New Teaching Materials in the Works
First of all, I gave my first online violin lesson over Skype this week and I am very encouraged by the experience. Even with a moody DSL connection on the student’s end we were able to see and hear each other fairly clearly and there was no noticeable time lapse. I am hopeful that this will prove to be a way for students without access to a teacher to learn violin and that it will also help me to stay in contact with students when traveling.
On the educational front I have several projects in the works. Although I don’t have a firm deadline, I am hoping that the book/manual I am writing on a violin/viola practice method I have developed will be completed by the end of the year. I am, I think ;-) two thirds of the way through the rough text and learning more about what I’m trying to bring forward every day in the “laboratory” of the lessons I teach.
As supporting characters to the main protagonist, the book, are podcasts and instructive videos. I have six podcasts recorded and ready for mixing and editing. The video ideas are laid out and awaiting a videographer.
What is my method all about? For now all I choose to say is, yes, playing a stringed instrument is a challenging endeavor, requiring the ability to multitask with multiple senses and movements. However, it is a fabulous training ground for the mind-body connection, which is the approach I take when experimenting with how each student, and especially myself, is wired. My goal is to wire, and in some cases rewire, for success.
Check back for updates and send me an email if you are interested in knowing when materials become available.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
