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tonebase Violin Course

Shifting: A Comprehensive Guide

Taught by renowned violinist

Fabiola Kim

Embark on a comprehensive guide to mastering the art of shifting with Korean-American violinist, Fabiola Kim. This course delves into the importance of practicing shifts as a distinct technique, essential for fluid and expressive playing. Explore various types of shifts and the specific motions of the hand and fingers required to execute each one effectively. Kim's expert guidance focuses on using shifts not just as a movement between positions, but as a means of enhancing the expressive quality of your performance.

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    Category: 
    skills
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    Difficulty: 
    all-levels
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    Duration: 
    1
     hours
     hour

Course Syllabus

Introduction
Kim lays the groundwork for mastering shifting techniques on the violin. She demonstrates basic motions and various types of shifts, setting a solid foundation for the in-depth exploration to come in the subsequent lessons. This session is crucial for understanding the fundamentals that will enhance your shifting skills throughout the course.
Shifting Fundamentals I
Delve into shifting fundamentals in this lesson, focusing on the essential concept of the guide finger, Utilizing Yost exercises to practice seamless shifts between 1st and 3rd positions. Kim also provides insights into the correct thumb and finger pressure techniques, vital for achieving smooth, inaudible shifts.
Shifting Fundamentals II
Advance your shifting technique in this lesson, where the focus is on the crucial timing of the bow and the exploration of the distinct characteristics and techniques required for both upward and downward shifts.
Advanced Concepts of Shifting I
Delve deeper into the advanced aspects of shifting principles in this lesson. Explore the critical issue of managing left hand tension and receive practical guidance on the nuanced use of the guide finger with a focus on 'shifting articulation.' To contextualize these techniques, the lesson incorporates Kreutzer Etude No. 11, providing a practical framework to apply and understand these shifting concepts in the etude.
Advanced Concepts of Shifting II
Continue your journey into the more advanced aspects of shifting principles. This lesson integrates the practice of scales and double stops, accompanied by corresponding exercises from Dunis and Sevcik. These exercises are specifically chosen to reinforce your understanding and application of shifting techniques.
Shifting Applied in Repertoire
Conclude your comprehensive journey into shifting techniques with Fabiola Kim in this final lesson, where the focus is on applying the previously discussed concepts to specific concerto repertoire. Additionally, learn to determine the most effective fingering and decide when to shift or reach, always prioritizing what best serves the music. This session ties together the entire course, equipping you with the skills to apply your honed shifting technique in a concert setting.
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Fabiola Kim
meet YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Fabiola Kim

Hailed by the New York Times as “a brilliant soloist,” who “played with extraordinary precision and luminosity,” violinist Fabiola Kim enjoys a dynamic and versatile career as a soloist, chamber musician, recording artist, and pedagogue. Ms. Kim was appointed Assistant Professor of violin at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre and Dance and serves as faculty at the Colburn School.

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Fabiola Kim
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