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tonebase Violin Course

Practice Toolkit

Taught by renowned violinist 

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.

  • checkmark icon
    Difficulty: 
    All-Levels
  • checkmark icon
    Duration: 
    1
     hours 
     hour

Course Syllabus

<p id="">Introduction</p>

<p id="">Violinist Eric Silberger inspires us with 19 ways to practice that can be applied to any piece of music we encounter. Be a mad scientist! The possibility of the art of violin is endless. It is important to stay curious and have fun along the infinite journey of exploration.</p>

<p id="">Organizing Practice</p>

<p id="">Silberger shares the importance of organized practice - while introducing a number of techniques, he points out that it is a highly personal matter and encourages individual experimentation.</p>

<p id="">Practicing Slowly</p>

<p id="">An essential technique that is not so easy to commit to on a regular basis - Silberger demonstrates with Paganini's 5th caprice to point out one of the few things to focus on during slow practice.</p>

<p id="">Practicing Slowly</p>

<p id="">An essential technique that is not so easy to commit to on a regular basis - Silberger demonstrates with Paganini's 5th caprice to point out one of the few things to focus on during slow practice.</p>

<p id="">Rhythms</p>

<p id="">With an excerpt from Saint-Saëns' Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso, Silbergers points to a couple of especially effective rhythmic patterns to incorporate in your practice - what to listen for and pay attention to.</p>

<p id="">Reverse Bowings</p>

<p id="">This technique is a good way to keep things fresh and further understanding of bowing movements. Find out how Silberger applies it to the opening of Brahms' violin sonata no. 3.</p>

<p id="">Groupings</p>

<p id="">Practice in groupings for fast 16th notes passages! With Paganini's Moto Perpetuo, Silberger breaks down the opening line with various divisions of notes and discusses the technique's subtle impact on phracing.</p>

<p id="">Drones and Intonation</p>

<p id="">Most of us have been told to practice intonation tuning to the open strings. But are we tuning to the right strings? Silberger points out common misconceptions of practicing with drones.</p>

<p id="">Practicing Without an Instrument</p>

<p id="">An highly effective way of practice when done right! Silberger points to one of the endless benefits and reasons to practice without your instrument.</p>

<p id="">Singing</p>

<p id="">Remember we are singers with our instruments! Silberger encourages us to use our voice and pay attention to breathing especially during lyrical passages.</p>

Click here to download the course workbook PDF and see the full syllabus →
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meet YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Eric Silberger

Hailed worldwide for his dazzling virtuoso playing, Eric Silberger is an thoughtful, gifted soloist on the rise.

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Eric Silberger
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