Many professional players reach a stage in their careers when they feel unsatisfied with their playing. Yet, they find there is nowhere to turn for answers.
They may experience nagging technical issues, feel unable to express the music as they want, or feel they’ve lost their joy in playing. Lessons in the Till Approach offer concrete solutions, providing players at all stages of their careers with the technical knowledge to solve nagging issues and communicate freely.
The Professional Development branch of the Till Project offers players a way to look at a wide variety of repertoire including orchestral, chamber music and solo pieces, exploring technical tools for comfort and expression. There is much confusion over musical expression and technique, but music is fundamentally a physical craft: we play with our hands and arms. If we want to express sounds as we imagine them and feel good doing it, then the musical demands for color, nuance, articulation etc. have to be met by technique that is grounded in precise physical logic.
I first started taking lessons in the Till Approach in early 2021, after I realized persistent right shoulder pain from many years back had returned. I thought of myself as highly physically grounded and aware, but when I started working with the approach I allowed myself to start completely reorganizing my brain. As a professional chamber music performer, the transition was scary at first because I was used to a certain set of sensations when playing. But because the fundamentals of correct playing are derived from natural innate movement, I was able to quickly apply these new-for-me movements into my performing without once getting derailed in a concert. The training was at a pace I chose, based on what I thought my body could absorb before my next concert or rehearsal. One year later my bow arm and left hand look completely different and I have much more dexterity and accuracy in shifting! But most importantly, I enjoy playing with much less right shoulder pain! I am eager to continue my training in the Till Approach as a means of increasing comfort and ease while playing.
-Nick Revel, Violist, PUBLIQuartet
My lessons in the Till Approach have been life-changing! Each lesson I walk away with a clean and clear answer and exactly how to practice. The information’s ability to offer concrete solutions, coupled with a patient and personable approach to the work, have been extraordinary!
Joe Michaels, Jazz Bassist, Composer, and Educator
The Till Approach generates solutions to problems that make sense cognitively, but more importantly they resonate immediately within the body.
Having worked for many years as an orchestral violinist, I am often frustrated by physical tensions that can lead to injury and that are inhibiting technically and musically. I am now inspired by the Till Approach, feeling excited to be setting out on a path that I feel will lead to increased freedom and ability and also renewed love of playing the violin.
-Jane Reid, former 1st Violin, Royal Scottish National Orchestra
Practice, Part 1: Practicing and Time
Bow Friction Equation, Part 1
Bow Friction Equation, Part 2: Tonal Logic and Leaps
Bow Friction Equation, Part 3: Off-the-String Strokes