Mr Seaton,

I know there are other threads about the Rabbath method, but I was hoping to pick your brain about it. I was taugfht the Simandl method through highschool and college and I was just recently introduced to the Rabbath method at a lesson with Hans Sturm. I am very interested in studying this method but I don't know where to begin, aside from playing scales. What do you reccomend I do to get started? In case you want to know my background, I am a jazz player with a jazz degree from Indiana University. I studied with Bruce Bransby in college, but we stuck with Simandle. I am interested to study Rabbath but I am overwhelmed at the current moment. Any advice from you (or others) would be very helpful.

Thanks
Joel

Joel,
Go to the workshop at the University of Tampa where Rabbath will be. It is July 30-August 3. The website is:www.slavapub.net George Vance will also be there and several others associated with the Rabbath style. I play Rabbath as well. I recommend going through the books. There are fantastic pieces of music in all volumes from easy to challenging. The scale studies are included. It is good to get coaching from a teacher familiar with the stance, bow technique and fingerings. Get the "Art of the Bow" disc that Rabbath and Hans Sturm put out. It will help your bow arm a lot.
Good Luck,