Rolland String Pedagogy

Paul Rolland (1911–1978), Professor of Violin and String Pedagogy at the University of Illinois from 1945 until his untimely death, is recognized around the globe for emphasizing efficient, effective motion patterns leading to string playing that is free from excessive tension. Our program builds on that legacy.

Paul Rolland’s teachings come to life as his revolutionary book and film series The Teaching of Action in String Playing is thoroughly explored, demonstrated, and refined, instruments in hand. Pedagogues who worked with Rolland will share their unique personal insights. In these seven days, you will learn proven teaching tools and strategies that will work wonders in your school string classroom, in your private studio, and in your own playing. Rolland principles and pedagogy can successfully inform any method or approach.

Core Workshop offerings will be devoted to the series of Teaching of Action topics listed below. Several sessions will split to explore Rolland-informed pedagogy as it relates specifically to upper strings (violin, viola) and lower strings (cello, double bass).

    • Young Violinists in Action
    • Principles of Movement in String Playing
    • Rhythm Training
    • Establishing the Instrument Hold
    • Holding the Bow
    • First Strokes
    • Establishing Left Hand and Finger Placement
    • Principles of Left Hand and Finger Action
    • Extending the Bow Stroke
    • Developing Finger Movement
    • Basic Shifting Movements
    • Bouncing the Bow
    • Martelé and Staccato
    • Developing Flexibility
    • First Steps in Vibrato Teaching
    • Sustained Strokes, Détaché, and Related Bowings
    • Remedial Teaching

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