This work focuses on the development of an effective and efficient pedagogical approach to teach the technique of shifting to the intermediate-level violin student. The review of the literature surveys several issues related to violin shifting including the history of shifting, the different types of shifts, the mechanics of shifting, pedagogical approaches to shifting, and appropriate teaching material. The literature review is used as a basis to deduce general principles and guidelines for violin shifting and to develop an original shifting handbook created by the author. The handbook...

It is important for the violin player to have a solid technical foundation in order to realize and interpret musical compositions with accuracy and artistry. This work systematizes the fundamental violin techniques into the following categories: posture, violin and bow hold, bow strokes, left hand action, position playing, shifting, vibrato, double stops, chords, harmonics, and pizzicato. Many exercises are included for the development of each of those techniques in a sequential pedagogical progression. A section featuring different types of scales is also included to further...