Markov’s pedagogy rests on several unique principles:
: Most exercises are designed so that the left and right hands participate in a single process. For example, left-hand position changes are often analyzed in conjunction with specific bow-stroke impulses. Bow Control & Relaxed Joints
A key component of Markov’s method is the mental preparation behind the physical act. He encourages students to visualize the fingerboard and the "shape" of a phrase before a single note is played. This reduces performance anxiety and increases intonation accuracy.
Underneath, a single, impossible instruction: "Play the rest of your life in 5/4 time."