Einstein On Playing The Violin
Einstein credited his violin experience – specifically periods of improvisation – with leading to some of his greatest insights. Remarkable, yes, but not unbelievable. And those of you using my practice methods should have some idea why.
The secret lies in activating several brain areas simultaneously. I have you do it through counting and visualizing while playing. Improvisation is a form of visualization, plain and simple.
Now, was he counting? Let me answer by telling you a little anecdote at Albert’s expense – I don’t think he would have minded this one.
Apparently he once sat in with members of the Budepest String Quartet to read some chamber music. He kept losing his place and coming in wrong. Finally the interruptions got the better of 1st violinist, Alexander Schneider. He turned to Einstein and quipped, ‘Vats vrong vith you, Albert, can’t you count?’
Well, there’s your answer. Just think what he would have accomplished in his life had he counted during his improvisations.
Anyway, I hope you all are counting. You can use the extra mind power to remake the world of physics after your practice session.
All the best,
Clayton Haslop
P.S. Maybe he didn’t count, but I bet he did breathe. For all parts of the equation of violin success get your copy of ”Kreutzer for Violin Mastery, Vol. 1” now.