Instructor Opinions on Problems and Solution Suggestions in Gaining Interpretation Skills in Violin Education

Interpretation is a highly important skill in violin education. Acquiring this skill is possible only through the accumulation of knowledge gained at every stage of violin training and over a long period of time. The aim of this study, which employs a qualitative research method, is to identify the problems faced by instructors in gaining interpretative skills and to propose solutions. Within a phenomenological framework, interviews were conducted with eight violin instructors from various universities across Türkiye at the end of the 2022-2023 academic year. The data were collected through a semi-structured interview. According to the results of the study, participants reported several issues in teaching interpretative skills, including insufficient class time, inadequate student preparedness, students not dedicating enough time to interpretative practice, differences in student proficiency levels, and gaps in students’ general music knowledge, musical analysis, and music history. Based on the findings, several solutions were proposed, such as increasing class hours, enhancing violin and bow technique exercises, encouraging students to engage in interpretative studies, eliminating of stage fright and organizing concerts, masterclasses, and student performances.