Reviews

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The Strad

Education focus, p.120
September 2008

Catherine Nelson

Violin Bow Technique by Fintan Murphy

This DVD-ROM is devised and played by Fintan Murphy, head of strings at Monash University School of Music in Australia. Murphy states that it can be used by players and teachers of violin and viola at all levels from beginner to professional - a bold claim, but it seems he's right. The disc offers a comprehensive survey of bow technique, all the way through from finding a good, flexible bow hold through perfecting sautille and spiccato to improving tone production with advanced bowing techniques.

Though there's a daunting amount of information here to be worked on and absorbed - 130 video clips in 11 chapters, plus excerpts from scores - it's set out clearly, with chapters broken down into short exercises or teaching points, and it's all very easy to navigate through. The chapter headings themselves give some idea of the scope of the project: Bowhold, String Crossing, Chords, Planning and Practice, Bouncing Bowings, to name just five. And within Bouncing Bowings, to take one example, there are 19 separate exercises, such as 'Lifting the Bow at the Heel'; 'Introduction to Reflex Bowings'; 'Introduction to Sautille' and so on. The whole thing covers a lot of ground, and Murphy acknowledges his debt to four other pedagogues - Simon Fischer, Sheila Nelson, Kurt Sassmannshaus and Mimi Zweig - in some of the teaching exercises he uses.

It does take some browsing to get your bearings, and the presentation style is sometimes quirky. I found the introductory screens to the chapters disconcerting, with lots of dense type in an offputtingly small font size. The video clips of Murphy demonstrating his teaching points are much more effective, and have handy settings for 'slow motion'; so that you can get to grips with exactly what he's doing, or 'repeat' if you want to keep practising the same exercise.

The format of the clips, too, took some getting used to: for some, the spoken text is shown word-for-word on the right of the screen; for others, it's vital to read the explanatory text before you play the video, though there's no indication that you should do this.

Once you've got over these idiosyncrasies, however, it's invaluable stuff: Murphy's filmed demonstrations and explanations are incisive, clear, beautifully recorded and well focused. The first couple of chapters, Bowhold and Bowing Fundamentals, offer a really good grounding in the different aspects of what the bowing arm should be doing. The more advanced exercises are equally worthwhile. Murphy has a knack of pinpointing the exact train of thought or muscle instruction that will unlock the secret of a particular bow stroke. After five minutes with his section on sautille bowings I felt a dramatic improvement in my control. The sheer man-hours of learning potential on the disc might seem overwhelming, but taken in small chunks, Fintan Murphy's approach can't fail to work magic.

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Music In Action

Music News for Australian Educators
Spring 2006

Stephen Chin

Violin Alive by Fintan Murphy
CDROM volumes 1 - 4

This is possibly the most comprehensive and useful multimedia teaching tool for the violin extant. Its strength lies in the brilliant yet seamless marriage between foundational violin technique and the technical requirements for Preliminary to Eighth Grades of the Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB). Great care has obviously been taken in ensuring that the sound and video quality are both top quality. Indeed many of the shots have been varied to highlight different technical aspects. Menus can be brought up by a simple right-click on the mouse, each clip loading up quickly. The slow motion feature really helps students to compare their actions with what they can see.

The CDROMs are laid out in the following way:
. AMEB exercises, scales and arpeggios;
. Practice points;
. Key techniques-warm-ups, practice techniques, bowing and left hand; and
. Resources.

Fintan has adopted a most relaxed, easy-going and friendly approach. As he is well versed in Alexander technique, some exercises are performed away from the violin so that the body can be optimally prepared to practice and perform efficiently with ease. Alongside each video clip window is a concise written explanation of each technique. This may help the teacher to accurately verbalise a range of technical issues. Kodaly teaching principles, such as preparing a piece by clapping the beat and singing the melody, are also presented.

Perhaps the most powerful characteristic of the volumes is that the sequence of each exercise has been carefully thought out so that even the slowest developing student can acquire a very sound general technique. For instance, the vibrato exercises from 'banjo polishing' to the more refined 'vibrato impulses' can be done and understood at any level. The cross-referencing of related techniques such as sautillé and collé is very clear and invaluable for the more advanced student. The video close-ups of the left-hand action in a variety of finger patterns and in the higher positions really gets into the nittygritty of what works best on the violin.

Each volume is showered with a glossary of terms and a bibliography so that both teachers and students can be fully informed. There are also many useful links on the Twofold website: www.twofold.com.au/

I venture to say that Violin Alive is the most significant contribution to violin pedagogy in Australia to date.

Stephen Chin - Principal String Teacher, Director of Orchestras, Brisbane Grammar School

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AUSTAVIC News

Journal of the Australian Strings Association Vic
August 2005

Margaret Anderson

Violin Alive AUSTA AMEB Workshop - Loreto Mandeville Hall

The workshop held to highlight the long awaited release of volume 4 of Violin Alive was well attended with many familiar faces present. Fintan demonstrated and explained in detail some of the aspects of technique that were featured on the CD Rom at the same time as we were able to view them on screen. This enabled us to have a really good understanding of what is being shown on the CD Rom and a chance to raise any questions. There was a lot of interesting discussion around topics such as sautillé and spiccato and of course vibrato. Other topics were covered as well and of course the afternoon was not long enough to answer all of the queries. Fintan brought his usual expertise and relaxed manner of presentation to the afternoon and shared his immense knowledge and experience of violin pedagogy. We all have strengths and weaknesses in our teaching and these forums for discussion are immensely valuable.

Frances, with a click of the mouse, navigated her way around the discussion with clips of all of the relevant material and added her own expert opinion when needed. I now own all four volumes of Violin Alive and find them to be very good tools for both the teacher and the student to use as a guideline for what is required at different levels of technical achievement. I am a "visual learner" as are many of my students, and we love to have the opportunity to follow up on something that is black and white on the paper, and both see it and hear it come alive. There is a reminder by Fintan in volume four of Violin Alive about balancing technique with being creative in our musical approach, and I feel that this CD Rom is about presenting a more creative and at the same time thorough approach to many of the difficulties experienced by violinists. There was a very useful handout given at the workshop which linked aspects of, say for example, the development of vibrato, to volume two, three and four of Violin Alive and provides a quick reference for the different topics covered, and where to find them.

This series of Violin Alive is a particularly valuable tool for any student who is learning from the AMEB syllabus as the technical requirements are demonstrated very clearly. I am impressed with the detail and thought that has gone into this latest CD and I love the many practice points that are demonstrated, making it easier to troubleshoot and overcome some of the common difficulties we all face. There is a detailed section on string crossing in volume 4 which shows different ways of approaching the same problem. The technical work is such an important part of our practice and can be a chore for many students, so an imaginative approach can make it easier. I love all of the volumes so far and my students who use the CD come back with a much better understanding of how things should sound and it makes my job so much easier. The CD Rom also backs up what I say in the lesson and it is good to have them hear it from someone else. Some of my favorite teaching aids are the shifting exercise in volume 1, the harmonics exercise in volume 2, the sautillé and collé bowing plus the vibrato exercises in volume 3, and the demonstration of the scales and sequences in volume 4.

Congratulations to the team and producers of Violin Alive. What I want to know is this..will there be more, or is this it??

- Margaret Anderson is a violinist & teacher in Victoria

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Stringendo

Journal of the Australian Strings Association (AUSTA)
vol 27 number 2, October 2005

Kirsty Humphrey

Violin Alive CDROMs - Volumes 2, 3 & 4

Fintan Murphy’s ‘Violin Alive’ series lives up to its name and brings the AMEB Technical Work to life. Described as a ‘masterclass in audio, video and text’, each Volume boasts CD quality sound and easy-to-use video controls (including slow-motion and repeat view). Of course, these excellent CDROMS do not need to be used exclusively for those preparing for exams - there is a wealth of information that can be applied to all students wishing to improve their violin playing. However, for those practicing towards exams, the author knows what he is talking about! Fintan is the Editor of the AMEB Series 7 Grade Books and a String Specialist Examiner for AMEB in Victoria.

Each CD contains two grades (Volume 2 : 3rd & 4th, Volume 3 : 5th & 6th and Volume 4 : 7th & 8th) and covers a selection of scales and all of the exercises intended for those grades. There is also a variety of practice tips for both left and right hand technique including intonation, vibrato, shifting and all the bow strokes needed at each level. All exercises are beautifully demonstrated by Fintan, Andrea Keeble and Jennen Ngiau-Keng (as one of my students exclaimed – ‘they make it look so easy!’) Additional features include right-click at any time for menus, thorough cross-referencing of all material, a biography and web-links of useful supplementary material.

I would recommend the ‘Violin Alive’ series to all students who are serious about improving their technique and playing with great ease of movement. I have also benefited from the practice ideas in both my playing and my teaching and suggest that teachers (especially those just starting out) also invest in these wonderful resources. As a comment on the back of the CD case sums up: ‘Violin Alive and regular practice will…improve your violin technique and enhance your music performance skills’.

- Kirsty Humphrey is a violinist & teacher in Toowoomba, Queensland

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AUSTAVIC News

Journal of the Australian Strings Association Vic
September 2004

Julie Hewison

Violin Alive - Volumes 1 & 2
AMEB Violin Technical Syllabus, Grades - Preliminary, 1, 2, 3 & 4

Twofold Media has produced another engaging set of CDROMs, this time presenting the violin syllabus of the Australian Music Examinations Board. Volumes 1 and 2 of Violin Alive are now available, covering the technical requirements up to grade four. The remaining grades are to be released at a future date.

These CDROMs are an invaluable reference for students, teachers and parents. Fintan Murphy is well qualified to present this material, as he is the String Specialist Examiner for the AMEB. His thorough understanding of violin technique ensures that each exercise is presented clearly and comprehensively.

The Warm Up exercises, which include ideas for bowing and left hand set up, are clearly demonstrated and promote a relaxed and natural style of playing, emphasising flexibility and ease. Maybe these Warm Ups could have been placed at the start of the CD to make sure that they were not overlooked by students.

Navigating the menus is extremely intuitive and straightforward and the demonstrations themselves are not overly wordy. Accompanying each exercise is some quite detailed text, which may be too technical for a young student, but is of definite benefit to parents and teachers looking for greater depth.

The tempo chosen for the scales on the first CD is rather on the brisk side and may not encourage students to produce their optimal tonal quality. I would have liked a little more direction for students when they first play C and G major scales. How do you get those third fingers to be in tune? However these are small complaints given the benefits of having the often dreaded technical section of the exam made so engaging for young students via the means of a computer.

Volume two, covering grades three and four, presents some helpful advice for the more demanding technical requirements of this level. There are many good ideas throughout, including hints for double stop preparation, bow strokes and vibrato.

The attention to detail by the producers is quite amazing and makes both CDs excellent teaching aids. It would be very useful, for instance, for a teacher to be able to direct a student to explore, for example, the vibrato exercises in volume two, with a view to coming back and discussing them in the next lesson. With these CDROMs students can now view and listen to an expert demonstrating what is required, whenever they wish, rather than relying on their memory to retain visual and aural images presented to them at their weekly lesson.

There are many possible applications for these CDs, and everyone involved in learning and teaching the violin would benefit from their careful and detailed approach to the demonstration of the AMEB technical requirements.

- Julie Hewison is a Melbourne teacher of violin and viola. She is Head of Strings at Ivanhoe Girls Grammar.

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Stringendo

Journal of the Australian Strings Association (AUSTA)
vol 26 number 2, October 2003

Mary Nemet

Violin Alive - Volume 1

Here are all the exercises required for the early AMEB Violin Grades on one handy CDROM.

Fintan Murphy, Editor of the AMEB Series 7 Grade Books and Senior Lecturer in Strings at Monash University School of Music together with John Quaine, Editor of the new Violin Technical Syllabus have put together everything needed for an excellent start on the violin. Both Fintan and John bring their performing and teaching experience to this ingenious project.

Violin Alive explores every facet of basic string-technique from literally every angle in colourful video presentations and attractive graphics that cannot fail to engage the young student. This CD is user-friendly and takes one through all the available options on a menu that includes a Glossary, useful websites, and a complete rundown of every facet of technique that will be needed to embark on these AMEB requirements.

The young student can watch and listen in between lessons. Fintan or John very carefully plays each scale, arpeggio and exercise for these early grades, with close-ups and different angles to guide the student to the correct method. Additionally there is a suggested warm-up routine and many useful tips and explanations on how to practice each action such as chain bowing, string crossing and shifting.

Due regard is given to ensuring a stable left hand frame as well as a flexible bow-hold. The excellent visuals will indeed make the violin come alive for youngsters who are feeling slightly jaded with their technical practice.

From the point of view of educational resources for young string students, there has never been a better time to teach! Teachers will welcome this additional tool and students will enjoy exploring over 100 video clips and the CD quality sound to help them on their way. Violin Alive is obtainable from music retailers at $59.95

- Mary Nemet, violinist and teacher, Toowoomba, formerly Lecturer in Violin at the Victorian College of the Arts, Melbourne.

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Soundpost

National Magazine of STANZA (Inc)
Strings Association of New Zealand Aotearoa
October 2003 - Issue Number 8

Nicky Fogden-Smith

Violin Magic - Volumes 1 & 2

What a refreshingly vibrant presentation "Violin Magic" is, covering the fundamentals of learning the violin. Not only is it user friendly, but also beautifully presented displaying wonderful technique and brilliant teaching "tricks of the violin trade."

This eclectic approach draws from a variety of sources including Suzuki, Nelson and Rolland. A wide range of techniques are shown in a multi-dimensional presentation through text, still shots and short video clips enabling the viewer to read, see close-up views and hear the music being played by both beginners and advanced performers.

Some of the topics covered in the first volume include: placing the violin, finding a bow-hold, musicianship, left arm freedom, the left hand, the right arm, open string play, first tunes and a wealth of support materials such as performances, a glossary and references.

While technical topics are presented alongside a specific tune in the second volume, teachers are encouraged to apply these ideas to other tunes. Topics covered include: Lightly Row (bow speed, tunnels in the left hand and string crossing), French Folk Song (bow speed, legato bow stroke and A major), straight and whole bows, hopping over the creek, left hand development, bow-hold development, May Song (string crossing and dotted rhythms), Long Long Ago (bow division and string crossing), new notes (C natural), ear training, slurs, playing together, the Posture Doctor and music reading.

Learning purely from a CD-ROM poses new challenges if directly given to a student, but I am pleased to see throughout violin magic, the student is encouraged to discuss matters with their current teacher. With the ease in which to find specific points of interest (unlike a video), I believe it could be used effectively, with care, in a teaching/learning situation. As a resource for teachers I highly recommend Violin Magic as a presentation well worth exploring.

- Nicky Fogden-Smith.

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Stringendo

Journal of the Australian Strings Association (AUSTA)
Volume 23 Number 2 2001

Elizabeth Morgan

Violin Magic - Volume 2

"The CDROM Violin Magic Made Easy - volume 2 offers the student, teacher or parent alike pointers for the development of fine violin playing. It encourages them to further establish secure basics.

The authors, Frances Gall and Robert Wakely, have again produced a well-structured programme which, with numerous examples, offers countless ideas for establishing a foundation on which good playing can develop. The range of topics is wide. Original ideas are interspersed with some favourites; when to use fingerboard markers to bow speeds, shoulder rests to repertoire, reading to ear training. The list is long, but weighted in favour of the acquisition of refined bow skills and quality tone production. The viewer is presented with choices - several points of view and discussion - and fun tips which will motivate and encourage the student whatever their programme of instruction may otherwise be.

Detailed consideration for both the left hand and bow follow up-to-date practices and are well sequenced. The "hiccup" practice prepares the student for advanced playing. Can one even detect a flavour of Dalcroze influence in the teaching of legato bowing?

The standard of the children demonstrating gives an example of what is possible for teachers and students, regardless of whether they are following a particular methodology or working towards AMEB exams. AMEB Examiners would be delighted to have candidates performing with the quality demonstrated!

A chapter and topic list assist with quick reference and the comprehensive programme includes a charming segment called "Meet the Players". As with volume 1, the quality of the sound is good and it is technically well produced. Sometimes two angles are filmed to clarify the point being made.

All in all, this follow-on CDROM is another excellent resource for all associated, in one way or another, with violin playing in those so important first years. It continues perfectly from where the first left off. And the medium provides an excellent learning tool and reference base.

Congratulations Frances Gall and Robert Wakely! You have done it again!"

- Elizabeth Morgan is Senior Lecturer in Violin, Viola and Pedagogy at the Queensland Conservatorium.

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Music and the Teacher

Journal of the Victorian Music Teachers Association (VMTA)
Volume 27 Number 3 September 2001

William Hennessy

Violin Magic - Volume 1

"The most important part of a child's musical education is hearing, from the earliest days of life onwards, the music of the masters. The most important composers being Bach, Handel, Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven and Schubert. Nothing too loud!

The second most important thing for a child's musical education is to learn to sing the popular nursery rhymes or equivalent folk songs with a beautiful natural sound, good pitching and rhythmic delight.

The third most important thing for a child's musical education, if that child is going to play the violin, is that a powerful attitude is conveyed from the first lessons about how to physically relate to the instrument. This third consideration is the "sport" part of making music in the sense that any error in physical method or mental picturing is just as damaging to music making as the equivalent faults are in sporting endeavour.

It therefore follows that I very much welcome the CDROM "Violin Magic Made Easy" of Robert Wakely and Frances Gall. The principles espoused are generally consistent with the views of major violin pedagogues, these principles holding true for all levels of violin playing. The material is clearly and joyfully presented, and it is of inestimable value that through this CDROM children can see other children in action as fine role models.

I can well imagine that my own early violinistic path could have been made a good deal less tortuous had I been able to access this valuable teaching tool."

- William Hennessy is Coordinator of Strings at the University of Melbourne and Leader of the Melba Quartet

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Jan Mark Sloman

February 21, 2001

Violin Magic - Volume 1

"I want to congratulate you for creating a very useful product. It is important that young people get a clean and proper start at playing the fiddle, and I'm sure this will be a great help to many in this regard.

As difficult as it is to remove bad violinistic habits it is much to the student's advantage never to install them ... I know your CDROM can help in developing good fundamentals and hope parents and youngsters alike will take advantage of it."

- Jan Mark Sloman is Concertmaster of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra

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Score

Journal of Suzuki Music Victoria
Volume 1, No2. Summer 2000

Toni Robson

Violin Magic - Volume 1

"This CDROM is designed to be used by beginner players at home or in the lesson, and by teachers who wish to gain new insights into teaching basic technique well. It is not designed to replace your violin teacher, but rather to complement individual or group instruction.

Navigating around is very simple, and you can go straight to the skill you need. What to do, how and why is explained concisely and accessibly with touches of humour.

The video clips are exceptionally clear. Sound quality is very high and realistic, the children are all far more advanced than pre-twinkle so they provide excellent examples of how to perform basic skills at a high level. They look happy and engaged, visibly enjoying their efforts and their interaction with the teacher."

- Toni Robson is a Suzuki violin and viola teacher teaching at Parkville Music School, Strathcona Baptist Girls' Grammar School and her private studio in Melbourne.

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Education Age

The Age, December 6, 2000

Julie Hewison

Violin Magic - Volume 1

"What a great idea this is, to bring the beginnings of violin playing into the realms of the 21st century. This CDROM is aimed at young beginners and their "support crew", the parents and teachers. It is put together by two well-known Melbourne teachers with a strong background in the Suzuki method and should definitely appeal to the more techno-oriented student.

This medium has great potential for reaching a generation brought up with computers because exercises can be demonstrated "live". Violin playing is a dynamic activity that lends itself well to the video clip. Traditional teaching books using still photos cannot capture the ideal movement and sound required.

The instructions for playing and working through the clips are clear, the sound is good and the clips are well shot. Bob Wakely has a relaxed and engaging manner and presents many appealing rhymes and games for the young beginner.

The set-up of the violin hold, left arm and hand positions is excellent with well thought-out ideas. It also provides an insight into setting up a beginner for teachers and string players, who are often insufficiently trained in the initial stages."

- Julie Hewison is Head of Strings at Ivanhoe Girls' Grammar School, and is an examiner for the Australian Music Examinations Board

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Stringendo

Journal of the Australian Strings Association (AUSTA)
Volume 22 Number 2, 2000

Mary Nemet

Violin Magic - Volume 1

"In Violin Magic Made Easy, Robert Wakely and Frances Gall, who teach and play professionally in Melbourne, have produced an excellent violin educational programme. It is designed for the young beginner violin student, as well as teachers and parents. It is perhaps the participation and involvement of the parent at home that most provides the practical as well as the moral support needed in the all-important early years. This CD-ROM covers much of the basic knowledge that is needed to supervise practice, as well as offering musical games and activities and creative exercises to maintain a child's interest.

For the teacher, this CD suggests new approaches and triggers fresh ideas. As with any method, flexibility is the key and the teacher will take on board those ideas that complement his own. Whet her you are playing, teaching or wishing to help your child at home, this CD-ROM will broaden your perceptions and understanding, and add to your musical skills and enjoyment."

- Mary Nemet is a violinist and teacher now based in Toowoomba, and formerly Lecturer in Violin at the Victorian College of the Arts, Melbourne.

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