Welcome, my friends: Very briefly, I have done 25 years of professional string- quartet playing, and 20 years of teaching violin and viola, with successful students exercising the profession. I have devised an original system of developing vibrato for young students, based on the human pulse - our heartbeat - which has been published in specialised media such as The Strad, (April 2000). You are welcome to my expertise on fingering, bowing, stance, and relaxation techniques. 75 years old, I am now semi-retired and have time to help out wherever this is needed. For instance, many editions carry appallingly outdated fingerings, to serve musical tastes of the first half of this century. All this has changed dramatically and should be reflected through a more modern approach. In this age of original sounds and digital recordings, playing on normal violins and violas should be adjusted accordingly. If you share this view, don't hesitate to get in touch. I can communicate in English, German, Spanish, and understand Italian, Portuguese and French.

On the photo, John Krakenberger plays the unique STRADIVARIUS viola, belonging to Spain, at the Royal Palace in Madrid, at a rehearsal. This viola forms part of the singular quartet, all instruments having the exceptional purfling of ebony and mother of pearl inlays and with ornaments all around the ribs.