The Pedagogy of Violin Shifting

This work focuses on the development of an effective and efficient pedagogical approach to teach the technique of shifting to the intermediate-level violin student. The review of the literature surveys several issues related to violin shifting including the history of shifting, the different types of shifts, the mechanics of shifting, pedagogical approaches to shifting, and appropriate teaching material. The literature review is used as a basis to deduce general principles and guidelines for violin shifting and to develop an original shifting handbook created by the author. The handbook contains pedagogically sequenced musical exercises and repertoire, which are geared towards the development of the shifting technique of the intermediate-level violin student. The musical material in this work can be used for private violin instruction and for classroom group instruction.