The mission of the Paul Rolland String Pedagogy Society is to promote Paul Rolland’s legacy of string pedagogy through professional activities such as workshops, clinics, a certification program, and other opportunities for string students, teachers, and performers.
WHAT IS PAUL ROLLAND STRING PEDAGOGY?
The ground-breaking string pedagogy of Paul Rolland is renowned worldwide for its universal application to all levels of string playing, all ages of players and teachers, and all string repertoire. Balanced movements, free from excessive tension allows string players to gain a higher level of musical expression and also learn advanced skills from the start of the learning process.
Incorporating Rolland’s “Actions” into teaching strings increases the teacher’s ability to be successful in their demonstrating and instruction and also gives the student a clear and accessible vehicle for understanding and executing their movements and skills at the highest level possible. Healthy movements create the best sound, and Paul Rolland String Pedagogy allows players to perform at their highest potential, while maintaining relaxed body balance and minimizing injuries.
UPCOMING ENDORSEMENT EVENTS
LEVEL 1
ENDORSEMENT
2025 REGISTRATION
OPEN
June 22 - 28, 2025
Hybrid Workshop at the University of Illinois
After attending a PRSPS-endorsed Paul Rolland String Pedagogy Workshop of at least 17-20 hours,
an attendee is given
Level 1 Endorsement
by the
Paul Rolland String Pedagogy Society.
RATES
First-Time Participant: $500
Previously Endorsed: $300
Student: $250
LEVEL 2 ENDORSEMENT
REGISTRATION OPEN
June 23 - 28, 2025
In Person
at the University of Illinois
Small group instruction at a second PRSPS-endorsed course, during which candidates will meet with a Paul Rolland Mentor. Pre & post-instruction playing videos, textbooks, journal submission and final teaching evaluation will be required.
Non-Refundable Application Fee: $15.00
Tuition: $550.00
(minimum 18 yrs of age)
LEVEL 3 ENDORSEMENT
REGISTRATION OPEN
July 21 - 26, 2025
Online
Small group instruction at a third PRSPS-endorsed course, during which candidates will meet with a Paul Rolland Mentor, including one half-hour private lesson. Pre & post-instruction playing videos, journal submission and final teaching evaluation will be required.
Non-Refundable Application Fee: $15.00
Tuition: $550.00
LEVEL 4 ENDORSEMENT
REGISTRATION OPEN
July 14 - 19, 2025
Online
Small group instruction at a fourth PRSPS-endorsed course, during which candidates will meet with a Paul Rolland Mentor, including two half-hour private lessons. Pre & post-instruction playing videos, journal submission and final playing & teaching evaluation will be required.
Non-Refundable Application Fee: $15.00
Tuition: $550.00
“Not a single moment did I feel it was too much or too hard – because it’s so inspiring to learn this approach and the mentors are so wonderful. It was a wonderful opportunity for which I am truly grateful.”
Endorsement Candidate, 2020
“Every time I’ve attended a Rolland workshop, I come away feeling inspired, motivated, and empowered/equipped to apply the Rolland actions in my own playing and teaching. There’s always more to learn – love the depth of study that can be applied to lifelong music making and teaching.”
Endorsement Candidate, 2020
"I found the exercises for high, middle, and low positions to be beneficial. It helped me find the most comfortable and practical position for my hand in each range so that I wasn't straining and could easily reach each spot of the fingerboard. I was also able to find the right rotation for my elbow and shoulder so that my hand and fingers didn't feel uncomfortable in high positions. It was interesting to explore the relationships between my fingers, hands, elbow, and shoulder so that they work together and so that shifting to each part of the fingerboard is efficient."
High School Student, 2021
"Since I play bass, I am more aware of my lower body than the rest of the orchestra because they all sit down. Even so, I never paid attention to moving my lower body in the same way as I move my upper body. I found it so fascinating how my tone quality and playing improved when I relaxed and didn't have locked knees. It was a great review of movement and fluidity when playing my instrument."
High School Student, 2021
High School Student, 2021
"I always thought that movement came from inside you and how much you enjoyed the music. However, movement can significantly change the way you play."
“And by the way, I’m so thrilled. Paul Rolland has revolutionized how I teach left hand to my 4th graders. I just about died today at Park View. Everything looked PERFECT!!! I couldn’t believe it! I wish you could have seen it. I was so excited!“
Level 2 Endorsement Candidate, 2021
Once again thank you for a wonderful course, I am reminded of your wisdom every day as I implement my new knowledge with my students."
Level 2 Endorsement Candidate, 2021
Thank you to our 2025 sponsors
Support Paul Rolland String Pedagogy
The Paul Rolland String Pedagogy Society is a sponsored project of Fractured Atlas, a non-profit arts service organization.
Contributions for the charitable purpose of the PRSPS must be made payable to “Fractured Atlas” only and are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.