the character, structure, and technical challenges the concerto presents.

Advanced

 | 

Repertoire

Sonata No. 1 in D major, Op. 12

Taught by 

Martin Beaver

Beethoven's first violin sonata, Op. 12 in D major, was composed in 1798 and is one of the composer's earliest works in the sonata genre. Typical of his early period, it's a bright and optimistic work, dedicated to the great Antonio Salieri. For this course, violinist Martin Beaver and pianist Kevin Fitz-Gerald examine its many nuances, technical requirements, and expressive opportunities.

Advanced

 | 

Repertoire

Life Lessons on Music and the Art of Violin

Taught by 

Shmuel Ashkenasi

Shmuel Ashkenasi has been living an exemplary life as a world-class violinist for over sixty years. After coming to the United States at age 17 to study with Efrem Zimbalist at the Curtis Institute of Music, he quickly made splashes as an international competition winner and recording artist. This deeply contemplative interview by Eric Silberger, head of tonebase Violin, surveys Ashkenasi's formative moments, inspirations, and what he's learned about the mechanics of technique and musicianship.

 | 

Skills

Concerto in A minor, Op. 53

Taught by 

Sirena Huang

Virtuoso violinist Sirena Huang shares a detailed guide to Dvorak Violin Concerto. Huang takes on explaining the structure, atmosphere, and characters of this masterpiece. She breaks down the technical difficulties and shares practice tips to overcome them.

Advanced

 | 

Repertoire

Collaboration and Performing Under Pressure

Taught by 

Shmuel Ashkenasi

Head of violin at tonebase, Eric Silberger, sits down with esteemed violinist Shmuel Ashkenasi, to discuss all range of topics. Hear his thoughts on approaches to collaboration and compromise, and advice on pitch and tone control. They conclude with a discussion about finding the joy and humour behind the notes.

All-Levels

 | 

Skills

Concerto in E Minor, Op. 64

Taught by 

Simone Porter

Simone Porter takes us through a journey of moods with Mendelssohn’s enduringly popular violin concerto.

Advanced

 | 

Repertoire

Concerto No. 9 in A Minor, Op. 104

Taught by 

Rachel Lee Priday

Modeling a full Romantic concerto in the space of fifteen minutes, de Bériot's Concerto No. 9 is highly virtuosic yet approachable for intermediate students. In this lesson, Rachel Lee Priday introduces strategies for practicing, bowing, playing grace notes, developing the groove of the waltz, and much more. She emphasizes how, whether you're performing on stage or practicing at a slow tempo, every passage should feel as beautiful and lyrical as you can make it.

Intermediate-Advanced

 | 

Repertoire

A Different Approach to Scales

Taught by 

Stefan Jackiw

Stefan Jackiw is no stranger to dilligent practice; he has spent time working exclusively on scales, arpeggios, and double stops so that his repertoire playing is clean, in tune, and consistent. In this lesson, he breaks down exactly how he practices scales and more – with tips to work on eliminating errors rather than just correcting them.

All-Levels

 | 

Skills

Sonata No. 5 in G major

Taught by 

Sirena Huang

Eugène Ysaÿe's fifth sonata for solo violin is dedicated to violinist Mathieu Crickboom and consists of two movements: L'Aurore, and Danse rustique. In this course, acclaimed violinist Sirena Huang explores the sonata's rhythmic direction and unique colors and shares her advice on overcoming the technical challenges presented in the sonata.

Advanced

 | 

Repertoire

Sonata No. 1 in G Major, Op. 78, "Regensonate"

Taught by 

Stefan Jackiw

Based on his song for voice and piano titled "Regenlied," Johannes Brahms's first sonata for violin captures the experience of a nostalgic older man remembering but never fully recreating the varied memories of many bygone decades. With the masterful pedagogical prose of Stefan Jackiw, you'll be swept through the meaning of this delicately balanced work and learn how to convey the proper character through sound, attention to technique, and phrasing.

Advanced

 | 

Repertoire

Partita No. 3 in E Major, BWV 1006

Taught by 

William Hagen

J.S. Bach’s third partita in E is the only one of his solo violin works in which every movement is in a major key. In his course on this cheerful piece, William Hagen discusses constructing a narrative, inferring dynamics, tone and mood, bow technique, and more. He talks through each movement, addressing troublesome spots, offering fingering suggestions, and pointing the viewer toward opportunities for individuality.

Intermediate-Advanced

 | 

Repertoire

A Life in Music: Preparation, Collaboration, and Inspiration

Taught by 

Vadim Repin

Take a moment to explore the expansive journey of Vadim Repin's career. He discusses both his everyday practice routines and how he prepares for concerts. Moreover, he shares his approach to mastering new repertoire while remaining respectful of classical traditions. These strategies have not only earned him the prestigious top prize at the Queen Elizabeth Violin Competition, but also continued to shape his career thereafter.

All-Levels

 | 

Skills

Concerto No. 5 in A Major, K. 219, "Turkish"

Taught by 

Stefan Jackiw

Written when Mozart was only 19, his fifth violin concerto broke new ground and surprised 18th-century audiences with its radical approach to form. Nevertheless, its wondrous opening and expressive gestures are entrancing, and Stefan Jackiw shows you how to make it all work. Jackiw's analytical instruction, harmonic awareness, and narrative sensibilities coupled with live piano accompaniment make this a master class in musical taste.

Advanced

 | 

Repertoire

Concerto No. 2 in G Minor, Op. 63

Taught by 

Vadim Repin

In this course, internationally renowned violinist Vadim Repin shares his thoughts about one of the great masterpieces in violin repertoire- Prokofiev's Violin Concerto No. 2. Repin examines Prokofiev's harmonic architecture, musical surprises, and unique atmosphere. He provides advice on overcoming the technical and emotional challenges in the concerto while embodying its beauty.

Advanced

 | 

Repertoire

Sonata No. 3 in C Major, BWV 1005

Taught by 

Vijay Gupta

Bach's third sonata for solo violin, BWV 1005 in C major, was composed in 1720 and is the last of the composer's solo violin sonatas (as part of the six sonatas and partitas). The four movements of the sonata: Adagio, Fugue, Largo, and Allegro assai, are considered some of Bach’s finest instrumental music. Acclaimed violinist Vijay Gupta demonstrates how to reveal the uniqueness, harmonic tension, and honesty of this work. In addition, Gupta discusses the technical issues in the piece and the solutions to them.

Intermediate-Advanced

 | 

Repertoire

Much Ado About Nothing

Taught by 

Vijay Gupta

Austrian-born composer Erich Wolfgang Korngold wrote incidental music for Shakespeare's comedy Much Ado About Nothing in 1920. After an immediately successful premiere, he adapted four of its movements for a violin and piano duo, all of which are taught in this course by MacArthur Genius Grant recipient Vijay Gupta, featuring piano accompaniment by tonebase's own Dominic Cheli.

Intermediate-Advanced

 | 

Repertoire

Sonata No. 7 in C Minor, Op. 30 No. 2

Taught by 

Martin Beaver

For this course, violinist Martin Beaver and pianist Kevin Fitz-Gerald, examine nuances, technical requirements, and expressive opportunities of the sonata.

intermediate

 | 

Repertoire

Concerto in D Major, Op. 77

Taught by 

William Hagen

Brahms's Violin Concerto, composed in 1878 for the great Joseph Joachim, has since earned its place among the greatest works for violin. Though it features a somewhat unusual placement of the soloist (often functioning as a part of the orchestra), William Hagen uncovers its genius and illuminates its technical demands in these three lessons for the advanced violinist.

Advanced

 | 

Repertoire

40 Études: Nos. 11-20

Taught by 

Eszter Haffner

Rodolphe Kreutzer’s 40 Études are testaments to his pedagogical genius, virtuosity, and vision. Eszter Haffner brilliantly expounds on each etude, from eleven to twenty, offering priceless practice strategies and insights.

All levels

 | 

Repertoire

Fundamentals of Violin Playing

Taught by 

Pinchas Zukerman

In this new 11-part course, world-renowned violinist Pinchas Zukerman reveals the core techniques behind his iconic sound.

All levels

 | 

Technique

Preparation and Interpretation for the Soloist

Taught by 

William Hagen

In this wide-ranging interview with violinist William Hagen, the artist discusses how he prepares for a concert and develops an interpretation. How do you balance with an orchestra? Determine phrasing? Develop an internal rhythm or simply have fun while practicing? Delving deep into his extensive performance experience, William shares advice that is applicable to any performing artist in this conversation with tonebase's own Head of Violin, Eric Silberger.

All-Levels

 | 

Skills

Symphonie Espagnole

Taught by 

Rachel Lee Priday

Follow along as violinist Rachel Lee Priday guides you through the beauties and challenges of Lalo's Symphonie Espagnole.

Intermediate

 | 

Repertoire

Zigeunerweisen

Taught by 

Timothy Chooi

Embark on a captivating journey through the intricacies of one of the most iconic pieces in the violin repertoire, Pablo de Sarasate's "Zigeunerweisen". In this course, led by renowned soloist Timothy Chooi, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of this masterpiece, exploring its four-part structure: Moderato, Lento, Un poco piu lento, and Allegro molto vivace. Through insightful commentary and detailed analysis, Timothy Chooi will unravel the rich tapestry of emotions and technical challenges woven into each section of the piece. From the haunting melodies of the Lento to the fiery virtuosity of the Allegro molto vivace, you'll delve into the nuances of interpretation, phrasing, and expression that bring this composition to life.

Advanced

 | 

Repertoire

Scales and Arpeggios: A Comprehensive Guide

Taught by 

Igor Pikayzen

Master violin technique with Igor Pikayzen's comprehensive scales and arpeggios course, spanning 2 to 4 octaves, to rigorously refine and elevate your playing.

All Levels

 | 

Skills

Pinchas Zukerman: Exploring the Great Violin Concertos

Taught by 

Pinchas Zukerman

In this course, Maestro Pinchas Zukerman, renowned as one of the living legends among violin soloists, invites you to embark on an illuminating exploration through some of the most celebrated violin concertos in the repertoire. Through his unique blend of expertise, insight, and personal experience, Zukerman delves into the intricacies of the violin concertos by Beethoven, Bartok, Elgar, Sibelius, Tchaikovsky, Mendelssohn, and Brahms. Drawing upon the wisdom imparted by his esteemed mentors, Ivan Galamian, Nathan Milstein, Isaac Stern, Zukerman not only elucidates the technical nuances essential to each concerto but also shares captivating anecdotes of personal inspiration.

All Levels

 | 

Repertoire, Skills

Intonation: Tips & Exercises

Taught by 

Timothy Chooi

Dedicated to the art of intonation, in this course Timothy Chooi delves into a comprehensive exploration of the subject. Chooi imparts insights ranging from quick fundamental tips to advanced applications, including utilizing reference intervals, practical exercises and the concept of expressive of intonation.

All Levels

 | 

Skills

Bow Strokes: A Comprehensive Guide

Taught by 

Christian Kim

Discover the intricacies of bow strokes with violinist Christian Kim in this extensive course. Explore fundamental techniques such as detaché, martelé and collé, progressing to advanced bow strokes like ricochet and slurred staccato. Christian provides detailed explanations for each technique along with practical tips for effective practice.

all-levels

 | 

skills

Klezmer's Freilach

Taught by 

Aleksey Igudesman

Tips and tricks from the colorful world of Klezmer music with Aleksey Igudesman.

intermediate-advanced

 | 

repertoire

Right Hand Fundamentals

Taught by 

Christian Kim

Embark on a journey into the fundamentals of bow arm ergonomics with violinist Christian Kim in this course. Covering essential concepts such as bow holds, natural hand positioning, the balance between weight and pressure, and active versus passive finger activities, Christian provides comprehensive insights. Learn effective practice methods to solidify your understanding of the raw fundamentals of ergonomics in the bow arm.

all-levels

 | 

skills

Left Hand Fundamentals

Taught by 

Christian Kim

Embark on a comprehensive guide to the fundamentals of the left hand, arm, and shoulder with violinist Christian Kim in this course. Covering key aspects such as maintaining a relaxed state of the neck and shoulder, optimizing violin placement, understanding the role of the shoulder rest, and addressing left hand positioning along with the individual mobility of the fingers, this course provides a thorough exploration of essential techniques for violinists.

all-levels

 | 

skills

Principles of Violin Playing for the Left and Right Hands

Taught by 

Daniel Phillips

Dr. Demetrius Constantine Dounis had a unique background in medicine and music which gave him the tools to address the efficiency of violin playing in novel ways. Hard work, while necessary, should be geared toward getting the most for minimum effort. This is the main aim of Dounis’s scientific method, one that Daniel Philips explains in great detail throughout this course.

beginner

 | 

repertoire,skills

Shifting: A Comprehensive Guide

Taught by 

Fabiola Kim

Embark on a comprehensive guide to mastering the art of shifting with Korean-American violinist, Fabiola Kim. This course delves into the importance of practicing shifts as a distinct technique, essential for fluid and expressive playing. Explore various types of shifts and the specific motions of the hand and fingers required to execute each one effectively. Kim's expert guidance focuses on using shifts not just as a movement between positions, but as a means of enhancing the expressive quality of your performance.

all-levels

 | 

skills

Arm Vibrato: Fundamentals and Application

Taught by 

Filip Pogady

In this comprehensive course, Filip Pogady extensively covers arm vibrato. Spanning fundamental concepts, advanced applications, and a detailed dissection of his use of vibrato in repertoire, the program provides an in-depth understanding of practicing and applying arm vibrato techniques.

all-levels

 | 

skills

Sound Production: Fundamentals and Application

Taught by 

Filip Pogady

In this course, violinist Filip Pogady takes you through the intricacies of sound production. Covering fundamental principles, delving into advanced applications, and dissecting their real-world implementation on repertoire, this course illuminates the practical and creative processes of creating the desired sound on your violin.

all-levels

 | 

skills

Double Stops: A Comprehensive Guide

Taught by 

Igor Pikayzen

Discover the polyphonic capabilities of the violin with Igor Pikayzen in his enlightening course on double stops. Lean into the intricacies of playing 3rds, 6ths, octaves, and chords, with insightful techniques and exercises to master these harmonically complex and expressive elements of violin playing.

all-levels

 | 

skills

Polonaise No. 1 in D Major, Op. 4

Taught by 

Igor Pikayzen

Join renowned violinist Prof. Igor Pikayzen as he explores the iconic Polonaise No. 1 by Henryk Wieniawski, a cornerstone of the virtuoso repertoire. This course offers an in-depth analysis of the piece, providing detailed guidance on navigating its technical intricacies. Prof. Pikayzen shares expert advice on fingering and bowing options, along with valuable suggestions for practicing and performance. Learn how to enhance musical colours and details while overcoming the technical challenges of this masterpiece.

intermediate-advanced

 | 

repertoire

Concerto No. 1 in G minor, Op. 26

Taught by 

James Ehnes

In this course, delve into the intricacies of Bruch's renowned concerto no. 1 with the expertise of the world-famous soloist, James Ehnes. Explore a comprehensive analysis, encompassing the soloist's role as a storyteller, overarching musical themes, and practical recommendations for fingerings and bowings. This course provides a thorough examination of this pivotal piece in the violin repertoire, offering insights into its various facets.

advanced

 | 

repertoire

Practice Principles

Taught by 

James Ehnes

In this course, James Ehnes, one of the world's premier soloists, shares his practice principles. He imparts valuable insights and advice related to mindful and purposeful practicing, strategic approaches to overcoming technical challenges, broadening one's tonal repertoire, and integrating all these aspects to align with a musician's artistic vision.

all-levels

 | 

skills

Vivaldi’s Concerto in A Minor: A Gateway to Violin Basics

Taught by 

Mann-Wen Lo

The Violin Concerto in A Minor by Antonio Vivaldi is a staple of the repertoire for violinists venturing into the concerto genre. Professor Mann-Wen Lo offers technical insights and accompanying exercises not only to master the 1st movement but also to enhance your technical fundamentals.

beginner-intermediate

 | 

repertoire,skills

Sonata in A Major for Violin and Piano

Taught by 

Noah Bendix-Balgley

Join Noah Bendix-Balgley, esteemed concertmaster of the Berlin Philharmonic, as he guides you through an in-depth exploration of César Franck’s celebrated Sonata for Violin and Piano, together with pianist Yannick Rafalimanana. This course offers the unique opportunity to delve into one of the most important works in the violin repertoire. Noah provides detailed walkthroughs of all four movements, understanding their structure and emotional narrative, and offers insights into the romantic era’s stylistic characteristics that define Franck’s composition, addresses the technical challenges and performance techniques specific to each movement, and explores the interplay between violin and piano.

intermediate-advanced

 | 

repertoire

Guide to Orchestral Auditions

Taught by 

Noah Bendix-Balgley

Embark on a transformative journey with Noah Bendix-Balgley, First Concertmaster of the Berlin Philharmonic, as he navigates you through the intricacies of orchestral auditions. From the initial application process to meticulous preparation, repertoire selection, cultivating the right mindset, and mastering audition etiquette, Noah shares a wealth of invaluable knowledge and wisdom. This course is designed to benefit musicians at every level, offering insights that extend beyond audition preparation, making it an indispensable resource for all musicians, regardless of whether they are actively preparing for an audition.

all-levels

 | 

repertoire,skills

Violin Concerto, Op. 14

Taught by 

Philippe Quint

In this course, multi-Grammy Award nominee American violinist Philippe Quint will explore Barber’s violin concerto. The three movements of this concerto are Allegro, Andante, and Presto in moto perpetuo. Quint explores Barber’s inspiration, the historical context, and the beauty and depth of one of the most beloved violin concertos. He shares his thoughts and ideas about the character, structure, and technical challenges the concerto presents.

advanced

 | 

repertoire

The Four Seasons

Taught by 

Shunske Sato

Join Shunske Sato, renowned as one of the world's leading baroque violinists, on the trails of his groundbreaking recording of Vivaldi's Four Seasons with Concerto Köln, as he delves into the intricacies of this timeless masterpiece alongside lutenist Stefan Koim. In this exclusive course, Sato offers an unprecedented behind-the-scenes look at his innovative interpretation of the Four Seasons, balancing a fresh perspective with a deep reverence for the original material. Gain insights into Sato's inspired approach to the composition, witnessing firsthand how he achieves a delicate equilibrium between innovation and authenticity. Through detailed exploration and expert guidance, participants will discover the secrets behind Sato's acclaimed rendition, gaining a newfound appreciation for this iconic work in the violin repertoire.

intermediate-advanced

 | 

repertoire,skills

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