Rhythmic stability
Playing techniques and musicality
It is essential for everyone to be able to achieve rhythmic stability even when faced with complicated technical and musical challenges. Usually the parameters are practised separately - rhythm, coordination, playing techniques and musical expression. This can also be done simultaneously. This does not only saves time, it is also particularly effective! The ideas shown here also show how rhythm stability can be developed directly from "inside" the body.
Violin | Viola
Left-hand pizzicato as a practicing technique (LHP)
Rhythm stability is developed with the LHP at the same time as all basic coordination levels, for both the left and the right hand.
The development of the left-hand pizzicato as a practicing technique (LHP) is one of the more extensive results. Erdmute Hohage, the inventor of this practising technique, has also extended it to the use of the right hand and the integration of the whole body. This has lead to the booklet Pizzicato World violin and viola, a comprehensive practical book for learning the technique directly, suitable for all playing levels. In workshops we deepen the technique and also pass on the experience of applying it to specific passages of works.
A collection of exercises has also been created focussing on special playing techniques for high string players: scales, increasing fluency, string crossing, intervals as double stops, chord technique, left-hand pizzicato as a playing technique. The basis is the LHP. Examples are used to demonstrate how the techniques mentioned can be practised sensibly. The collection is called ‘Improve with the left’ and is available as a mini subscription.
Further publications
Internalize rhythm
Piano
Internalize rhythm
We have also developed a systematic programme for the piano that enables beginners to combine rhythmic stability and coordination with the use of the body, as well as the development of the playing technique. It is a collection of 12 consecutive exercises called ‘Internalizing rhythm’ and is available as a mini-subscription.
