Heigo Rosin plays anything that can be struck

Heigo Rosin, Estonia’s first percussionist with a doctorate, says he plays any instrument that can be struck, though the marimba is one of his favourites. He spoke to ERR’s Ringvaade programme about his music, teaching and the influence of karate on his playing.

Rosin said he pursued his doctorate mainly for himself, because it allowed him to study a subject in much greater depth. He competed on the Klassikatähed programme in 2013 and has since become a father of two. He said he has spent much of that time making music and teaching.

As a student, Rosin practised the marimba barefoot because he liked feeling the sound through his feet. He said the instrument produces a lot of vibration. His own marimba cost more than 20,000 euros, and he believes he has earned back its price through concert performances.

Rosin explained that the marimba should not be touched by hand: slightly acidic sweat can wear away the surface of its keys over time and cause the instrument to go out of tune. The instrument is made from Honduran rosewood.

Rosin practised karate actively for years, but stopped after injuring his knee meniscus before competing on Klassikatähed. His last belt exam was in 2009. He said he regularly uses karate stances while playing the marimba, especially when he needs a wide reach, and that combining the two works well.