Our Background and Philosophy
We are constantly searching for excellence in all aspects of a musician’s development. Throughout our lifetime of teaching, performing, running programs, and training teachers, we have had many conversations over how to help our students practice more efficiently and effectively. This site allows us to share, in an organized and sequential fashion, insights and practical “How To” practice suggestions that have contributed to the success of our students and programs.
The integration of music and motion, or expression and technique, is central to the pursuit of artistry. We hope that through the videos and other materials in ViolinPractice.com, violinists will develop a better understanding of the principles of playing with fluidity and ease that will allow them to express themselves artistically.
Our work together is the result our professional collaboration that began as students at the Indiana University School of Music (now the Jacobs School of Music) and continued as colleagues at the Peabody Preparatory of Johns Hopkins University. Our former students include many who have attended major Conservatories and are music professionals, performing and teaching around the world as well as those in other professions who continue to play and enjoy music.
We each continue to synthesize, experiment, and evolve in our own teaching. Our major influences over the years include the work of Ivan Galamian, Paul Rolland, Shinichi Suzuki and Mimi Zweig, and we continue to learn from our colleagues from around the world in music and related fields.
Our materials can be used by students and teachers using any method or approach. We strongly encourage private lessons so the teacher can address the individual needs of each student.
We hope this site will inspire students, parents and teachers throughout their musical journey.
—Rebecca Henry and Phyllis Freeman
