Kerstin Wartberg · Arjada Hasanaj · Margherita Biederbick

From Twinkle to Tchaikovsky

Developing Musical Character and Expression from the Beginning

How do musical expression and artistic communication develop in violin playing? This closing lecture explores how expressive playing grows step by step — from the very first sounds and movements to advanced and deeply connected ensemble playing.

Through practical demonstrations and musical examples from different learning stages, the session follows the gradual development of tone production, bow control, breathing and musical flow, phrasing, articulation, vibrato, musical character, and expressive freedom.

Special attention is given to the relationship between breathing, movement, and sound, showing how musical expression can develop naturally through carefully cultivated physical and musical awareness from the very beginning.

From the earliest Twinkle variations to advanced repertoire, students gradually learn to shape musical lines, create contrast and direction, develop different characters, and communicate through sound and shared breathing.

The three presenters demonstrate how technical development and artistic imagination can grow together over many years, eventually leading to expressive and unified ensemble playing.

The lecture concludes with a performance by the Chamber Orchestra of the Aum-Aree Music School in Bangkok, Thailand, performing Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings — demonstrating how these musical and technical foundations can develop into a rich, expressive, and deeply connected ensemble sound.