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Paul Rolland String Pedagogy Workshop 2025

Hosted by The Paul Rolland String Pedagogy Society

at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

In-Person or Online

June 22–28, 2025

Workshop Links

About the Workshop

Based on the revolutionary book and films by Paul Rolland: The Teaching of Action in String Playing. This workshop offers a deep dive into Paul Rolland’s groundbreaking string pedagogy, providing participants with valuable techniques and expert insights applicable alongside any stringed instrument method, teaching environment, and with students of any age.

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Workshop Highlights:

  • Certification Program:

    • Full Workshop participants earn Level 1 Endorsement towards Certification in Paul Rolland String Pedagogy.

    • Previously Level 1-Endorsed participants may pursue Level 2 Endorsement (in-person only).

  • Flexible Attendance Options:

    • Attend in person or online—synchronously or asynchronously.

    • Sessions are delivered live for in-person participants.

    • Sessions required for Level 1 Endorsement will be live-streamed via Zoom.

    • Recordings of all Level 1 Endorsement sessions will be available for 8 weeks after the workshop.

  • Accommodations and Meals (visit our registration page to book):

    • Options include university dormitories (Allen Hall) or area hotels for in-person participants.

    • All workshop sessions will take place in Allen Hall

    • Allen Hall dormitory rates

      • Shared room for two people, 7 nights: $275 per person

      • Single room for one person, 7 nights: $415 per person

    • Meals will be available in the Allen Hall cafeteria

      • Prepaid meal plan includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Monday–Saturday, June 23–28: $225 per person

      • Meals are only available as a full-week package. Single-day or drop-in meals are not available. 

      • Allergy and diet restrictions can be accommodated.

    • Parking is available at garage F29 at the corner of Gregory and Dorner by Allen Hall

      • Sunday through Sunday, June 22–29: $58 per vehicle

  • Registration Deadlines

    • In-Person Participants
      The deadline to register for in-person attendance, including housing, meals, and parking, is Wednesday, June 11. Each item requires a separate registration form, available further down on the registration page.

    • Online Participants
      To receive full access to all live-streamed workshop sessions, online participants must register and submit payment by 5:00 PM CDT on Saturday, June 21.

Required & Recommended Materials

Bonus: All participants will receive a 50% discount code to rent or purchase The Teaching of Action in String Playing films.

Workshop Schedule Overview (US Central Time)

  • Sunday, June 22: Orientation | 6:00pm–8:00pm

  • Monday–Friday, June 23–27: Daily sessions | 8:15am–5:00pm (with evening events)

  • Saturday, June 28: Morning sessions | 8:30am–12:00pm | Afternoon activity (TBA) | Evening Banquet

All Strings Welcome: Paul Rolland’s Approach for Cello and Double Bass

               While Paul Rolland's approach was originally developed from the violin and viola perspective, the principles and techniques he established are applicable to all bowed string instruments. In fact, Rolland co-authored Prelude to String Playing with Margaret Rowell (cello) and Edward Krolick (double bass), ensuring his pedagogy addresses the unique needs of these instruments.

               The Paul Rolland String Pedagogy Workshop has always placed a strong focus on cello and double bass, recognizing their distinct needs in the broader context of string pedagogy. In 2025, we will continue this tradition with integrated sessions and expert faculty presentations that focus specifically on these instruments. Rolland's principles, designed to promote freedom of movement and ease of playing, are just as effective for cello and double bass as they are for violin and viola. Our workshop offers both an inclusive and instrument-specific approach to applying these techniques in both individual and ensemble settings.

Leadership Team

  • Director: Aaron Jacobs

  • On-Site Director: Rebecca MacLeod

  • Assistant Directors: Mei Chang and Braunwin Sheldrick

  • Legacy Celebration Committee: Gail Rolland, Lynne Denig, Michael Fanelli, Nancy Kredel

In-Person vs Online: what to expect

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Paul Rolland Legacy Celebration – Open to All!
Dates: June 27–28, 2025 — In-Person Attendance Only

The Paul Rolland Legacy Celebration is open to all string educators, musicians, and enthusiasts—whether or not you’re attending the full workshop. This special event honors the life and teaching of Paul Rolland, offering an inspiring opportunity to connect with fellow educators and celebrate Paul Rolland's enduring influence on string pedagogy, education, and performance.

Paul Rolland Legacy Celebration Schedule (Central Time):

  • Friday, June 27

    • 7:30 PM – Concert by Lucia Lin and Sergey Schepkin
      Dessert reception following the concert, sponsored by the University of Illinois School of Music

  • Saturday, June 28

    • 8:15 AM – Welcome & Film "Young Violinists in Action" – presented by Gail Rolland

    • 9:30 AM – "Timeline of Paul Rolland's Legacy" – presented by Michael Fanelli

    • 10:45 AM – "Life With Papa Paul" – Open Forum

    • 11:45–1:15 PM – Lunch at Allen Hall

    • 1:30 PM – Master Class – led by Lucia Lin

    • 3:00 PM – Concert by FRESH APPLES – Peter Rolland and Meryl Brown

    • 5:30 PM – Reception at Krannert Center Lobby

    • 6:30 PM – Banquet at Krannert Center Lobby, sponsored by the University of Illinois School of Music

Registration Details:

  • Guests attending the Legacy Celebration only (not participating in the workshop): $50

  • Workshop participants: the Legacy Celebration is included as part of your Workshop registration.

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Violinist Lucia Lin—internationally acclaimed soloist, chamber musician, and former student of Paul Rolland—brings her connection to Rolland pedagogy to the stage alongside Sergey Schepkin, a Steinway Artist celebrated for his masterful interpretations and global performances.

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Peter Rolland (Paul Rolland's son) and Meryl Brown take the stage as FRESH APPLES, delivering a toe-tapping, feel-good performance featuring fiddle, guitar, and tight vocal harmonies in "fresh" arrangements from folk, country "oldies", bluegrass, cowboy, old-time music, and original compositions—along with good old-fashioned humor, audience participation, and just plain having fun.

What our participants are saying...

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​“This was an inspiring and rewarding week. Superb presentations and masterful organization. Bravi, bravi!"

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“It was certainly an ‘intense’ week but in a really good way! I’m really motivated to review what I learned."

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"Every session & presenter was valuable & prepared & organized. I look forward to incorporating these ideas into my orchestra classes. Thank you!”

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"The presenters were lovely people who I would love to get to know better. I liked the sense of joining a new community."

 

"I found it engaging and inspiring! Thank you for the Workshop!"

 

"I always love reviewing concepts and actions; as a violinist/violist and orchestra teacher, the sessions. on cello and bass were excellent! I loved the fiddle sessions, too. Thank you for the asynchronous option."

 

"Taking the Level 1 Workshop helped me have a more clear understanding of the freedom of movement in playing and musical expression that we are trying to achieve at any point in our musical journeys. Thank you for your hard work and for an incredible week."

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