THE ART OF THE BOW ARM with Yizhak Schotten

THE ART OF THE BOW ARM
with Yizhak Schotten
How to Produce the Most Beautiful Sound in the Most Efficient Way
(2017)

In this instructional video, violist Yizhak Schotten presents his methods and techniques for developing the bow arm for sound production. Many of the methods included here are passed down from his teacher, William Primrose. He hopes that this comprehensive guide will help aspiring violists find their most beautiful sound in their journey with the instrument.

1. Introduction 00:00
2. Push and Pull 02:20
3. Developing Finger/Wrist Technique 03:16
4. Exercises for Strengthening the Arm and Fingers 06:48
5. Long Bow Strokes 08:56
6. Playing Soft Dynamics 12:31
7. Bow Distribution 15:14
8. String Crossings 18:05
9. Vibrato 20:02
10. Détaché 24:17
A Guide to Short Strokes (parts 11-16): 27:38
11. Sautillé 29:29
12. Collé 34:09
13. Spiccato 37:06
14. Marcato Sounds - Martelé and Similar Strokes 39:05
15. Staccato and Portato 43:05
16. Ricochet 44:30
Conclusion and Credits 45:50

[SigraCapuleti]

I had the honour to study with Prof Schotten before and during my time at the University of Michigan. May your memory be for a blessing, Prof Schotten.

[jairochaves]

Your viola has the most beautifull sound I heard in my Life. Bravo!!!

[saeidyazdani]

This is the best ever explanation and demonstration I have ever seen! I am playing the violin for almost 20 years and now learned I had some fundamental misunderstandings about bowing!

[SF-rulp]

Only 4.8k likes in 5 years!! This is all one could ever want or need in one's violin/viola learning. A total compendium clearly and succinctly explained and demonstrated. I will be 'glued' to this video, section by section. An incredible blessing. Thank you Mr Schotten. Thank you YouTube. G Ire adult student

[JeffMarshMusic]

This is an excellent tutorial for both the beginner and the advanced student. Every violist should watch this.

[yizhakschotten]

The music at the beginning of the video is a Bach Concerto reconstructed for Viola, Strings and Continuo from BWV 169, 49 and 1053. The recording is from my CD “Bratsche” on Crystal Records.

[gregorydocenko]

This is the best and most true to bow technique available.
He is so correct and detailed. A must! This video is the
best educational video out there. This should be mandatory.

[mitchellperilla]

Thank you for your insight and pedagogy! It's like the spirit of Mr. Primrose is speaking to me through you 🎻

[MichaelDurig]

I have spent 46 years playing jazz guitar.  I started playing viola in 2000 and have never looked back.  I am very thankful that you produced this video as many of my questions have been answered.  Outstanding teacher.  I'm off to practice and will return often in the future. Yes, I will be playing jazz on my viola.

[alwt]

as a violin player, found this teaching very useful! thank you great teacher Yizhak

[clairepotter]

I am relearning violin after not playing for 44 years. I find I return to this video over and over again to find exercises to improve my bowing. I am improving fast and feel I am on my way to having a beautiful bow arm. Thank you for this wonderful video!

[violatione]

Schotten is amazing. I love hearing his thoughts on viola playing!

[SarumChoirmaster]

I remember going to hear you once in 1974 as soloist with the Cincinnati Symphony when you were the principal violist. I think you played Der Schwanendreher. I was in high school attending the Congress of Strings. Later, you gave a coaching session at EKU in Richmond, KY. I wanted to study with you but didn't know how to approach you. I had studied with Virginia Schneider, Joe Ceo, Milton Katims, Marcia Ferrito, Joseph Pietropalo and briefly with Walter Trampler.

[esthermarcus]

איזה רעיונות מיוחדים!! תודה רבה על האפשרות שאתה נותן לנו לנסות אותם בעצמינו! אין כמו מוח יהודי!!! תודה רבה !!

[davidwallace]

Beautiful playing. Glad to see you are looking great and hope all is well with you. This is Norman (now David) Wallace. Best to you and Catherine.

[Whomkey]

Finally!! Viola is an amazing instrument! I love the instrument I play :)

[yasminetrinczek]

I'm an adult beginner on the violin and I've been searching the net for help against too little control over the bow which makes the bow shake...watching this video and practising the above helped me understand the reasons for that problem and even helped remove it immediately. Thank you so much!

[yizhakschotten]

Dear Orlando S, The exercises in the first five minutes of the video are designated to develop finger wrist flexibility. The motion is very exaggerated and in actual playing the action is a lot more subtle. Sadly, I can't take credit for this "old pedantic crap" since these exercises were taught to me by William Primrose.

[gregorydocenko]

This is the best educational playing video ever made.
He is so correct and truly captures all of the techniques
needed for bowing. THANK YOU!. This is a must for all
string players!!!! Bravo!!!! We are very fortunate and
thankful for this video.

[LordCorwin]

When I hear Mr Schotten playing his viola compared to the sound I get from mine... oh God, it's like playing a totally different instrument.