Violin Physics (for performers)

Let’s demystify violin technique!

I’m fascinated with the physics of sound. Years ago, I was frustrated with my playing and I wanted to find real solutions. That hunch motivated me to study topics outside traditional technique, where I found elegant solutions in acoustical physics. Studying the science of how the violin and the human body work together has been life-changing not only for me, but has allowed me to help hundreds of other violinists to find personalized solutions. I love to share what I’ve learned.

To get you started, I’ve put together this handy PDF guide with video examples called “The Tiny Book of Technique.” It’s the best way to get started at bringing some of these transformational learning methods into your practice sessions starting now. All materials are musician-friendly (vs. physicist-friendly) and accessible for performers, students, and teachers. No calculus skills required! Curious and ready to get a quick start?

Let’s demystify violin technique

I’m fascinated with the physics of sound. Years ago, I was frustrated with my playing and I wanted to find real solutions. That hunch motivated me to study topics outside traditional technique, where I found elegant solutions in acoustical physics. Studying the science of how the violin and the human body work together has been life-changing not only for me, but has allowed me to help hundreds of other violinists to find personalized solutions. I love to share what I’ve learned.

To get you started, I’ve put together this handy guide with video examples called “The Tiny Book of Technique.” It’s the best way to get started at bringing some of these transformational learning methods into your practice sessions starting now. All materials are musician-friendly (vs. physicist-friendly) and accessible for performers, students, and teachers. No calculus skills required!

Curious and ready to get a quick start? Here’s a PDF of practice explorations to begin your journey.

Go Deeper….

Online Courses

For musicians who want to dive deep while learning at your own pace, I’ve created in-depth video courses. Each course is divided into digestible, 1-5 min videos that you can incorporate into your practice sessions. Each course takes a topic and goes far beyond mainstream technique to help you find solutions that match your unique physical style and the untapped capabilities of your instrument.

Individual Coaching

Individual coaching is an accelerated learning experience tailored for professional and post-conservatory violinists who are seeking next-level playing for upcoming performances and orchestra auditions, or working to play again post-injury. Learn performer-friendly solutions based on the intersection of performance psychology, violin physics, and ergonomic movement. Use the knowledge you gain to find your own elegant solutions and create ease and joy in the most challenging repertoire.

Do you ever…

…wonder how top soloists create their own unique, facile technique?
…wish that you could produce a big sound with minimum effort?
…wish that your fingers didn’t get tangled in awkward passages?
…wish that you could play for longer times without discomfort or pain?
…wish you had more confidence on the stage?

What if you could…

…devise practice methods that will naturally release tension and make your instrument do the work for you?
…produce your dream sound with ease?
…quickly and effectively problem-solve thorny technical passages?
…enjoy playing without pain and with more freedom?
…find practice strategies will give you confidence on the stage?
What People are Saying:
“I feel like I have found the perfect solution for ease of sound projection.”

~Suzwha Wu (Soloist, Paris)

“Dr. Case has taken traditional violin teaching methods and brought them into a new realm. With her experience, research, along with a gift for astute observations and approach to problem solving, both young violinists and professionals will benefit equally from her knowledge. Many “aha” moments will ensue!”
          ~Cenovia Cummins (Concermaster, New York Pops, NYC)

“Wendy understands how physicality works while playing, and she doesn’t use a one-size-fits all approach. In 30 minutes, she helped me find a set up and posture that is much more organic and personalized to me. My shoulder pain disappeared.”

          ~Stephanie Bork (Colorado Ballet Orchestra, Denver)

Online Courses

Learn at your own pace with permanent access to information you won’t find anywhere else. All courses are made up of short, 1 to 5 minute videos for easy practice-incorporation and time efficiency.

Ergonomic Posture

Violinists who teach pre-college students and professionals recovering from injury will especially benefit from this course.

The short 1-2 minute videos reveal underlying principles of foundational ergonomic posture through balance rather than stasis.

This brief course is packed with information about human physiology and the violin set-up that every player and teacher should know.

Learn a different and kinesthetically correct way of balancing your posture and freeing your technique for growth.

Vibrato

For violinists and teachers who are looking for a way to free their sound (or their students’ sound) and develop a drop-dead gorgeous vibrato.

These 40 short videos show you how to find motion instead of tension, and work through the hoops of motor development to build the correct neural tracks that automatically release tension and individualize your motions.

We will also discuss how to make vibrato a natural part of a performing and practice routine that prevents injury.

Sevcik

Specifically designed for advanced students and professionals working to win auditions or develop the bow work for showpieces such as Paganini and Ysaÿe, this course will change your relationship to your bow.

In the first modern transcribing of a long oral tradition, the short videos will guide you through Sevcik’s 40 Bowing Variations, one of the most accelerated bow hand methods in history.

Be surprised by this “magic pill” for developing an impressive array of bow strokes and phrasing capabilities.

 

Individual Coaching

Curious, but wondering if this is a good fit for you? Schedule a 15-min consultation to discuss your specific goals and focus. Individual coaching is an accelerated learning experience for professional and post-conservatory violinists who are seeking the next level playing and ease. Find your possible.