Advanced Violin Workshop

Explore every aspect of performance with Gina McCormack, supported by pianist Jordi Bitlloch in a masterclass setting. Gina will share her ‘hot tips’ on everything from posture, sound production, getting rid of performance anxiety, and how to navigate the violin with greater ease. Jordi adds his wealth of wisdom from the keyboard and is on hand to rehearse with participants.

You'll learn from a huge range of topics, often directly inspired by the violinists taking part! Previous courses have dealt with off-the-string strokes (to improve musical style in Mozart), breathing to improve gestures and show more character, posture and stance, intelligent bow use, ensemble skills and building confidence in performance. 

By the end of this course, you will: 

• Solve problems more easily in your practice sessions
• Improve your sound and phrasing by listening more critically
• Develop a “toolbag” of handy tips to take home with you. 

Masterclasses take place in a supportive environment, giving you the chance to learn from listening to and watching your peers. Time will be given for you to rehearse with piano. 

This course is for violinists playing at the Skilful level. Please see our Ability Levels Explained for further details. 

Advanced violin players looking to focus on high-level aspects of playing and performance will get the most from this course. 

You’ll need to arrive with a piece or two prepared in advance to work on during the course. Please bring printed copies of your scores, including piano parts. 

Helpful resources for repertoire: The Benslow Music Library also has a good selection of music which may be borrowed during the course or in advance by Benslow Music Members.  IMSLP is another online resource with a wide range of scores and parts.

In addition to the music you want to work on, please bring your violin and a notebook for a growing list of ‘hot tips’!