research overview
- Professor Eckert's research and creative activities are focused on accessing the inner voice within. String education has become almost exclusively technically focused, separating the craft of playing from the art of playing. In teaching, the focus this past year has been on the personal investment of the student in their practice - creating a daily routine with the instrument that is internally rather than externally driven - to help the student create a lasting relationship and career with the viola. Creatively this past year's focus has been on recital programming geared towards audience listening and emotional experiences in the concert setting. Recent programs have been themed to give the listener a focus - love, nature, human experience, story telling - the idea is that the intention behind the programming and music making can facilitate a positive atmosphere for the listener to connect more deeply with their inner self. Professor Eckert has also dedicated research towards musical compositions by female composers.