For many years, I have used archery as a powerful and useful image in my violin and viola teaching. String playing and archery have a surprising amount in common, starting with the use of the bow. The violin bow functions like the arrow and the strings on the instrument are similar to the bowstring in archery.
For their greatest success, both require, among other things, calm and focused concentration, excellent posture, precise form, balanced use of left and right arms in different but complimentary functions, and a constant refinement of aim.
Keshet Eilon, a string camp in Israel, builds upon the connection between archery and playing the violin. The founders discovered a striking similarity between violinists and archers in terms of coordination, posture, and use of certain muscle groups, so that violinists achieve remarkable results in archery. The connection between the two disciplines continues to prove itself consistently. All participants are taught archery, which is practiced every day. Several Seattle Symphony musicians have attended Keshet Eilon.
Archery Experience
In my youth, I had some archery experience, which has captured my imagination throughout my life. This summer I realized that archery analogies were such an active part of my string teaching that I decided to relearn it myself. I started with a private lesson and some classes at Next Step Archery and obtained a membership at The Nock Point Archery Center.
After just two months, I have already developed my archery skills to a moderately advanced level. As a result, I discovered that my playing has improved, my posture is better and my mind is more focused. I also am able to share my insights and enthusiasm for the benefits of archery with my students, with noticeable positive effects on their playing as well.
Resources
Next Step Archery – Greater Seattle’s Archery Education Center
22313 70th Ave W, Suite U1A
Mountlake Terrace WA 98043
(425) 977-2770
www.nextsteparchery.org
The Nock Point
22313 70th Ave W, Suite U5A
Mountlake Terrace WA 98043
Pro Shop: (425) 672-8080
Lessons: Next Step Archery (425) 977-2770
www.thenockpoint.com
Keshet Eilon Music Center
Kibbutz Eilon, Western Galilee 22845
ISRAEL
www.keshetei.org.il
Video of Keshet Eilon archery practice
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keshet_Eilon
Suggested Reading
Archery: Think and Shoot Like a Champion by Terry Wunderle
Total Archery: Inside the Archer by KiSik Lee
Zen in the Art of Archery by Eugen Herrigel
