3 Tips on “Squeak Free” Harmonics

As I mentioned in my last note to you, I’ve been spending a lot of time playing stratospherically high artificial harmonics of late courtesy of Michael Giacchino.

So I thought I’d say a word or two about the technique.

First of all, harmonics must be practiced regularly if you want to develop real skill with them. I think a lot of violinists make the mistake of thinking that, because we understand how to create them, we should be able to just DO them.

Uh uh. They require time.

For starters, excellent bow control is a must.

Due to the effectively shortened string length, the bow has a tendency to squirrel around as it is drawn. The ONLY way to avoid the awful squeaks and squawks arising from this is through absolutely pure mechanics –the right arm is relaxed, and the hand drawn in an absolutely straight line, parallel to the bridge, through the full extent of the bow.

Number two, the interval between the base note and stopped note, whether a fourth or a fifth, must be spot on – a matter of excellent left hand form and control.

Number three is bow speed and pressure. These too must be kept uniform and balanced – there is little room for error.

One thing I’ve noticed over the days of recording Giacchino’s Planet of the Apes score: the violin section has grown more confident and consistent in the execution of these awkward effects as time has passed.

Just goes to show what attention and practice will do!

All the Best, Clayton

How to Elevate Your Essentials …

Yesterday I was sitting on a recording session for the soon-to-be-released “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes,” music by Michael Giacchino. My good friend Dr. Jim was next to me, and in one of the breaks he gave me some good advice.

We were discussing Violin Mastery’s coming-right-up “Orchestral Repertoire Class,” and he wanted to make sure that I wasn’t scaring the heck out of people by suggesting that only the most challenging of pieces would be on the music stands.

We had a good laugh over this, as we visualized a hapless section getting drilled on Strauss, Bartok, and Boulez for two solid, unrelenting days!

Of course, this is NOT at all how I envision it, so I’d like to tell you a little of what WILL happen in July.

I want you to have a great time – a great time improving and making music.

First we will find the energy, the “effect”, as Milstein would say.

Next we will get into the nitty-gritty details. Looking at the techniques and practice strategies.

Occasionally I might suggest ways of altering the music (yes, the actual music), to allow for greater playability and a better effect. All the great artists have done this.

We will spin out beautiful, singing lines.

We will create a section “sound” together.

We will project the drama, power, elegance and intimacy that is to be found in these great masterpieces, and we will do this TOGETHER.

Some of the music will be technically challenging, no doubt. Yet I am a firm believer in the power of flexibility and understanding in order to address any obstacles.

So, there is no need to fear.

There IS something you must do. And that is to secure your spot in this amazing Masterclass Intensive:

I hope to see you in beautiful, sunny Los Angeles!

All the Best, Clayton

Glimpse into a Skype Lesson…

Yesterday I spent a most enjoyable hour on coaching a new student on Skype.

We were spending time discovering how to play like a mule.

Not literally, but in a purely musical sense by way of the wonderful American composer Ferdie Grofe.

We spent a good deal on this particular video lesson realizing, in full panoramic sound, the famous violin solo from his “Grand Canyon Suite.”

Ferdie Grofe was absolutely spot-on in the conception of this piece – an animal’s take on “life on the trail.” His exploitation of the violin ‘special effects’ palate is masterful.

Yet there are several challenges to confront for the violinist. How to make the music really POP?

This is what I love doing on my private Skype lessons: make whatever music is being studied by my students pop more, MEAN more and SOUND more.

There are always several angles to make this happen:

First my role is as a builder of technique. Then there is the journey of inspiration – my role in expanding your vision. And always I’m there for you as an enthusiastic cheerleader. Whatever it takes to teach, motivate and inspire my private students – we ‘just do it’!

If YOU are open to delving deeply into your musical resources and making your violin SING, I strongly suggest you sign up for a private online lesson lesson.

Right now my Skype Coaching sessions are available at a specially discounted rate and we’re filling up fast!

So be sure to book your lesson with me now.

I look forward to seeing and coaching you soon!

All the Best, Clayton Haslop