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**Check back in February 2007 for several NEW Masterclass/Seminar Dates!**
Clayton Haslop's...
"The Violin Mastery Masterclass/Seminar"
"Get Up Close and Personal With Me For 3 Days and Smooth Out Your Technical Wrinkles, Magnify Your Artistry, and Fire Up Your Passion for the Violin!"
Dear Friend,
Quite a few years ago, when I was an even younger man, I came exceedingly close to missing an opportunity that positively and permanently affected my life. I suspect the story is one you might like to hear, especially as the telling may alter the trajectory of your life as well.
The Nearly Missed Opportunity of a Lifetime
It begins at the Pebble Beach Country Club in Carmel, California, where I was eating lunch with two other young colleagues and a very wealthy benefactor of the arts by the name of Richard Colburn. Richard was an amateur violist, and had engaged the three of us to be his "quartet buddies" for a month in Carmel.
As we ate, Richard quietly asked if I would be interested in attending the Milstein masterclass the following summer. He would pay my expenses.
Now, any violinist with half a brain would have jumped at such an opportunity, right? Well, not me. I was suffering from violin "burnout" at the advanced age of 21.
You see, I thought I had progressed as far as I could go. My playing had not improved noticeably during my three years at university, and I had become more than frustrated.
I was thinking of throwing in the towel.
As I explained all of this, and more, to Richard, it suddenly dawned on me that his eyes had been closed for some time. He was so moved by my little soliloquy he had fallen fast asleep! After a few minutes he awoke and said, as if nothing had transpired, "So, you don't want to go?" "No," I said.
That was the end of the discussion, but fortunately, not the end of the story.
Several days later I was back in LA sitting on a film recording session with an old Hollywood veteran. Somehow Richard's offer came up in the course of talking. "You DID say yes, didn't you?" he immediately countered.
My answer met with the swiftest, most heartfelt 'wake-up-and-face-the-music' talk you can imagine. I'm telling you, he lit a fire in me that made the ten o'clock news! I couldn't get home fast enough to call Richard Colburn back (this was before cell phones) and reverse my answer.
Eight months later I was on my way, by plane, by train, by boat, and again by train, to the Milstein Masterclass in Zurich, Switzerland.
What the GREAT MASTER Taught Me
My relationship with Milstein lasted three years. Aside from my attendance at his Masterclass every year in Switzerland, I spent countless hours in his home in London, literally soaking up his approach to the violin from an arms length away.
He played with such ease, with such efficiency! He showed me that the secret of effortless playing has much to do with what you don't do. The most challenging part of my makeover was becoming conscious of all the muscles working against my good intentions.
Did he stand there and point out every false move? No, it was not his style to teach in that way. He talked little, but played much.
It was over tea that he imparted many of the principles that came to govern my own playing. Let me share just a few of them:
- a way of holding the violin that balanced my hand and created more freedom of movement
- bow arm insights that produced greater fluidity, sweep, and clarity of sound
- innovative thoughts on fingerings that increased my facility and exploited the violin's natural resonance
- mind expanding ideas on music which showed me how to fashion interpretations to fit with my personal playing characteristics and abilities
As I assimilated this wisdom I began using it to great effect in my private teaching and in the numerous masterclasses I was asked to give while touring both here and abroad.
Add 30 Years of Professional Experience to the Mix
The benefits of Milstein's mind-expanding influence on me did not end with his retirement and the end of our relationship. In the interim I have had to adapt to many new physical realities and playing situations. His legacy to me was 'outside-of-the-box' thinking skills, and I have used them to adapt to many different and challenging musical situations.
For instance, one major facet of my playing career has been the recording of music that accompanies film. As the concertmaster for such films as "Titanic", "The Incredibles" and the "Matrix" trilogy, I had to develop the specific skill of mastering difficult music at sight. Soundtrack recording also requires a kind of rhythmic discipline that is unheard of in 'live' performances.
In addition, I have had to overcome the physical effects of 'focal dystonia' — considered a musicians worst diagnosis — to continue my career. The result? My playing is, by any measure, stronger, more secure, and more expressive now than at any time in my career.
What has enabled me to overcome a seemingly insurmountable physical challenge, and flourish, are the same techniques that can help anyone who wants greater control, ease of playing, and technical prowess.
Can What I Do Really Help You?
Just consider the following questions:
- Are you a dedicated player of the instrument who yearns for more 'game'?
- Are you a teacher who feels there is more that can be imparted to your students, and want for truly 'fresh' insights into violin playing?
- Do you have a tendency to lose your sense of time, either by rushing or dragging, in difficult passages?
- Do you or your students have an issue with tension while playing?
- Do 'nerves' still adversely affect your ability to perform effectively?
- Do you have extraneous motions that detract from your ability to play?
- Are there times when coordinating the two hands is an unmanageable challenge?
If you have answered yes to any of these questions, and you're the kind who wants to act in the face of challenge, then this Masterclass/Seminar is where you want to find yourself come January 12-14, 2007.
"There's no mistaking it. Clayton Haslop has what every great teacher has had: a lineage that traces back to the great Nathan Milstein, a career's worth of accomplishment at the highest levels of the business, and the knowledge of the Master who has the ability to take the student from whatever level they're at to whatever level they have the will to attain. "He also has something more than most; a deep passion for his art that has not diminished over the years. Clayton was demonstrating the proper execution of a diminuendo for my son one day. He took the volume down to the "point between hearing the end of the note and the point just before you know for sure that it's gone." Just about the time when the hair on the back of your neck was at its highest, he turned to my son with a twinkle in his eye and said, "And that's where the magic begins." Magic indeed! "If your musical life has been "all technique and no magic" for too long, you won't want to miss this opportunity to be among one of the greats." Phyllis Stork |
How 'Location' Affects You, the Artist
When I attended masterclasses with Nathan Milstein, they were held in a beautiful 19th century gallery space simply called 'Muraltengut'. Not only was the building itself elegant, it was located on park-like grounds right along the shore of Lake Zurich, Switzerland.
Every time I walked onto the grounds I felt uplifted and inspired. The beauty of the space harmonized with beauty of the music and content of the masterclass. My playing was elevated, my frame of mind was uplifted. It was the first time I felt the vital connection between physical surroundings and artistic learning.
So, when I began thinking of a location for my masterclass, it was a 'no-brainer.' The Biltmore Estate in Asheville is simply one of the most beautiful properties in America. It begs to be used for musical creativity, YOUR musical creativity.
When you look through the brochure, see the incredible amenities and facilities at your disposal, the beauty of the surrounding countryside, the historic Biltmore mansion, you'll realize why it's the perfect place to have this Violin Mastery Masterclass.
In fact, I strongly suggest that you bring your significant other and children, stay over Monday night, and have yourselves an experience that NOBODY will forget!
What You Get With the "fff Masterclass/Seminar"
By reserving one of only 20 openings for players, or one of only 10 openings for auditors, you will benefit from:
- 10 hours of powerful, up close and personal violin 'FUNdamentals' coaching from one of America's most successful violinists
- At least 5 additional hours of masterclass coaching of related repertoire
- A unique opportunity to meet and commune with other passionate lovers of the violin
- 'After hours' informal discussion of career development, equipment issues, or anything else on your mind that is violin related
- An opportunity to rehearse and perform with a first class pianist for a room full of like-minded, passionate individuals
- Discounts on all Violin Mastery DVD course releases for 2007 (there will be several on repertoire)
- A mystery surprise after the close of our workshop for all who can linger a couple of hours into Sunday afternoon!
It's a package that combines the playing wisdom of Nathan Milstein; my 30 years of frontline musical experience in solo, chamber, symphonic and film music; one of the most lyrical and inspiring locations in North America; a first class accompanist; and yearlong special benefits for attendees only.
My wife stared in disbelief when I told her I am offering this life-enhancing experience for $650.00 for players and $475.00 for auditors. She thought it was hundreds too low. I am happy to report, however, that our 4 year old daughter doesn't seem to have any problem with this incredible offer whatsoever. Reserve your seat today!
So there it is, my friends, I'm really doing everything I can to make this a one-of-a-kind event for true violin seekers. And I really don't want any of you to be left out in the cold come January.
The reason I shared the story of my NEARLY missed opportunity was to impress upon you the importance of seizing the moment. I know that this will be an extraordinary violinistic experience. Don't miss it!
Sincerely,
Clayton Haslop
P.S. As for the cold of winter? You won't feel a chill in the 'Olmsted' Room of the Biltmore Inn come January 12 at 7pm. What you're going to see, hear and produce yourself will have the fire alarms ringing for days! Let couch potatoes and dream-wasters sit around and watch the New Year begin to slip away. You will be fulfilling a dream AND continuing the violin legacy of no less a legend than Nathan Milstein. But you must Act Now!