William Fitzpatrick - violin expert

I Can Play Faster than Anyone

An unusual approach to the concept of "Playing Fast"

In this video, Prof. Fitzpatrick introduces a deep thought on the general concept of "playing faster."

Released on September 7, 2016

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DISCLAIMER: The views and the opinions expressed in this video are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Virtual Sheet Music and its employees.

Video Transcription

All right, so once, in a lesson with Ms. DeLay, we were, I don't remember exactly what we were talking about, but she looked at me, and she took her violin, and she said, "Billy, you know what? I can play faster than anybody." And I looked at her, sort of smiled, and she said, "Now, Billy, what you're supposed to say is, 'Really?'" Okay, so I looked at her and I said, "Really?" And she then said, "Yes, Billy. I can play these notes faster than anyone." And I looked and I sort of smiled, and she said, "Now, Billy, you're supposed to say, 'Really? Well, prove it.'" And I looked at her and I went, "Okay, I'll play along with the game. Really? Prove it." And she said, "All right, I will." Then she said, "Now, these notes, I can play faster than anyone in the world, including Perlman." And I looked very doubtful, playing along with the game. And then she said, "Here, let me warm up. Are you ready? Now you need to get really close." I smiled and she said, "Did you hear all the notes?" And I said, "No." "Let's hear all the notes. I'll slow it down." She said, "You see, I can play faster on those notes. I can even go the other way. Here, why don't I slow it down for you?"

So, that's it for our quick discussion about playing the notes faster. I hope that it gives you something to think about as it did me years ago. My name is William Fitzpatrick, and I am the Henry Tomianka Professor of Violin at the Hall-Musco Conservatory of Music which is located on the campus of Chapman University. I am, as well, the Artistic Director of the MusiShare Young Artists Program. So, as always, do take care. And here's hoping that your practicing is becoming more and more efficient, and that this is leading you to even better, faster performances.
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Comments, Questions, Requests:

David Sawtelle * VSM MEMBER * on January 30, 2018 @12:58 pm PST
Hi William, thank you for the excellent violin UTube lessons you provide. I recently purchased your online PDF book, Melodies for the young violinist. The book I was looking for is Chansons pour les Juenes Violinistes. I could not find this book anywhere online. Is it still available? How can I get a copy of it? I really want to use it in my studio. Thank you David Sawtelle
Cheryl * VSM MEMBER * on October 12, 2016 @9:18 am PST
One of my teachers I can't remember which said, "if the notes are even, in tune, and beautiful, they will seem to be faster than if they are uneven, out of tune, and ugly" and that's my favorite quote that I tell my current students.
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William - host, on November 11, 2016 @10:51 am PST
Hi! Am smiling! Thanks!
Jon O'Brien * VSM MEMBER * on September 14, 2016 @5:48 am PST
Comic timing! Thanks for entertaining and good lesson.
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William - host, on May 10, 2017 @12:33 pm PST
You're welcome!
Luanna Campos on September 9, 2016 @5:49 am PST
Fascinating!! I will try practicing those notes and then see if I only hear one pitch like those notes sounded at their fastest speed!
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William - host, on November 11, 2016 @10:50 am PST
Hi! Let me know what happens! Thanks!
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