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