All Seasons

Season 1

  • S01E01 Introduction

    Meet your new instructor: Grammy Award-winning violinist and conductor Itzhak Perlman. Mr. Perlman tells you how this class will differ from traditional violin master classes and how through teaching others, you can teach yourself.

  • S01E02 The Bow

    Mr. Perlman starts with discussing the bow and its mechanics, including speed, pressure, and various bow holds.

  • S01E03 Advanced Bowing and Left-Hand Techniques

    Building on bowing fundamentals, Mr. Perlman moves into advanced bow strokes and playing techniques, such as double-stops, harmonics, and higher positions.

  • S01E04 Intonation

    Perfect your intonation by training your ear to recognize sharp or flat notes. Mr. Perlman shares techniques for staying in tune and for tuning with other musicians.

  • S01E05 Vibrato

    Your vibrato is like your fingerprint. Learn how it can add richness, color, and emotion to your playing.

  • S01E06 Comfort and Posture

    Playing the violin is a physical experience. Learn Mr. Perlman’s methods for staying comfortable and avoiding injury.

  • S01E07 Color and Tone

    Mr. Perlman demonstrates how to produce musical “color” through bowing techniques, varying dynamics, and shifting.

  • S01E08 The Color Game

    Mr. Perlman invites his current and former Juilliard students to a game that explores how to change an audience's perception of a phrase or piece by using musical color and other playing techniques.

  • S01E09 Playing Different Styles

    There is a subtle art to playing a piece in various musical styles. Using selections from Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, and Bach, Mr. Perlman demonstrates romantic, classical, and baroque styles of playing.

  • S01E10 The Performance Mindset

    From overcoming anxiety to achieving total focus, Mr. Perlman shares his tips for performing for a live audience.

  • S01E11 Practice Essentials

    Practice is an essential part of growing as a violinist. Mr. Perlman discusses his methods of practicing that help improve technical ability.

  • S01E12 The Three-Hour Practice Schedule

    Mr. Perlman breaks down his practice schedule hour by hour, exploring scales, exercises, études, and repertoire pieces.

  • S01E13 Memorization and Practice: Student Q&A

    Mr. Perlman and students from Juilliard discuss their personal tips for improving memorization.

  • S01E14 Collaboration

    From communicating with a conductor to finding balance within an orchestra, Mr. Perlman shares how he collaborates with other musicians.

  • S01E15 A Career in Music

    Mr. Perlman discusses the realities of standing out as a professional musician and how you can follow a variety of paths toward building a career in music.

  • S01E16 Overcoming Barriers

    Anyone can become a great violinist with practice, dedication, and talent. Mr. Perlman shares his personal story and reminds you to separate your abilities from any barriers you may face.

  • S01E17 Parting Thoughts

    Mr. Perlman offers his parting words and wishes you luck in pursuing the violin.

  • S01E18 Bonus Chapter: For Parents and Teachers

    Finding the right teacher with the right teaching style can make all the difference. Mr. Perlman gives parents and teachers advice on how to nurture talent in aspiring violinists.

  • S01E19 Bonus Chapter: Acquiring a Fine Instrument

    Mr. Perlman introduces you to his famed violin, the 1714 Soil Stradivarius, and explains how to select the right instrument for yourself.