How do you select the best speed for practice? When I say “slow down,” most students slow down maybe a teensy bit. Maybe even an entire metronome marking. But the majority do not practice violin/viola/cello at a truly SLOW speed. And if they aren’t doing it for me, I know they aren’t doing it at home either.
To find slow, try setting your metronome at 40. That means your quarter note beat will equal the “tick” of the metronome. Now choose one phrase of the piece; let’s say you’re working on Minuet 2 in the Suzuki book. The first phrase is the first two measures of the piece. Work on this phrase over and over with your metronome. Are you right on the beat? Is your intonation good? Are the first and fourth notes exact the same tones as the three notes in the second measure?
Now go over it a few more times, maybe 5 times. Is your left hand relaxed? Is your bow arm moving smoothly and in the correct place? Are your teeth clenched or is your brow furrowed? Relax!
If you’ve done all this, it’s time to move along to the second phrase. Repeat the above. The goal is to learn what “slow” really means. Come to your lesson and show me!
Til next time,
Happy violining
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Last night two of my students, Sherry Keene and Josie Rogers, joined me in playing violin for the "Flowers on the Lake" celebration. This is a remembrance of victims of domestic violence put on by our local Safe House. It is a beautiful concept -- we all put flowers into the water at the end and watch them spread and float away gently.
Anyway, Sherry and Josie both did a great job. We did a medley of Celtic tunes, some of the ones from the first student CD (for those of you who are students, and therefore learn from my CDs.). The point is, these are fairly easy tunes but they make great entertainment pieces. Both Sherry and Josie learn classical as well as Celtic music.
I've set up this blog mainly as a place to post hints for students: practicing, learning, choosing a direction, etc. Please let me know what else you'd like to see. Thanks!
Anyway, Sherry and Josie both did a great job. We did a medley of Celtic tunes, some of the ones from the first student CD (for those of you who are students, and therefore learn from my CDs.). The point is, these are fairly easy tunes but they make great entertainment pieces. Both Sherry and Josie learn classical as well as Celtic music.
I've set up this blog mainly as a place to post hints for students: practicing, learning, choosing a direction, etc. Please let me know what else you'd like to see. Thanks!
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