In this ENCORE Interview for Opus 2 Brandon and Justin speak with violinist Annie Fullard. This conversation is the unabridged version of that heard in the fourth episode: How to Train Your String Quartet. This episode diverges from our standard TCC format, featuring a series of conversations about chamber music pedagogy, the methods used to teach chamber music. In addition to the interview with Fullard, the episode also features a conversation with violist James Dunham, former member of the Cleveland Quartet and Sequoia Quartet. It also includes a discussion amongst all four members of the Skyros Quartet about their favorite coaching memories (as both students and coaches).
Fullard served for 30 years as Artist in Residence at the Cleveland Institute of Music, and currently holds the title of Distinguished Visiting Artist in Chamber Music at the McDuffie Center for Strings at Mercer University. Fullard talks about the fun and creative exercises she and the Cavani Quartet have developed and adopted over the years, as well as her new book that is slated to be released next year called “The Art of Collaboration: A Creative Resource for Chamber Music Rehearsal Techniques & Teambuilding.” She also speaks about the power of music to help us practice empathy, especially in these very difficult and divisive times.