The Havas New Approach
Finding the Freedom to Play
The Havas New Approach
The Havas New Approach is not a method in the ordinary sense of the word. It is a unique approach to string playing, focusing on preventing and eliminating tensions and anxieties.
It is a highly organised system which addresses the physical, mental and social aspects of violin playing, although the principles apply equally to other instruments.
A driving rhythmic pulse underlying all movements
Havas’ simple, yet profound insistence on a driving rhythmic pulse underlying all movements and the development of inner musicality by singing and miming creates a truly holistic and ergonomic system.
As tension is released, performance anxiety can be alleviated. The Havas approach requires energy, mental focus and training, but it is not forceful or physically difficult.
Key Benefits of the Havas New Approach:
- Prevents and cures injuries caused by playing
- Relieves tension in the neck, shoulders, left hand and right arm
- Develops the inner ear
- Encourages musical imagination
- Produces a warm and expressive tone
- Improves technical ease (high positions, shifts, fast passages, playing in tune, bowing, etc.)
- Provides a systematic strategy that helps prevent memory slips
- Alleviates stage fright
- Supports performance well being
About Kató Havas
The Havas New Approach was developed by celebrated teacher and author Kató Havas (1920–2018).
It is based on a combination of her background as a child prodigy violinist trained in the Hungarian-European traditions, her deep admiration of the freedom of Romani virtuoso violin playing and her own ground-breaking investigation into the causes and cures of the underlying tensions and anxieties common in string playing.
Publications
Kató Havas is author of “A New Approach to Violin Playing”, “Stage Fright”, and other publications.
All levels of string players, from beginning to professional, can benefit from this unique approach
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“We all have the same aspiration: the aspiration of being able to release the full force of our inherent energy impulses into a powerful musical flow”
-Kató Havas
Kató Havas
Founder