The Violinist's Mind 

The technical demands of grades and diplomas are assessed according to specific marking criteria. A small number of candidates will quickly capture these criteria, and obtain the Licentiate diploma level by the age of 14. The remainder will struggle to progress past the mid grade levels. 
In the exam room, however, there are only four technical differences between these two groups of candidates. These differences are easy to teach, get rapid results, and fulfil the diploma assessment criteria. They can be applied to any school of violin playing, and interpretive concepts.

At all levels, intonation care and co-ordination security are crucial. Talented candidates use active listening and a timeline based thought process. Active listening is when technique is created from the raw material of sound. This enables them to maintain full control over their physical actions. In contrast, other candidates have passive listening, and think with their fingers. These candidates will not progress, because their technique includes elements of luck.

At Certificate level, talented candidates employ a mental approach, that captures the power of natural forces when string crossing. In contrast, other candidates rely on muscle strength to counteract air pressure, limiting their ability to use large bows, and restricting their postural facility. As a result, they struggle to project the stylistic characteristics of a varied programme. Fighting the forces of nature is the primary reason why children with potential, lose this potential as they age.

At Associate level, faster passagework from the Romantic period is included in the syllabus. Talented candidates possess the mental ability to control and manage the rapid changes in direction and momentum. Candidates lacking this mental awareness will struggle to capture the required virtuosic security.

At Licentiate level, talented candidates apply the techniques of sport, logistics, and invention. Other candidates do not have this inventive mindset, and try to take an Associate level technique beyond its potential. Their musical playing remains conservative and lacks technical conviction. They do not progress.

Principles of Talent

This book invites violin candidates to explore the enigma of intuitive violin technique. Natural abilities, that capture virtuosic technical security.

In the past, their violin journey is definable. In their early grade examinations, they are awarded honours and distinctions. These awards, however, trend towards credit and pass, from fifth grade onwards. For the few who persevere to diploma levels, grappling with the technical demands of their programme becomes a significant challenge. There are many No Awards. The elusive nature of technical talent persists as an unresolved mystery. In the exam room, their brick walls cast a shadow over their performances.

The Enigma of Talent

Talent is the final frontier of music education. For many, it is considered a miracle from God. It creates a church of the fortunate few. Talent, however, is only a word, that has a very broad reference. That is why the research in this book focusses on only one aspect of talent. Defining in exact detail, the intuitive technical abilities that differentiate between the Award, and No Award diploma candidates. These new techniques, when added to traditional pedagogy, remove the historical vagueness that necessitates the input of natural talent.

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