B.A.(Hons). M.MUS (Catholic university of America)
“An important contribution to violin teaching and learning.
Goetz Richter Associate Professor of Music, Sydney Conservatorium of Music
This may well be your best yet. ”
“An incredibly valuable resource.”
– Daniel Panner. Juilliard School & principal viola New York City Opera
“Violin Left Hand volume 1 complements Fintan Murphy’s earlier ‘Violin Bow Technique’ DVDROM and focuses on improving the left hand through advice, exercises, instructions and video lessons. Fintan is able to offer his experience not only to ‘new’ students, but to students at all stages, as well as teachers. Throughout the DVDROM, all the elements of left hand playing are covered, such as left hand fundamentals, finger action, finger independence, facility and even the violin & your body. Of particular interest to me was topic 1 of chapter 3 (the introduction to ‘Finger Action’) which focused on solving problematic finger actions; as the title suggests. I sometimes find my fourth finger nail knuckle locking when I play double stops and I found this information very useful in solving the problem. Another area of interest for me was the reasoning for and against using a shoulder rest; my shoulder rest was stolen recently and I had to practice without one, which I believe turned out to be beneficial. Topic 2 of the Introduction, which explained ‘The lesson environment’ for teachers, was particularly interesting; it provided teaching strategies which in turn can be used during a student’s practice. The DVDROM also includes an enormous range of exercises, practice methods, hints and a relaxation routine which is very helpful while practising. Violin Left Hand volume 1 is an excellent resource which I cannot fault. It is uselul for violinists and violists of all levels and is easy to understand via the wonderful video lessons presented by Fintan Murphy. If students are experiencing any problems with left hand plaving I would strongly recommend using this DVDROM.”
– Andrew Lumsden. Stringendo, the Journal of the Australian String Association (AUSTA), vol 35 no 2, October 2013
“Violin Left Hand volume 2 is another excellent publication from Fintan Murphy, following volume 1, with applications to viola playing as well. Once again, Fintan is able to offer his experience to players of all skill levels and ages. This DVDROM focuses on shifting, scales, arpeggios, chords and double stops, all vital elemants required for violin exams at all levels and of course used frequently throughout all music. I found topics 9, 10 and 11 in chapter 6 which focused on high position shifting particularly interesting. As I progress towards a higher level of playing, I find myself moving more frequently into higher positions. These topics address the problems of a shrinking amount of finger space and how to use the thumb effectively as a pivot. I also found the deep analysis of double stop technique useful. The DVDROM, with its easy-to-follow videos, made even tenths seem easy to play through highlighting the key techniques in chapeter 8, topic 13. As always, the introductory section on teaching and learning provided very interesting material such as effective practicing techniques. Violin Left Hand volume 2 is an extremely useful and interesting learning source that I would recommend to players of all skill levels. Fintan Murphy successfully communicates his ideas to the viewers and his written text enhances his practical video lessons to provide a superb publication for all violinists.”
– Andrew Lumsden
“This ambitious DVDROM by Fintan Murphy is the third in his series devoted to the left-hand. The topics of violin and viola intonation, vibrato, coordination, and practice are featured in video lessons, texts, and scores. While the written materials are excellent, for repetitive exercises of this type I always prefer to take on the concept and then work away from the score. Murphy anticipates this potential problem with his many short video examples. The close-up filming is terrific with Murphy and the others clearly demonstrating fine details of how to improve intonation, develop and improve vibrato, and how to practice (always useful). I highly recommend this DVDROM.”
– Hollis Taylor. Stringendo, the Journal of the Australian String Teachers Association (AUSTA), vol 35 no 1, April 2013