Lessons Vertical Viola (Alto Violin); Baritone Cello New Violin Family (Kensington / any)
offered in person
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I offer lessons in the two instruments of the New Violin Family (NVF) which play the standard orchestral, chamber music, and solo parts:
The alto violin, also known as the vertical viola, is tuned exactly like a traditional viola. The other is the baritone of the New Violin Family, which is tuned exactly like a cello. The baritone and alto violins play the same music as their traditional counterparts, but they have some very desirable characteristics lacking in the standard viola and cello (hence the birth of the NVF), and generally lack one very undesirable characteristic: the wolf tone.
If you're reading this, you probably share my interest in eliminating handicaps to musical expression and fulfillment. I want all my students to eliminate as many disadvantages as possible including the inability to play by ear. Music theory, as I teach teach it, is not as dry as I expected when I was a student, and as your playing develops, will see the direct impact of music theory in your musical development and inspiration. Aside from that, the basics are fun, if you're into music.
As with all my instruction, my teaching of instruments in the New Violin Family is enhanced by observations and intuition borne of a non-judgmental, holistic, and non-sectarian spiritual perspective. I place a strong emphasis on technique for advanced and beginner alike (and professionals if they desire), since it makes possible both the grandest and subtlest musical gestures. However, all my students, except for beginners, are free to reject any or all that I offer; I only request that you make an informed choice: try it, then decide.
Many traditional cellos have generally a good tone but those with a fine tone are both uncommon and usually of lesser quality in certain areas of the fingerboard. A very small number of violas have a wonderful sound in the upper register but they are extremely costly. However, both the alto violin and baritone violin of the NVF typically have the traditional violin's clarity, brilliance, sonority, and richness of tone across the entire range of the instrument. The baritone and alto also have a greater dynamic range than their traditional counterparts. However, please consult with me before buying your instrument! I have heard two which do not manifest the expected quality.
The alto violin/vertical viola is held like a cello. Many otherwise awkward viola parts are easily played on the alto violin. Some people having physiological reasons that prevent them from holding a standard violin or viola to their chin are able to play the vertical viola without discomfort, allowing resumption of a professional career or amateur musical participation. It's fairly easy to switch from the standard viola to the alto violin.
I offer a significant caveat to beginning cello and particularly baritone students: Unless you, as an adult, are at least 5'10", or alternatively, shorter but extremely strong in your hands, or as a child have the genes for either, I most strongly encourage you to play violin, alto violin, or piano, rather than cello, baritone, or standard viola.
Please call to set up a free consultation to discuss this and any other questions you might have. In the meantime, take a look at my website. There you will find different perspectives on my teaching and background to help you decide. I fully appreciate that a teacher-student relationship depends on different factors. I was once a student too, you know! :)
Beginning cellists will need more time for determination of the most advantageous sitting and holding position. (Violin and standard viola have far fewer variables in regard to holding the instrument.) Therefore, I'm offering you, as beginner, a first baritone (or cello) lesson without charge if you decide not to have a second lesson.
I do not sell instruments of the NVF, but there are a number of violin makers in the U.S. and at least one in Europe (with a distributor in LA) who offer them. In my experience of one relatively cheap alto violin made with second rate wood, it appears that even the cheaper instruments, when completed using the scientific techniques applied if not discovered by Carleen Hutchins, will sound like a more expensive if not better traditional instrument, simply because the instrument bodies of the NVF are modeled to the exact relative proportions of a violin, the only difference being size. Higher priced New Violin Family instruments should sound superior to similarly priced violas and cellos. However, not all NVF instruments are created equal, so if you are considering buying an alto violin, I strongly recommend you schedule a consultation with me before committing to the purchase.
I recommend that before your consultation you a visit the website of the non-profit organization that publicizes, with concerts and other resources, the New Violin Family of instruments: http://www.nvfa.org/eight.html
There are also some videos on youtube of the NVF instruments played alone and in ensemble. I recommend not modeling your technique and playing position on what you see on YouTube.
Regardless of your background, age, expertise, or experience, I look forward to our conversation if you are ready for a new chapter in your life!