Rabbath Method

[joel kelsey]

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

[Lynn Seaton]

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,