PHILIP A. DRAGANOV

Bern University of the Arts

Philip A. Draganov is Professor of Violin at the Bern University of the Arts (HKB). In this role, he enters an outstanding pedagogical tradition associated with names such as Max Rostal, Igor Ozim, and Monika Urbaniak – a great honor and at the same time a responsibility to continue this lineage at the highest level. Today, HKB ranks among the most prestigious arts universities in Europe.

The Draganov Method

Intensive Mentorship – Weekly Presence

After more than 40 years of international concert experience as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral player, Philip A. Draganov has shifted his focus almost entirely to teaching. His goal: to devote maximum time, availability, and personal attention to his students, preparing them thoroughly for professional careers in music.

During the semester, Draganov is present on campus in Bern three days a week, providing consistent, hands-on guidance to his students.

Individual and Group Instruction

1. Individual Lessons

Each student receives a weekly one-on-one lesson of 75 to 90 minutes, depending on their degree program – sometimes with, sometimes without piano accompaniment.

2. Group Instruction

• Regular practice teams within the class
• Three different group sessions with varying focus areas

Technical Class – The Foundation of Training

Draganov places the highest value on a daily “fitness workout” for both left and right hands. The content is based on his system outlined in his book A Violin Technique System of the 21st Century. This continuously evolving collection of methods is exclusively available to former, current, and future students and blends the best of American, Russian, and various European violin traditions.

Each student receives a tailored technical program, specifically designed to address individual needs, close gaps, and develop skills to the highest level.

In the technical class, students work on:

• Scales, triads, double stops
• Individual exercises
• Etudes (e.g. Kreutzer, Rode, Dont, Gaviniès)
• Caprices (e.g. Wieniawski, Paganini, Ernst)

“When technique is solidly built, it should remain inseparably linked to music in the repertoire – that is the goal.”

Orchestral Excerpts Class

Targeted training in orchestral excerpts to prepare students for professional auditions. Over the course of study, they work through approximately 70 tutti passages and 10 solo excerpts.

Performance Training and Studio Classes

Regular internal performances – with or without piano – are a core element of the Draganov Method. These informal concerts provide valuable feedback and inspiration for the next stage of development.

In more than 85% of cases, frequent performance reduces stage fright dramatically. By performing often, students no longer see playing for an audience as an exception, but as a natural and rewarding part of their studies. The goal: performing should become a pleasure.

Masterclasses: “Draganov Studio Meets…”

Once or twice per academic year, Draganov invites internationally recognized violinists, soloists, or distinguished teachers to give short masterclasses with his students at HKB – providing invaluable artistic insight and fresh perspectives.

Piano Collaboration

A close partnership between Philip A. Draganov and staff accompanist Anna Draganov is another cornerstone of the program.

As the official pianist of the Bern University of the Arts, Anna Draganov prepares students thoroughly for lessons and performances. She accompanies:

• All studio classes and class concerts
• External recitals
• National and international competitions featuring the violin studio

Public Concerts

• On-campus concerts: About once per month, the violin studio performs a public concert in the main hall of HKB.
• External performances: Concerts at venues such as the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz, in Tertianum residences, and in collaboration with various foundations.