MasterClass

Itzhak Perlman Teaches Violin

The worlds reigning virtuoso violin player, Itzhak Perlman performs for presidents, royals, and classical music lovers around the world. Now the beloved Juilliard instructor and 15-time Grammy Award winner brings his passion for teaching to a wide audience for the first time. Learn fundamental techniques, practice strategies, and how to add richness and depth to your sound. Give your most dynamic performance yet.
Where to Watch Itzhak Perlman Teaches Violin
19 Episodes
  • Introduction
    E1
    Episode 1IntroductionMeet your new instructor: Grammy Award-winning violinist and conductor Itzhak Perlman. Mr. Perlman tells you how this class will differ from traditional violin master classes and how through teaching others, you can teach yourself.
  • The Bow
    E2
    Episode 2The BowMr. Perlman starts with discussing the bow and its mechanics, including speed, pressure, and various bow holds.
  • Advanced Bowing and Left-Hand Techniques
    E3
    Episode 3Advanced Bowing and Left-Hand TechniquesBuilding on bowing fundamentals, Mr. Perlman moves into advanced bow strokes and playing techniques, such as double-stops, harmonics, and higher positions.
  • Intonation
    E4
    Episode 4IntonationPerfect your intonation by training your ear to recognize sharp or flat notes. Mr. Perlman shares techniques for staying in tune and for tuning with other musicians.
  • Vibrato
    E5
    Episode 5VibratoYour vibrato is like your fingerprint. Learn how it can add richness, color, and emotion to your playing.
  • Comfort and Posture
    E6
    Episode 6Comfort and PosturePlaying the violin is a physical experience. Learn Mr. Perlman’s methods for staying comfortable and avoiding injury.
  • Color and Tone
    E7
    Episode 7Color and ToneMr. Perlman demonstrates how to produce musical “color” through bowing techniques, varying dynamics, and shifting.
  • The Color Game
    E8
    Episode 8The Color GameMr. Perlman invites his current and former Juilliard students to a game that explores how to change an audience's perception of a phrase or piece by using musical color and other playing techniques.
  • Playing Different Styles
    E9
    Episode 9Playing Different StylesThere is a subtle art to playing a piece in various musical styles. Using selections from Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, and Bach, Mr. Perlman demonstrates romantic, classical, and baroque styles of playing.
  • The Performance Mindset
    E10
    Episode 10The Performance MindsetFrom overcoming anxiety to achieving total focus, Mr. Perlman shares his tips for performing for a live audience.
  • Practice Essentials
    E11
    Episode 11Practice EssentialsPractice is an essential part of growing as a violinist. Mr. Perlman discusses his methods of practicing that help improve technical ability.
  • The Three-Hour Practice Schedule
    E12
    Episode 12The Three-Hour Practice ScheduleMr. Perlman breaks down his practice schedule hour by hour, exploring scales, exercises, études, and repertoire pieces.
  • Memorization and Practice: Student Q&A
    E13
    Episode 13Memorization and Practice: Student Q&AMr. Perlman and students from Juilliard discuss their personal tips for improving memorization.
  • Collaboration
    E14
    Episode 14CollaborationFrom communicating with a conductor to finding balance within an orchestra, Mr. Perlman shares how he collaborates with other musicians.
  • A Career in Music
    E15
    Episode 15A Career in MusicMr. Perlman discusses the realities of standing out as a professional musician and how you can follow a variety of paths toward building a career in music.
  • Overcoming Barriers
    E16
    Episode 16Overcoming BarriersAnyone can become a great violinist with practice, dedication, and talent. Mr. Perlman shares his personal story and reminds you to separate your abilities from any barriers you may face.
  • Parting Thoughts
    E17
    Episode 17Parting ThoughtsMr. Perlman offers his parting words and wishes you luck in pursuing the violin.
  • Bonus Chapter: For Parents and Teachers
    E18
    Episode 18Bonus Chapter: For Parents and TeachersFinding the right teacher with the right teaching style can make all the difference. Mr. Perlman gives parents and teachers advice on how to nurture talent in aspiring violinists.
  • Bonus Chapter: Acquiring a Fine Instrument
    E19
    Episode 19Bonus Chapter: Acquiring a Fine InstrumentMr. Perlman introduces you to his famed violin, the 1714 Soil Stradivarius, and explains how to select the right instrument for yourself.
 
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