Dr. Claudio Forcada

Developing Intonation in Violin Teaching: From First Principles to Advanced Practice

Intonation is one of the fundamental pillars in violin teaching, yet it is often addressed in a reactive rather than a structured way. This session proposes a progressive and conscious approach to developing intonation from the earliest stages through to advanced levels.

The lecture will begin with core principles related to left-hand setup, exploring how an efficient configuration enables the establishment of stable physical reference points that support accuracy. From there, it will present strategies to help students build both internal and external aural references, integrating perception and action.

The session will include practical applications drawn from the early Suzuki books, with specific examples from Step by Step by Kerstin Wartberg, offering concrete tools for day-to-day teaching.

It will then move on to the systematic study of semitones as a foundation for relative intonation, as well as the use of drones as a resource for developing harmonic listening.

Following this, the session will address work on double stops, including references to Enjoying Violin Technique by Kerstin Wartberg.

Finally, it will demonstrate how to integrate these concepts into more advanced repertoire, connecting foundational technique with musical interpretation.

Dr. Claudio Forcada

Violinist, Music Educator & Researcher

Profile

Experienced violinist, music educator, and researcher with international expertise in instrumental pedagogy, music didactics, and innovative teaching methods. Author, trainer, and speaker with over 30 years of experience in music education and the development of string teaching methodologies.

Education

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) – Birmingham City University (BCU)
Dissertation: Effectiveness of String Teaching and Psychological Aspects in the Acquisition of Motor Skills

Professional Experience

• ESMUC – Barcelona, Spain – Lecturer, Master's in Pedagogy for Musicians | since 2011
• International University of Valencia & Alfonso X el Sabio University, Madrid – Lecturer in String Didactics, Music Pedagogy, Music Research, and Innovation Programs. Founder and Director of the Master's in Instrumental Pedagogy (Alfonso X)
• Studio Forcada – London & Henley-on-Thames, UK – Director | current
• Scherzo Music Workshop – United Kingdom – Founder & Director | current
• International String Biennale – Seville, Spain – Founder & Director | current
• GEAC (Global Education Accrediting Commission) – London, UK – Director of the Evaluation Committee | current
• El Sistema – Portugal & Ad Libitum, Ontinyent – Resident Trainer & Pedagogical Advisor
• Violin Teacher at Spanish Conservatories | 1993–2006

Teaching & Lectures

Over 300 courses and lectures across Europe, America, and Asia, including webinars for universities and musical institutions in Mexico, Canada, India, Cyprus, and the United States.

Publications & Methodology

• 4 manuals on instrumental pedagogy, research, and music education
• 6 video documentaries on the same subjects
• I-Musi methodology for violin – innovative learning system awarded by the Spanish Ministry of Culture

Organization & Projects

• Organized over 50 violin courses and pedagogy seminars in Spain, UK, and France
• Founding member of the charity Children4Music

Awards & Recognition

• "Ernest Newman" Award – Birmingham City University, 2012
• Recognition by the Legislative Assembly of El Salvador for contribution to music education, 2013
• Honorary member of the Spanish branch of ESTA (European String Teachers Association), 2022

Memberships

Member of the European String Teachers Association (ESTA) and other professional music and pedagogy associations.

Studio Forcada – London & Henley-on-Thames | Scherzo Music Workshop – UK | International String Biennale – Seville