The world’s reigning virtuoso violin player, Itzhak Perlman performs for presidents, royals, and classical music lovers around the world. Now the beloved Juilliard instructor and 15-time Grammy Award winner brings his passion for teaching to a wide audience for the first time. Learn fundamental techniques, practice strategies, and how to add richness and depth to your sound. Give your most dynamic performance yet.

Syllabus

Introduction

Meet your new instructor: Grammy Award-winning violinist and conductor Itzhak Perlman. Mr. Perlman tells you how this class will differ from traditional violin master classes and how through teaching others, you can teach yourself.

The Bow

Mr. Perlman starts with discussing the bow and its mechanics, including speed, pressure, and various bow holds.

Advanced Bowing and Left-Hand Techniques

Building on bowing fundamentals, Mr. Perlman moves into advanced bow strokes and playing techniques, such as double-stops, harmonics, and higher positions.

Intonation

Perfect your intonation by training your ear to recognize sharp or flat notes. Mr. Perlman shares techniques for staying in tune and for tuning with other musicians.

Vibrato

Your vibrato is like your fingerprint. Learn how it can add richness, color, and emotion to your playing.

Comfort and Posture

Playing the violin is a physical experience. Learn Mr. Perlman’s methods for staying comfortable and avoiding injury.

Color and Tone

Mr. Perlman demonstrates how to produce musical “color” through bowing techniques, varying dynamics, and shifting.

The Color Game

Mr. Perlman invites his current and former Juilliard students to a game that explores how to change an audience's perception of a phrase or piece by using musical color and other playing techniques.

Playing Different Styles

There is a subtle art to playing a piece in various musical styles. Using selections from Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, and Bach, Mr. Perlman demonstrates romantic, classical, and baroque styles of playing.

The Performance Mindset

From overcoming anxiety to achieving total focus, Mr. Perlman shares his tips for performing for a live audience.

Practice Essentials

Practice is an essential part of growing as a violinist. Mr. Perlman discusses his methods of practicing that help improve technical ability.

The Three-Hour Practice Schedule

Mr. Perlman breaks down his practice schedule hour by hour, exploring scales, exercises, études, and repertoire pieces.

Memorization and Practice: Student Q&A

Mr. Perlman and students from Juilliard discuss their personal tips for improving memorization.

Collaboration

From communicating with a conductor to finding balance within an orchestra, Mr. Perlman shares how he collaborates with other musicians.

A Career in Music

Mr. Perlman discusses the realities of standing out as a professional musician and how you can follow a variety of paths toward building a career in music.

Overcoming Barriers

Anyone can become a great violinist with practice, dedication, and talent. Mr. Perlman shares his personal story and reminds you to separate your abilities from any barriers you may face.

Parting Thoughts

Mr. Perlman offers his parting words and wishes you luck in pursuing the violin.

Bonus Chapter: For Parents and Teachers

Finding the right teacher with the right teaching style can make all the difference. Mr. Perlman gives parents and teachers advice on how to nurture talent in aspiring violinists.