Pro Violin Teacher reacts to Karolina Protsenko | Mendelssohn Violin Concerto

For those interested in Skype (or your favored video chat platform) lessons, email [e-mail].
In this video I react to ‪@karolinaprotsenkovlog726‬ ’s recent performance of the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto (original video: • FIRST CLASSICAL CONCER... ) showing what I liked and loved about her performance, and also what I thought would make it better.
Though her family might claim she's a child prodigy, I'm afraid to say it isn't so, but she is a wonderfully talented young musician, and I wish her all the best going forward.

[@adretter]

I'm a violin beginner and I was simply impressed by how you made the "student sound", sound exactly like me.

[@fannybuster]

It takes years of practice,

[@charlottemacdonald4167]

She seems to be a fiddler, lacking certain classical training. However, if she had the training, she would be spectacular!! ❤🎉❤🎉❤

[@fannybuster]

I think she wants to be another Lindsey Stirling @@charlottemacdonald4167

[@jackloganbill605]

me 2

[@MattB90]

Love this! Constructive criticism with praise where appropriate...its obvious you are a great teacher and just from watching this I have learned a lot on how to make my own Mendelsohn better. Thanks! hope this series continues, its so good! Props to Karolina for putting herself out there and getting back to her classical roots

[@wuddayameen]

Great feedback and very fair. She's an incredible talent but moreover an incredible young lady who has accomplished so much in her 15 years. Given she appears financially independent already, she can follow her dreams rather than someone else's.

[@wuddayameen]

@@Musicmanrobert I prefer she find her own path rather than feeling pressure to live up to other's expectations. That may or may not involve concerts and albums. But I think we both agree she is amazing and if there are concerts and albums in her future, that we'll be there for her.

[@ralphhollandsworth]

I agree maybe she isn't a child prodigy in the actual instrument... but, I believe she is a child prodigy in another area that is actually tougher if not impossible to teach and that is in her passion to perform and fearlessness to push herself in her artistry... very few musicians at this age connect with their audience as she does... regardless of someone's opinion of a violinist performing pop music on the streets, she didn't amass 8 million followers on this platform alone simply because she is adorable... she has a unique gift of capturing your heart and taking you along her musical journey if for only a few minutes... and in my humble opinion is what separates the good from the greats...

[@toivotraks]

This is a thought that should be appreciated much more. Very charismatic people with beautiful soul and presence like Karolina, a 15 yo teenage "personality prodigy" - despite not being a "child prodigy" or technically perfect yet - are those that bring millions of ordinary people to classical music and build bridges between popular and classical field so doing the good work in musical world by their ability to connect well to every kind of audience. As Ray Chen beautifully stressed it out after performing with her. And also the opposite seems to be true. Haughty and arrogant people cultivating classical elitism are those that repel ordinary public from that and limit the acceptance to their idea of "high culture" to a narrow society. In a sense they are the people ironically who do classical music position and reputation most damage. Best!

[@TheConcertmaster]

Part of being a soloist is also being an actor. Without a doubt, Karolina’s experience with playing the violin on the streets has given her a sort of persona….something she had been doing for many years prior to the concert in this video. So by the time she walked onto the stage, for her it was a piece of cake just standing there and looking natural. If it weren’t for her street playing, I doubt she would have that same advantage.

[@joshablatzheim9075]

@@TheConcertmaster there I absoloument agree with you👍!!! Kind regards 🙋‍♂️

[@user-xg9zh2so9r]

More than 8 million that has subscribed to her channel, and the millions that have viewed her work say that she is indeed a prodigy. And they are the only votes that count because they are the ones who watch and appreciate. Some self-described self proclaimed violin expert does not count.

[@mr83961]

She doesnt have to be a prodigy, the majority of professional violinists are not, twoset violin are not prodigies either. If she wants to be a professional, she should attend musicschool, try Curtis if she wants though I don't think she will be accepted there, but there are many other good schools.

[@dasiduoduo]

Very well said. I hope people don’t take this as a negative review to the performer. Just think it’s a good lesson for who is learning violin, like my kids. The left hand tension is what my older one working on for the past few months. I hope he’ll get it relaxed one day lol

[@rocroc]

Karolina first learned to play the violin at age six and by the age of ten she was playing as a busker on the streets of LA. In order to attract an audience and make a living she adopted a style of play that was totally different than an otherwise professional violinist might demonstrate. She incorporated dance and movement and style into her performance that wouldn't even be considered when training a violin student. Most professionals would not even attempt to play in the style of Karolina. That style of play has to be done in ways different than you might otherwise expect. Over the last year she has put more and more emphasis on developing a more traditional classical style and you can see the changes in her performances when comparing one recent performance to the next. In a recent video when discussing a new violin purchase she mentioned a difference in the way she was approaching the fingering of her left hand. If you compare this performance with her most recent practice video you can see a remarkable difference. As far as I'm concerned, Karolina has made a profound difference in the way the contemporary public looks at the violin. They want more and more of it - 8.3 million subscribers on one channel with more than 10 million subscribers on all of her KZbin channels together. Add an additional 10 million Facebook devotes plus her other social media accounts and you have quite an audience. An audience that wants more and more. Karolina is one of the few people who can deliver it. kzbin.infoeh7JOG9CC4I

[@AVCStereo]

Have you seen her Lately playing with "Daniele Vitale"? They're Awesome!! This Review of her in concert I think was a poor review compared to a lot I seen of her on You-Tube.

[@richardcollier2976]

9:34 3​@@AVCStereo

[@kandoit7527]

She is learning but with Ray Chen’s support it’s great to see they practiced a few months back. Well done for her hard work. First concert let’s be humble here

[@affinitytalk3979]

Ray Chen was on her channel not the other way around.

[@smithmusicstudies]

I definitely understand being defensive of Karolina as she is a child, very talented, and just overall a bright person. But this is absolutely the kind of respectful and helpful critique that musicians crave. So well done and helpful. I'm sure Karolina would agree. More of this, please!

[@MurphyMusicAcademy]

If I thought I was going to DESTROY someone I wouldn’t make the video

[@smithmusicstudies]

@@MurphyMusicAcademy I respect that

[@musicgenius1948]

@@ChiefHerzensCoachher being Ukrainian has nothing to do with her mispronouncing his name. Also you say English isn’t her first language but Mendelssohn isn’t American and certainly doesn’t have a English name

[@elainefargo2587]

Big deal about the pronunciation, who cares? Potato, putato

[@kingakoo5829]

@@MurphyMusicAcademy Hi :) from Poland. I ve got some quiestion ..Do you think David Garrett was a child prodigy? Does his fame come from his talent or more from his appearance? What is your opinion :)?

[@smithmusicstudies]

"I'm sure that will go over wonderfully" 😂😂 Rubs was looking for a popcorn moment.

[@RubsViolin]

The popcorn was very nice yes

[@joshablatzheim9075]

@@RubsViolin well that comment is a tiny bit Nonsens dear Rubs,practice better,you have Talent an don not play toooo much on PC Games‼️‼️‼️🎼🎶🎻🍀🍀🍀= for you

[@RubsViolin]

@joshablatzheim9075 what are PC games bro, I haven't had free time in weeks lol

[@joshablatzheim9075]

@@RubsViolin all righty! Enjoy your playing you got Talent for the Violon good luck for ya 🍀🍀🍀🎼🎶🎻✌️🇨🇭 to the 🇺🇲

[@RubsViolin]

@joshablatzheim9075 thank you so much! I will do my best!

[@QuaesitorV]

it's stunning the amount of information you can pack in these reaction videos! Incredible, thank you for this!

[@gailrivas762]

Omg!! I learned very much in this video. I actually love and appreciate your teaching style.

[@MichelDomingue7]

I did enjoy this constructive commentary on the concerto. It's like a master class.😊

[@hannahschneyder6651]

I got the original video in my recommended, and I listened for a moment, but then clicked off. I couldn't reconcile the over the top enthousiastic comments with what I was hearing. This girl plays way better than I probably ever will. And I think she worked very hard to get to where she's at. But it's very clear to me that there's a lot of stuff for her to learn still. For me, the first amazing thing she does is actually putting herself out there with her music, to such a huge audience, at the age of 15. I'm more than twice her age and I wouldn't have the courage to do that, even if I were as good as her or even better. I think you treat her very respectfully, point out the good stuff and the less good stuff. I imagine it would be fun to work with her as a teacher, she's clearly a hard worker who pays attention to detail.

[@toivotraks]

Did you know, that for a young violinist who earns her more than ample living from YT popularity, this was the first ever appearance as a soloist to an orchestra in her life? First experience, first nervousness of how all this will go before great audience? First jump into unknown waters, so to speak? First unconcious restriction of herself for avoiding blunders? First interaction with orchestra? Every pedagogical commentator should take this into account also, especially knowing her background. As Ray Chen did giving her a private masterclass before this concert. Several people in these comments even perpetrate the myth that she barely reads sheet music, not speaking of analysing it. Her teacher, mr. Sam Fischer of Colburn Music School of California really loves to work with her and she is very much loved by millions around the world for her personality and charisma, so she always gets thousands of extremely enthusiastic comments. And - being a violinist of two contrasting styles - popular and classical - it is evident that she needs much work and development on her classical side. She is not concentrated on one talent only - she also sings popular music very well and dances ballet. So she has many routes open before her, not necessarily classical even. So when you mentioned her poise, courage and nerve to be there first time in her life, how would you feel to do the same thing?

[@hannahschneyder6651]

@@toivotraks ugh, here we go. I think I was pretty complimentary in my comment, and already stated that I couldn't do it. So what exactly are you defending her from?

[@toivotraks]

@@hannahschneyder6651 Yes you were and this is not about defending her (against you?) but just pointing out the psychological details and some facts about her that every professional educational commentator who really wants to understand students should take into account reviewing student's work. This is nothing to do with your good complimentary comment. The whole point is - as a music teacher myself I liked Ray Chen's generalised, emotional, describing music poetically instead of enforcing his own interpretative truths, extremely supportive and very charismatic masterclass much more than this here, consisting of professional technical details presented in quite a dry and aloof musical manner and very individual interpretation of musical phrases - without even a single hint at the circumstances. But then - Ray Chen knows her better, having performed together, dined together, rehearsing together in her house... But after all, this is just my personal opinion of things. Please excuse my English, living in a European country with English not the language of the land. Have a very nice day!

[@user-zg5sv8er7i]

Buena respuesta estoy muy de acuerdo con usted es asombroso lo que ella hace con el violín al bailar (sabe lo difícil que es mantener el arco con los movimientos que hace, en su sitio?) Nadamás eso es asombroso ... pocos lo logran.

[@eeknooza]

​@@user-zg5sv8er7i exactly

[@toivotraks]

This was Karolina's very first appearance and experience as a classical soloist with an orchestra in her entire life. And although she may not be a child prodigy in classical field you have to understand that she produces two improvisational pop music interpretations per week only by ear - just listening to original recordings without sheet music. She is capable to create one in an afternoon and perform it next day flawlessly. And as a music teacher myself I can understand perfectly that she has to develop - especially in classical field.

[@Minerva-fp1zx]

That's really nothing special. Most musical people play pop songs by ear.

[@user-zg5sv8er7i]

@

[@user-zg5sv8er7i]

Nirvana en realidad estás hablándole en serio a ésta profesora? A casó se puede tapar el Sol con un dedo? Bien si hablaras de alguien de años de experiencia, apenas es una niña , X Dios, ... ya a los 9años hacía maravillas con piezas musicales difíciles y con su aplomo, compás,tiempo, ritmo entre otras virtudes? Ya me gustaría haber tenido un hijo o hija así musicalmente hablando...y con solo tres años de aprendizaje?.

[@ralphhollandsworth]

In my humble opinion... a few thoughts on why I believe Karolina is in a category of her own... Yes, I agree if she wants to be in the top less than 1% of classical concert violinist she will need to focus on that goal and strive to make consistent improvements in her technique (I am convinced she could}... I believe Karolina is her own worst critic meaning she is always pushing to improve in both technique and stage presence and connecting with her audience... But, her passion for performing and consistently learning new songs as she does is not "nothing special" as one comment mentions... It is very special at fifteen years old... Working with gifted and young talent, I see in this young lady a fearlessness and composure that rivals many adults who have several years of experience beyond her 9 -10 years... I personally believe if she decides to focus on pop as her idol Lindsay Sterling is famous for, she has already reached a stage that would rival anything Sterling has accomplished, in dance and technique... but I believe her parents are wise to allow her to continue building her following as this is opening more doors... and this is my point... Karolina has many options...very few violinists (none that I have seen) can match what she has accomplished at this young age... The ball is in her court and unlike many others, she has several options...

[@toivotraks]

@@ralphhollandsworth Yes - I'm with you in these thoughts. This is a young lady with several future options, not just one narrow fighting path to musical pinnacle. This is such a uniquely special situation for this young lady that "nothing specials" are not able to understand this. And by the way - I even see controversy in comments here in classical field, mainly about the question of producing vibrato - so much so that it almost seems a clash of schools. After reviewing and commenting this channel YT has fed me many professional channels dealing with this question from absolutely different aspects. And after seeing this partly subjective although generally positive review I'm still very much with Ray Chen masterclass ideas and style of conducting it with her. Best to you!

[@JAlexMG]

Thank you ! For showing me more of Félix Mendelssohn's music... it is extraordinary.👌🙏💙

[@elainefargo2587]

I like her playing better and she has a talent above many too actually dance and control her violin in such a beautiful way. This in itself sets her apart with her sweet personality.

[@marcusfoshie4642]

We all learn from each other. Always be grateful and teachable. Is the route to greatness

[@bmac195]

I'm not a violinist, but you were a real pleasure to listen to. Lucky kids who have you as teacher! 🤘

[@hamwhacker]

Man on top right yawns at 9:58 then starts playing the trumpet at 13:28 then blows his nose 23:39. Tries to play trumpet again 26:35 but instead coughs into his arm Enjoyed your video which is a very constructive appreciation of Karolina’s playing. She is a little jewel in the internet violin world. There were MANY things in her performance that demonstrate her incredible potential to improve to a high level. And it is her positive personality which shines through in what she does that is worth 1000 correct notes or bow strokes. She will get even better and better I believe. A bit like Nicola Benedetto grew into an international soloist. Wonderful ❤

[@smithmusicstudies]

Thanks for the side show

[@chrisssanders1231]

Were you the trumpeter in question, and is that why you kept your eyes on him?

[@anthearees6129]

Yawns at 12:58 too 😂

[@muppet0]

I was curious, so I tried playing along with her recording of the cadenza. I started at the same time as her and she had already finished the ricochet section and was at the end of the page by the time I had finished the trills. Just slowing down would be a massive improvement to her playing, and it seems like it might calm her nerves as an added benefit. Thanks for your commentary, it really helps me (as someone studying the Mendelssohn right now) to get new perspectives and performance tips.

[@muppet0]

Also, with, for example, the beginning of the development section, when she ignores the dotted quarter-eighth rhythm, I wonder why her teachers have not pointed this out. It sometimes sounds more like "quarter-quarter" than the triplet figure you were discussing. Such nuanced but easily corrected mistakes detract from the beauty in her playing.

[@elainefargo2587]

She looked as cool as a clam to me. She didn’t look nervous to me. 😊

[@muppet0]

@@elainefargo2587 the tension in her hand seems to stem, in most violinists (including me 😅), from stage fright. She definitely has a great stage presence, though!

[@AttilaLothrigel]

She has other great talents, she also plays piano, guitar and has a beautiful voice. See her cover of Metallica's Nothing Else Matters at age 13. It is magical. See her new video singing in French and playing violin, the song Voila. She is amazing!

[@leeklemetti1887]

Do not be too hard on Karolina's left hand. When you look at her beginning she started at age 6, and busking at 7, and danced into our hearts. I have never heard a bow skip, so her bow pressure would be high, as well as her left hand tight That is what carries through in her classical playing. I am sure as she studies her craft those things will disappear. What a wonderful person who has a tremendous memory. (It is said she can learn a pop song in an hour. ) And true, she is gifted, but never shows that off either. Bravo Karoline!

[@nicolasargy7230]

What is the point of musical performance? To give joy and passion to the listener or to have technical proficiency? Which is more important? She has 8.3 million subscribers. You decide.

[@sonja4186]

She must have some techniques otherwise she could n't play the violin

[@nicolasargy7230]

@@sonja4186 8.3 million people enjoy her technique even if Murphy finds it flawed LOL

[@AttilaLothrigel]

The conductor would not have picked her if he didn't think she would be up to it and Ray Chen would not have helped her prepare if he didn't think highly of her

[@phantasmal914]

To a certain extent it’s also to better yourself as a musician, to be one of the greatest. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with constructive criticism that can help her grow to be not just a very young and gifted player, but one of the names people 100 years from now will remember as a great violinist.

[@classic014]

Yea she’s reaching the audience so it doesn’t really matter… but like she doesn’t have a professional classical sound. I don’t see why you wouldn’t want to get getter

[@joannathatcares]

This was awesome thank you!

[@SaruNinja]

i appreciated the nuance and depth of your commentary, pointing out things like rhythmic consistency, interpretation decisions, and points of emphasis in phrasing. and i especially enjoyed your high-level overarching commentary throughout on things like what it means to be "pro", the concept of using musicality to inform technique rather than vice versa, and your recurring point about development and growth over time (especially your conclusion section in the last few minutes of the video). it's very easy to get locked into this notion of being "good" or not, or being a child prodigy or otherwise "gifted", but at the end of the day i believe the goal should be to continually hone one's skill and craft, and it was clear that your critique came from a place of genuinely wanting to see that improvement for her. i found your comments insightful and rather encouraging, even for me as an adult learner who is currently still far from this level. being "good for " is impressive, but that shouldn't be the end of it. i was lowkey hoping you'd cover the fast and highly technical 3rd movement too, but your analysis of the 1st gave plenty of food for thought. thank you for the upload! :)

[@MurphyMusicAcademy]

Haha, I thought I might do the whole concerto, but when I realized how long it was going to take just for the first movement I opted for that only

[@zeniktorres4320]

I enjoyed that. You are a great teacher. Watched of many of your videos, and your approach, the angle you explain things from is, from my perspective, not very common. Continue to do what you're doing. She is very good, i think I've been watching her since she was 13, amazing.

[@notmyworld44]

I have professional experience in violin, 'cello, and double-bass. Haven't touched my violin in quite and long while but I used to try to play this piece. I enjoyed your play-by-play commentary very much and learned from it.

[@joshablatzheim9075]

And in "Viola" ? 🤔 Kind regards 🙋‍♂️

[@notmyworld44]

@@joshablatzheim9075 Well, Josh, a 'cello ain't nothin' but a great big viola! 🙂

[@joshablatzheim9075]

@@notmyworld44 all right, Viola me as an Violist,I always say,it is à la Grace Jones Androgyne that Instrument,it is not everyones taste 🤷‍♂️🎻 All the best to you 🍀🍀🍀🎼🎶🎻 and kind regards from L'Europe 🇪🇺 🇩🇪🇨🇵🇨🇭 Border Area, from Black Forest 🇪🇺🇩🇪 to the US 🇺🇲, Yours Josha 🙋‍♂️

[@notmyworld44]

@@joshablatzheim9075 Well, Josh, in 38 years of symphony orchestra performance I never did meet a violist I didn't like.

[@joshablatzheim9075]

@@notmyworld44 there I am relaxed glad for ya 🙏 Kind regards from 🇪🇺🇩🇪 to 🇺🇲 and all the best to you 🍀🍀🍀🙋‍♂️

[@cindylau8797]

I love your channel. Please upload more videos😍

[@jamescooper6724]

Great, loved it, but there is also 'personality' and she is using hers in a delightful way to connect between popular music and classical music and maybe millions who, like me, are not attracted to the violin are now attracted, along with the classical music scene, thanks.

[@toivotraks]

She is not a "child prodigy" and her techniques must be worked on and interpretational maturity comes with years - granted obviously, but she in her teen age is a sparkling "personality prodigy" that is much more important for bridging popular and classical, bringing millions around the world to classical music, doing a classical music world such a service around the planet - at the same time being a popular music idol to millions around the planet. All at barely 15 years old! Great super charismatic musicians like Ray Chen for example can appreciate and support it, while others just concentrate to looking for deficiences in her playing, practically demeaning her. You are a wonderful example of Karolina's power to do classical music a service. And all of this critique is based on assumption of her striving to be a classical top violinist. She has several options and doors open to her for a musical future and a career as a classical violinist may not be her priority at all.

[@kccubing7649]

This piece is is perfect for her. This piece highlights her weaknesses and helps her identify them.

[@delphinium5555]

I know nothing whatsoever about the violin nor do I even play an instrument but do enjoy listening to Karolina and also this gentleman's appraisal of her performance.

[@victoriayuart]

Thank you so much for this amazing video! It opened up a new way of playing and understanding of technique of music! I' super excited to add some of the tips and advice to my own playing and also help me fix that "on/off" vibrato I have. Now I know what's happening with my left hand lol. Please continue to inspire and make amazing videos like these! You're such an amazing and inspiring person!

[@KevinJohnson-tw9ip]

i'm a bass player in the San Francisco Bay Area, and found this video is golden, and very informative.

[@SoundEngraver]

The great thing about classical instruction is that it wonderfully translates to all music styles. Even if Karolina only pursues pop music, a technical thing like a relaxed hand or bow expression will serve her better. But hey, not bad for 15! I don't think I was at her level until much older.

[@MarcioCristianodossantos-jy2hj]

Nossa cara nos na america latina adoremos ele karolina 😍🇧🇷🇧🇷🙋🛹🛹🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷 ela é a melhor violinista que já vi Karolina top cantora tem uma linda voz

[@roguerrerocr]

Great constructive critic, this Will her make even better.

[@shonen84]

I feel Tobiah and Ray Chen would be the perfect good cop - bad cop duo as masterclass teachers for Karolina. So much to learn from watching both videos. Thanks for sharing!

[@fannybuster]

She needs Hilary Hahn ,Learn from the Best

[@MurphyMusicAcademy]

I don't really feel like a bad cop in this case. The things I'm saying are pretty basic when it comes to violin technique and aside from a joke I made about "picking on a teenager playing Mendelssohn" the first things out of my mouth were positive (my exact words: "She recently did a performance of the ENTIRE Mendelssohn concerto, which in an of itself is an incredible feat; "She has incredible stage presence, I'm already very impressed"). All of my critiques were basic and quite mild. If saying someone needs to relax their left hand, watch their rhythms a little closer, use more bow, and not play over the fingerboard is "bad cop" then I'm afraid we all might have trouble learning what we need to learn. Anyway, I'm sure her teacher is working/has worked with her on these things. They may be basic but it can take a long time to develop them to be part and parcel of your playing. Glad you enjoyed the video

[@downtimefun]

Really really enjoyed this episode. I am a super beginner myself learning as an adult for only 4 months, but picking up some tips here. Thank you.

[@CamQTR]

Very interesting, thank you. I think that this format can be helpful to students like myself (learning the Mendelssohn for the first time). Many of your comments would apply to me as well, and I'm nowhere as good as Karolina is. I'm waiting for your review of the next two movements.

[@AttilaLothrigel]

See her encore performance of Cinema Paradiso with orchestra, so beautiful.

[@gregoryperis3975]

Thank you so much

[@HappyG1lmor488]

Love these feedback videos and hearing your insight on playing different parts of these concertos.

[@petecunningham47]

I loved your analysis of Karolina's playing. I love her as a violinist & a person & hope she watches this with it's constructive criticism in a positive way. If she doesn't watch it, I hope her teacher is giving her some of the same help. I believe her personality will allow her to absorb all suggestions in a positive way.

[@tommy124100]

I studied 22 years with a teacher who played Carnegie Hall, Tanglewood, and Austria. Though she taught the Dounis method and studied with George Neikrug, If I had the opportunity to study with Tobian Murphy, I'd have learned 100 times more.

[@user-rh4bz9jf2q]

I know noting of the violin, but appreciate the reactors playing the same or similar notes to illustrate the correct, or more effective or easier way to do it as well as the smoother sounds of the notes in comparison to hers. I enjoyed this video for those reasons. I wonder if this video will increase my listening pleasure. I find it very instructive. Thank you, and, yes, i am one of her fans.

[@anitacestari4949]

She drives his violin as a champion of F1 it is not a low to keep the steering wheel but to reach the goal and she do it She is a marvelous artist and all critics arent only invidious means

[@dirkhoekstra727]

I hope she and her teacher sees this video and responds to it. It's really good advice!

[@googlewhackthis]

How do you not have 10x the subscribers that you do? Amazing watch, thank you!

[@jcthejfreak]

I would consider someone who can play the complete Mendelssohn Violin Concerto at 15 to be somewhat of a prodigy. Or at least very gifted. That's a hard piece.

[@jackburgess8579]

Certainly gifted, but nowhere near a violin prodigy. There are many children around who perform this concerto before they are 13. The genuine prodigies among them do so at a standard that is _beyond_ (merely) "professional," e.g. Chloe Chua, Himari Yoshimura, Christian Li, Leia Zhu, and Teo Gertler.

[@itsirisplays]

@@jackburgess8579 agree, except I think leia zhu isn’t a prodigy at all if you look at her playing when she’s younger. They are all great musicians now, though.

[@jackburgess8579]

@@itsirisplays Leia is _very_ obviously a prodigy. Witness her performances when 9, e.g. of Sibelius's Humoresque #2 with the LSSO under Peter Ash; of mvt 5 of Lalo's Symphonie Espagnole with the National Youth Orchestra of Belgium under Maxim Vengerov; and, when winning the Nutcracker Competition, of mvt 3 of Mendelssohn's violin concerto with the Russian National Orchestra under Ayyub Guliyev.

[@itsirisplays]

@@jackburgess8579 well, even if she's not a prodigy she is very gifted for sure. She plays very well and is a very talented musician now anyways

[@veronikafannon820]

You are such a good teacher! I hope that Karolina will watch this!!! 💕😍

[@veronikafannon820]

@@Musicmanrobert his critique was not to say that she didn't do a good job, she did. He said that she played this concert better than when he played it. She has a lot of courage since this is a very difficult piece. I think Tobias is trying to show how she could get it to perfection. He is not just a teacher but a symphony orchestra musician. 😍

[@MrFoolingyu]

Karolina's playing is soulful. Mechanical players won't draw half as many fans. As with calligraphy, it's the little imperfections that create style and human appeal. Never boring.

[@claytonhall55]

Correct me if I’m wrong but from what I understand, Karolina Protsenko mainly plays by ear and memory.

[@MichaelShingo]

very educational :)

[@polikun2884]

there needs to be a petition for murphy the elite professional to make a recorded performance with orchestra on the Mendelssohn

[@anlingitalia]

Giving feedback is not elitist. Violinists love constructive criticism. That’s how we improve. Karolina probably appreciates it as well. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have come so far already.

[@polikun2884]

if toby posts his video we could give him some criticism for him to improve@@anlingitalia

[@shoppingreviews7755]

He is a teacher who is giving constructive and effective advice. This video is a normal informative reaction video. So why the hate???

[@davidgraham3681]

Love your advice not to make musical decisions based on technical issues, but rather make technical decisions based on musical issues.

[@toivotraks]

This is the best sentence in this video, mirroring the main principle of all great performers and good teachers.

[@kaistinakemperdahl9667]

This was very interesting and useful as I'm practising the same piece. A question: what is the difference between on and off vibrato and using vibrato only as an ornament? I'm asking specifically because I saw an interview with Isabelle Faust on how she researched this concerto for her recording and she said vibrato was used mostly as an ornament only at the time and place Mendelssohn wrote and premiered it. I will listen to that recording and pa close attention to her vibrato to find answers, but if you have the time to answer or would like to make a video on this topic, that would be really interesting.

[@MurphyMusicAcademy]

There is a big difference between vibrating notes at random because you don't have full control over your vibrato technique and choosing to limit your vibrato to specific notes as an ornament. I'm not a huge fan of the latter, but it is a school of thought some violinists ascribe to. It is much different than "on/off" vibrato

[@orin4654]

I'm ready for your Mendelssohn performance next! 😂

[@sonja4186]

I'm sure he can play it. Not a big fan of these reaction video's since they're always so personal, but he probably played this before

[@Lachy7ii]

This was Karolina's first such concert!!! It's easy to criticize anyone! You don't have to compare him to anyone!

[@jungojerry1658]

Maybe she's not doing it exactly the way YOU want, but with nearly two BILLION views, and a net worth of over $13,000,000, I'd say she's doing it in a way that is right for her.

[@jackburgess8579]

If Karolina only performed classical music she would have 108 views and zero income.

[@MadlyMedly]

Thank you

[@thomasdison9818]

I wonder how much her busking, particularly the dancing, has affected the way she plays. I would think it would be more natural to play in a more compressed way with trying to keep a tighter grasp on the violin and bow while she is spinning around.

[@MurphyMusicAcademy]

Some of her movement in the performance was clearly influenced by her dancing in street performances, and I would advise against that in a classical performance. Moving around rarely helps, and if you do you need to stay rooted, rather than lean into one side. My gold standard for how much anyone should move in a performance is David Oistrakh. He was a like a mighty tree with deep roots that could sway gently in the wind. Much more than that and it gets distracting

[@user-ie2bx2dd7e]

The girl has a wonderful arm vibrato!

[@lancevoltron3585]

I feel a bit like this react is the constant voice in my head while I'm playing meanwhile most people around me are like "wow beautiful 😍 " lol

[@MurphyMusicAcademy]

I often tell me students they should imagine my voice in their head while they play, not to yell at them but to constantly remind them of what we worked on in lessons. It’s amazing how many students can play thoughtlessly (I was such a student!! 😬)

[@jackloganbill605]

how long does it take to learn a piece such as the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto?

[@stidinadia1369]

It depends. Beginner can take 5 months just the first movement. Professional one week and already has it

[@ianmac2963]

EXCELLENT presentation and content ... many thanks

[@jimclarke1108]

I know nothing about violin playing, i could hear it in many performances, still she is a wonderful player for a 15 y.o, and will be a master of violin soon enough

[@Paroles_et_Musique]

Not really ;) She is mediocre at classical violin, but she has many other talents, and especially a charismatic and smart family, to make a juicy business running. But violin, no, just listen to any of known violinists kids today, they are galaxies afar.

[@anlingitalia]

Dude. I’m not a Karolina fan per se, but she is definitely not mediocre. If you are looking at the average high school freshman, she is way above average in terms of intonation, rhythm and even phrasing. Perhaps if you attend an elite music school you are expected to play the entire Mendelssohn by 15. Otherwise, this is not the norm. If she continues at this pace, she could definitely get into a decent orchestra. However, I think what ticks people off is that there are sooo many people who are WAY better from both a technical and musical standpoint, but who do not manipulate social media the way she does. Saying she’s mediocre though is just silly. She’s pretty darn good. Only mediocre if compared with other students at the top.

[@anlingitalia]

And all these people impressed that she can “play pop songs by ear”. Ha!

[@Paroles_et_Musique]

@@anlingitalia Sorry, I meant mediocre as "normal", I know that today it has negative value but initially it meant "average", "not very good". But certainly not "bad".

[@gygye]

@@Paroles_et_Musique Mediocre ? this is not fair. watch her performance with Ray Chen: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJ3Ek4SflMitY7Msi=URUkr5fGOwwbe3B4 . Would you do hoola hop while playing violin ?

[@Anonymouss1221]

Have you react to Brett Yang of TwoSet Violin Mendelssohn violin concerto? Please do I want to hear your thought

[@HappyG1lmor488]

That would be great

[@MissTwoSetEncyclopedia]

Another violin teacher made a review of Brett's Mendelssohn's. There are three videos (one for each movement), which are very thorough and interesting. Here is the link to his channel : youtube.com/@SimonStreuffViolinEducation .

[@southofhollywood4199]

I've met her in person when she played at the 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica. I thinks she wants to be a performer like Lindsey Stirling and not a concert violinist.

[@strubelig]

To all the commenters suggesting that he is too hard on her: the better you are, the harder it is to find someone who is both qualified to tell you the truth about your playing, and kind enough to do it without being cruel. His commentary is factual, clear, and precise. This sort of feedback is essential for an artist's growth. I wish I had had a teacher like him when I was learning violin as a child.

[@sonja4186]

He said the video was n't meant for her, bc she has her own teachers. So it's not meant for her growth. It's a bit odd to judge a performance this way. A lot of people enjoy her performance, so just let them, nothing wrong with that. Pointing out her mistakes like that has no value to anyone. Not to her, not to her audience. If he wants to give tips on how to play the violin (and I'm sure he can as a violin teacher) there are other, more positive, ways.

[@juliejules7780]

I think he had a lot of good advice and I appreciate it

[@sonja4186]

@@juliejules7780 he could give the same advise without picking a a well known person apart on the internet. They would just be different kind of video's. What good does it do to get into wether she's a professional or not? What did you learn from that?

[@juliejules7780]

@@sonja4186 he didnt pick her apart. He also complimented her alot. Any master class teacher does the same thing. It's called constructive criticism. You never get better if people only praise you.

[@sonja4186]

@@juliejules7780 this is n't a master class. And he said it wasn't meant for her, bc she has her own teachers.Constructive critisism is her teachers job. And yes he picked her apart by saying she's nowhere near a professional level, even though people enjoy listening to her, and she plays obviously very well. Btw this particular performance was, if i saw it correctly, in a gym so it's obvious no professional show. So why point out that she's not a professional? What did anyone learn from him saying that?

[@shelvikartaatmaja3307]

Would you do Chloe Chua Mendelsohn violin concerto, please?

[@Shasha8674]

If she will play the piece slower it allow more expression and not rush through the piece. Playing slower is harder than playing fast. It is NOT more impressive to play fast which makes it just a bunch of notes. Karolina is awesome! The orchestra person said she wanted it faster on first/3rd movements. She is nervous. She is great for playing in tune. Yes....vibrates on longer notes mostly. Just to memorize all of this is amazing! Interesting....your bowings! Great remarks that are very helpful to make even a better solo. Playing it slower allows more bow. She loves the high notes! Very proud of them! Glad you gave your input! Mg helps muscles relax.

[@Shasha8674]

@@Musicmanrobert He has much to offer a student.

[@emiliamrph]

An incredibly insightful and respectful analysis

[@cfrost87]

For her age, she does play very well. I think she will improve so much more as she continues playing. I'm not sure if she's always so tense or if she's nervous about this piece and that's how it's exhibiting.

[@toivotraks]

I repeat my previous comment - this was her FIRST experience as a soloist of an orchestra in her entire life - so it did have its restrictions due to inexperience with this kind of thing. And she is absolutely relaxed and dancing doing popular music. Just have a glimpse at her Karolina Protsenko Violin channel and have some examples.

[@blueorchid88]

Don't stress too much, especially regarding child prodigy matters. Focus on her love for music. Consider this a master class, and hey, it's a free lesson - embrace feedback with an open mind! 😄

[@jackburgess8579]

>>"Don't stress too much, especially regarding child prodigy matters." This video does not address such matters. It is about a performance by Karolina.

[@blueorchid88]

@@jackburgess8579 Indeed, as I mentioned in the last sentence: treat it as a master class and keep an open mind. Being a child prodigy doesn't make one a master.

[@jackburgess8579]

@@blueorchid88 Karolina is nowhere near to being a child prodigy.

[@blueorchid88]

@@jackburgess8579 I I believe there might be a communication misunderstanding. I never claimed she is a child prodigy. The essence is that being a prodigy or not isn't crucial. The feedback from the violinist is beneficial for all violin players. Embracing a master class is valuable for her and others. Many child prodigies follow diverse paths as they grow up. Life is unpredictable, so follow your heart, passion, and pursue what you desire.

[@jackburgess8579]

@@blueorchid88 Yes, I agree with all that (and I did misunderstand).🙂

[@lemenyves34]

Congratulations for your video! If I may, however, for all her tense left hand, I believe Miss Karolina to have an interesting vibrato. In particular, it involves her fingers more than your's does. Despite some nervousness, it is also using a more varied speed, more specifically towards the low frequencies.

[@louisefrese3826]

At this point and time, Karolina should be seriously thinking in which direction she wishes to take her talent, that being an entertainig violinist or a true classical violinist. Not an easy decision but it is difficult to change and perfect later. One direction will last a lifetime. No one should mismanage or direct her course as so often happens. I wish her happiness in her decisions.

[@gygye]

I agree with you,, Karolina playing pop music violin is a nuisance to her progress in classical violinist. But still, being abble to play both demonstrates great talent. Personnaly, I do prefer classical music.😊

[@artaxAF]

I'd love to see you analyze the technique of an old time fiddler like Tommy Jarrell. Genuinely curious how that would go.

[@cweeks5211]

What a fantastic commentary! Also, when I see comments that start with "FYI" it makes me cringe so hard.

[@MurphyMusicAcademy]

She has a lot of die hard fans. I expect a lot of that in the comments. Glad you enjoyed it😊

[@toivotraks]

OK - I'll take away the FYI - so you won't cringe too hard. But your cringing just doesn't change the facts unfortunately. And the facts have absolutely nothing to do with being or not being her fan.

[@cweeks5211]

@@toivotraks Using FYI is condescending. Your “facts” are opinion. It’s very simple to understand that. What’s also apparent is your confirmation bias.

[@cweeks5211]

@@MurphyMusicAcademy Fan is short for “fanatic.” Fans, especially those drawn to Taylor Swift and the like, are the bane of the world. I get a lot out of your videos! Thank you so much for posting them!

[@toivotraks]

​@@cweeks5211 OK - one last time. I'm not English-speaking person, it actually is my third language if not fourth even and I see very many people using it in written English - so sorry if this very common abbreviation offended you. Second - putting a word "facts" in parenthesis doesn't change them a bit or turn them into opinions. It is very simple to understand that. I really don't know what you mean about "confirmation bias"? I seem not to remember having confirmed anything, even less with bias. Sorry, but I see a very one-sided unfounded arrogance here. Greetings from Europe! Bye - have a nice unbiased week ahead!!

[@infinitebeings1985]

Good advice 👍

[@AmandaViolinGirl]

I could read music as a child long before I started violin as an adult 48 years old.

[@elisabethsweet5643]

I don't mean to burst anyones bubble here but I want to join in the discussion about whether Karolina can make it as a classicial soloist, I think there are 4 things you have to have to be able to do that 1st You need an orchestra - She has that 2 You need a venue - She has that 3 You need a Platform - She has that on KZbin 4 She needs an audience - She has that in spades Now I want you all to search Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto by view count on YT, you find all the big guns Ray, Hilary, Janine Julia etc, all with videos that took many many years to reach their view counts, then Twoset arrive that has 1.8m views in over a year, very nice, then what is this? whaaat there is Karolina Protsenko with 1.2m views in 1 MONTH only, then she appears a few more times and eventually you get down to Chloe Chua at 444k in 4 YEARS. So my point is she has probably already made it as a classical soloist she has everything she needs already. I mean you guys who don't like her are all here and those that love her are all here talking about Karolina Protsenko playing classical. Murphy is here not reviewing Chloe Chua, David Garret's Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto at 16, he's here talking about Karolina. So to sum up, there is nothing to stop her already being a classical soloist, all the videos of her performing it go viral and that's all she needs. If you think a record label will not touch her think again, they will fight over her because she already has the audience and support, have a nice day all.

[@jackburgess8579]

>>"So my point is she has probably already made it as a classical soloist" Your point is complete nonsense.

[@jackburgess8579]

@@victorhugocampos2823 Yea, sure, it is an unavoidable truth that Karolina has already made it as a classical musician. What other pearls of wisdom can you share with us? That the earth is flat perhaps? No one reviles Karolina. It is merely the preposterously delusional claims made about her classical prowess by know-nothing fans (and her parents) that attract criticism.

[@jackburgess8579]

@@victorhugocampos2823 The public's favourite restaurant is MacDonald's. That is why they are obese.

[@jackburgess8579]

@@victorhugocampos2823 >>... entre los millones de seguidores de Karolina hay Miles y Miles de profesores de música, músicos profesionales y aficionados." Delusional. Not one person of any standing in the classical world has ever commented on any of Karolina's videos more positively than does Tobias Murphy here. You are so ignorant - so _wilfully_ ignorant, since you could cure yourself in about an hour if you weren't so perversely obstinate - that you don't even have the slightest grasp of what the classical music world is.

[@jackburgess8579]

@@victorhugocampos2823 As I said, you are wilfully ignorant. I have nothing but contempt for you.

[@juliejules7780]

This is one of my fav vids from you. So much good advice. I can't stand most master classes cuz they only review people who already play it perfectly so their advice is only interpretation advice not technical. Ok so if everyone played it with the same interpretation would it be interesting if everyone played it the same??🤮

[@ad_9925]

Chloe Chua plays really, really well.

[@jinxjade11]

hi, im 14 and ive been playing violin for 2 years starting in February. ive been practicing vibrato for 2-3 months, do you have any tips for me? i relaize im tense in my left hand when i do it and i tend to squeeze because im trying to go fast and i get overwhelmed 😅. also do you have any tips for reducing left hand tension in general, and how to stay on beat/rhythm? its a bit hard to use a metronome when i practice. let me know if you have any questions to give me better feedback😊(just started going into 3rd position)

[@sonja4186]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJiQqoeaqN15pbssi=RD2KOiKvF-kaaTNP

[@classic014]

Hey Ik I’m not Murphy, but I started around the same time as you, at 12, and learned vibrato at 13. My teacher taught me this, he was the concert master for the cities orchestra (just to establish credentials cause who would take advice from a random comment) but the trick is: put ur metronome at like 60 and practice moving your finger toward and away from you. Do this at quarter notes and then eighth notes. Focus on controlling every movement in your hand and being relaxed. Do this on all your fingers. And once you get control of it change the speed. I had the same tension problem as you and just slowing down and actually learning the motion and focusing or relaxing is the best solution. I had really sporadic vibrato before this and even during doing this exercise. But it’s probably the best exercise for developing vibrato.

[@jinxjade11]

@classic9120 thank you, I've gotten better these last 2 months since i commented!!! thanks again!

[@classic014]

@@jinxjade11 that’s great

[@coopersmith1]

2:36 am here in australia

[@Defianthuman]

I watched the original video and didn't notice but is she even reading the sheet music or is she just using memory, like she does on the street? Also, I wonder if the tight hand is because of the extremely high speed pop she is used to playing.

[@kingnerri]

Very constructive reactions and criticism. Thank you Prof.

[@alanluckystripesb3706]

She has a talent that goes beyond sitting and playing a piece of music. Her street performances are oftimes quite magical. Thank you for your critique though.

[@oxoelfoxo]

❤

[@practicepatch3506]

You're comments are good and useful for me, but I still think she's an amazing playing for her age! That's a difficult piece (not that I'm anywhere near attempting it!)! I guess too she was quite nervous.

[@dgmullin1]

I watched the original video and I did think the orchestra hindered her at times, which led to some of the tempo / rhythm inaccuracies. Hard also to know which interpretation choices were hers vs her teachers. Anyway you can cleraly see the latent talent is there and hopefully she continues to study & develop her classical technique even if the pop stuff makes more money / fame.

[@jaimeviolin]

Pls do Brett's mendelssohn (twoset violin)

[@rafaelmarttins7970]

I didn’t find your mendelssohn concert video anywhere. I would like to see it.

[@jackburgess8579]

You would be better off watching a performance of this violin concerto by an elite child violinist, such as Chloe Chua.

[@StraivtorS]

This is the first time I've watched your video. And to be honest, I kind of disliked your manners at first. But then you made me love you as a teacher at the very end. Thank you.

[@stevenmeyer9674]

A good teacher is usually hard and also demanding.

[@Michael300winmag]

I didn't know that playing violin and commenting on different Violinists is like photography, commenting on other photos and their compositions. But everything still sounds great whenever war happens and like photos, everything has a story behind it besides how it was captured or played (Violin).

[@flagella1337]

I lol'd when Ray Chen's pic showed up haha.

[@sarahoefs8296]

Hopefully she doesn't regret any of her days & still has a chance to swim or favorite past time to unleash those tensions... Pray she has the best counselors! Yes' array of them~ Olympics style.. Fortunate young lady, hope to follow her a few decades & she'll be teaching her own & others 🙏🎉 💡

[@wolkewolke7704]

for me she plays with incredible soul ... and that is much more important than if everything is abolutely perfect ... 99% of the people will not ever hear the difference.

[@elainefargo2587]

She plays with a free spirit. I actually appreciated her not stuck to one position and assuming different positions, it just makes her interesting as all her viewers can confirm. It’s refreshing she doesn’t have to be a repeat of everyone else, thankfully.

[@stevenmeyer9674]

In other words you have no idea what you are listening to, but you are a fan.

[@eccles99]

He makes some good observations here about "on-off vibrato", but here's the thing... I kind of like the sound of "on-off vibrato". Even if it's not stylistically appropriate for Mendelsohn, it can be a beautiful sound. I realize that Protsenko may not always be doing the "on-off" with musical intention-- but at the same time I would argue that she does do it with some musical instinct. And sometimes instinct can be a substitute for intention. Anyway, this is a really great video. I think Mr. Murphy's "not-quite-master-class" videos are fascinating. Actual "master class" videos often seem boring to me--- because there's nothing really to criticize.