EXTENDED ABSTRACT
Introduction Violin education encompasses various methods aimed at developing technical and musical skills. Among these, the exercises developed by Otakar Ševčík are widely recognized and utilized in professional violin training. However, the applicability and effectiveness of these professional-grade exercises within the context of amateur (recreational) violin education remain a subject of investigation. The primary aim of this study is to examine the impact of the Otakar Ševčík method on the amateur violin education process. Specifically, the research seeks to evaluate the contribution of Ševčík exercises to the technical and musical skills of amateur students, thereby determining whether a method traditionally associated with professional training can be effectively adapted for recreational learners.
Methodology This study employed a quantitative research design, utilizing the "Single Group Pretest-Posttest Experimental Model" to measure the effectiveness of the intervention. The study group consisted of 9 violin students (8 female, 1 male) receiving education at two different amateur music education institutions.
The experimental procedure involved a 10-week application period. During this time, a 90-hour training program based specifically on Ševčík exercises was implemented with the participants. To assess the outcomes of this program, data were collected using a "Violin Performance Skills Observation Form." This instrument was used to measure the students' proficiency levels before (pretest) and after (posttest) the implementation of the Ševčík-based curriculum.
Findings The analysis of the data obtained from the Violin Performance Skills Observation Form revealed statistically significant differences between the pretest and posttest scores of the students. These results indicate that the application of Ševčík exercises led to a measurable improvement in the students' violin performance skills.
A detailed examination of the findings highlights that the exercises contributed significantly to the development of specific technical areas. In particular, substantial improvements were observed in both right-hand (bowing) and left-hand techniques. These findings suggest that the rigorous technical approach of the Ševčík method provides a solid foundation for skill acquisition even in an amateur setting.
Conclusion and Recommendations The research concludes that the Otakar Ševčík method is an effective tool for amateur violin education, demonstrating that its benefits are not limited to professional training. The significant progress observed in the students' technical and musical skills confirms the method's adaptability and value for recreational learners. These results are consistent with other studies found in the relevant literature.
Based on these findings, the study recommends that amateur violin educators incorporate the Ševčík method more extensively into their lessons. By doing so, they can more effectively support the development of their students' technical and musical capabilities. The study underscores the importance of utilizing established technical exercises to enhance the quality of amateur music education.
Keywords: Otakar Ševčík, Amateur Violin Education, Violin Education, Technical Exercises, Bowing Technique