Create "A-Ha!" Moments by Perfecting Violin Left Hand and Bow Arm Positions!
I started this Squidoo Lens in hopes of sharing some of what I have found useful when teaching (especially studies)...but more importantly as a way for us to build a continuous, growing source of valuable teaching aids for both string teachers and students. I hope you will share your thoughts, opinions, and most of all helpful tips, to build this into the best resource available to string teachers and students online.
I have been playing the violin since I was a child, and teaching since 2001. I was teaching in a violin shop, but recently moved to my home. I love the time I get to spend with my students - and I love to share teaching ideas with others who share this passion. My best days are those filled with "A-ha!" moments during a lesson. Let's help each other find more "A-Ha!" Moments!
Top 10 Method Books
Let's build a top 10 list of necessary resources to help our students develop.
I've started the list with my favorite books - vote if you like a choice - add to list if you have a book that you think every student should own. You can click purchase these books from Amazon.com - or find them at Sheet Music Plus by Clicking Here
Kreutzer - 42 Studies or Caprices: Violin Method
A must-have for the serious violin student, these more...1 point
Double-stop Studies for the Violin Op 96 by Richard Hoffmann
I like this book for Double stops as it starts wit more...1 point
Suzuki Violin School Volume 1 - Revised Edition (Book & CD) (Suzuki Violin School, Violin Part) by Dr. Shinichi Suzuki
Okay - Let's Call this Suzuki Books 1 through 4 - more...0 points
Mel Bay presents Sensible Scales Plus! For Violin and Fiddle by Julianna Waller
Each skill section in this excellent resource for more...0 points
Introducing The Positions - Volume 1
Introducing The Positions For Violin, Vol. I (Thir more...0 points
Everyone has an opinion about Suzuki
The battle begins
(or continues) HERE
Add your opinion below!
Suzuki Method: To Teach or Not to Teach?...That is the question
Is the training to become a teacher worth the result? Are the students capable of joining an orchestra? Shouldn't students learn to read music right from the start? Do group lessons give each student the focus they deserve, or does it breed poor habits? The debate is on!
Is Suzuki the best teaching method?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand bySuzuki IS the best method!
Steve says:
Suzuki Method presents a teaching method that systematically helps the student violinist progress properly through all the necessary techniques for playing well. I don't agree that it is only useful for younger children as teens and adults develop well through the method also.
Posted December 24, 2009
Dolores Wilson says:
Suzuki teaching gives the very child a good beginning. This makes him outstanding at a young age. Few Suzuki students quit the violin and those who do go into demanding professions.
Posted July 03, 2009
No way, there are better options available today!
Clete Davis says:
The Suzuki materials are the best thru book #4, but I don't like the Method except for children under the age of five. After book #4, the student needs to go off into Kreisler encore pieces and other materials not found in the Suzuki books. Wohlfahrt books #1 & #2, and then Kreutzer 42 Etudes are the backbone of technique building.
Posted June 25, 2009
JacquieJ says:
I admit, I was taught in school using the Suzuki Method - but when I started to teach, I decided that my students needed to learn to read the notes right from the start. I use the Suzuki books - the progression of what is taught is natural, but don't use the method
Posted June 13, 2009
ViolinStudent says:
I'll come down on the No Way side only because so many teachers are so adamant in the way they teach and present Suzuki. I understand that it is a process, and I understand that listening is important. Read my article at http://ezinearticles.com/?Suzuki-or-Not-Suzuki-...That-Is-the-Question:--A-Discussion-of-Violin-Study-Methods&id=203105 to get my thoughts
Art Haule
http://www.violinstudent.com
http://www.squidoo.com/fiddlesticks
Posted June 11, 2009
Reward them with Stickers!
I like to reward my students with a sticker when they master a solo or study!
The BEST studies...
Knowing the best books isn't enough...which are the best studies AND WHY!
Ever try to correct a very specific problem that a student continually repeats at every lesson. I have found certain studies to correct a number of issues that I would like to share - please add to the list and vote on those you have tried and find work well!
Students: take a look - maybe there is a solution for a problem you have been trying to correct.
1
Wohlfahrt Op. 45 Sixty Studies Book 1: STUDY #13
Mrs. R's ALL TIME favorite study! Goal is to keep tone equal for the 3 beat dotted half note and the 4 16th notes played first at the tip and alternating to the frog in every other measure. I use this study to work on straightening the bow arm, utilizing the right wrist fully in each bow, and reminding students to push the right wrist forward (to complete their "figure 8" motion) when reaching the tip. For beginning students I utilize this same bow pattern , playing only open A and E strings, ad...2 points
2
Kreutzer 42 Studies or Caprices: STUDY #3
Position "crawl" from 1st to 6th, intonation & a variety of bowing patterns make this study a must for every advancing student2 points
3
Wohlfahrt Op. 45 Sixty Studies Book 1: STUDY #18
"Pinky Curl" correction and strength excercise. This study is also great for loosening the muscles in the student's left hand in preparation for Vibrato. Full, straight bow usage and distribution are key - so this is a "well rounded" study. Depending on student's level, notes per bow can be reduced to 6 per bow or 2 per bow for the novice.1 point
4
Introducing the Positions Volume I: STUDY #128
Harmonic Etude is the best study I've found for practicing the natural harmonics. Great study for intonation as the shifts are well placed throughout. This study is also great for reducing the "pinky curl" and straightening the left wrist if students bend when crossing to the E string.1 point
5
Finger tapping (not in a book)
Builds finger strength. Start on the A string - with 1st finger down throughout, Tap the 2nd finger (C#) once; Tap 2 & 3 together once; Tap 2, 3, & 4 together once; Now keep 1st & 2nd down and tap 3rd once; then 3rd & 4th together once; Next the 1, 2 & 3 are down and you tap the 4th finger once. The pattern is repeated at least 10 times - and then should be played on the other strings. The goal is to gain speed. Fingers should be "heard" tapping on the fingerboard1 point
6
Viva Vibrato STUDY #6A String Polishing
When done correctly, this really allows the student to loosen their arm - key to this exercise is maintaining the relationship between thumb and 3rd finger (or whichever finger being used) when returning to 1st position. At the end of each "polish" I tell my students to pretend the finger they are polishing with has "Super glue" on it so they "plant" the finger on the fingerboard while continuing to rock. Motion should be from the arm - not the wrist!1 point
7
Wohlfahrt Op. 45 Sixty Studies Book 1: STUDY #1
Great "First" study to add to an all solo repertoire - this study allows the student to sight read without any "finger numbers" over the notes, it's great for intonation, and bowing patterns can be chosen to enhance new rythms and bowings that appear in advancing solos.1 point
Recital and Concert Invitations
Completely Customizable cards that are sure to bring a crowd to your performance!
What's your Opinion?
I started violin lessons through our school district in 3rd grade, but today U.S. schools seem to wait until 4th or more often 5th grade to begin string programs (if they offer them at all), but what is best for the students?
Great Resources
I've compiled some of the most useful websites I've found.
- Best site for Sheet Music: Sheet Music Plus
- Buy Solos, Piano accompianment parts, Play along books with CDs, Study & method books and more...
- Southwest Strings - String Instruments & Accessories
- Buy instruments, bows and accessories. I find them to have the BEST prices on strings (and you should always have at least one extra full set in your case at all times.
- Shar Music - String Instruments & Accessories
- Buy instruments, bows, cases and accessories. From Music stands and Shoulder Rests to rosin, peg dope and mutes, Shar has a great inventory of everything you need to keep on playing
- American String Teacher Association
- Teachers and students are welcome to join this organization that supports string & orchestra teaching and playing.
- Instrument Insurance
- It's hard to find an insurance company that will insure string instruments. I use Merz Huber - and with my ASTA memebership, i secure a great rate!
- The String Centre - String Instruments & Accessories
- The "orchestra" side of Woodwind & Brasswind - you can purchase instruments, accessories and classroom aids
- Another great site for Sheet Music: J. W. Pepper
- JW pepper offers a large online selection of sheet music for church choirs, concert & marching bands, and orchestras. Buy sheet music online at JW Pepper
- Last Resort Music (Sheet Music for Duets, Trios & other Ensemble groups)
- Last Resort Music - Sheet Music, Solos, Ensembles, Strings, Woodwinds Brass, Wedding, Chamber
- Play Along CDs
- Mrs R. loves these Dowani CDs, the music comes with play along CDs in 3 tempos: slow, medium & concert speed. In addition, the music does not contain tempo markings, allowing students to write them in by listening to the CDs, or just "feeling" the music to see where they belong.
- San Francisco Symphony Kids Site
- A fun site for learning - check it ou!
- String Instruments & Accessories
- From JacquieJ in my feedback section below - she recommends you check this site out for your instruments & accesories! (Thanks Jacquie!)
- Violin Practice Guide
- Came across this site and TOTALLY agree with these practice tips - take a look!
Movies that inspire students to play more
Music of the Heart (Miramax Collector's Series)
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $13.49 (as of 12/26/2009) 
Fun String Instrument T's
Just had to include these cool Zazzle shirts.
Like a design, but want to change the shirt style or color - not a problem, you can choose from over 250 shirt options!
The most popular shirt:
"I Broke my G String"
For Violin
For Viola
For Cello
Other Great shirts:
Feedback - Please!
Love to hear (or just read) your thoughts on my Lens!
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- Kids Video Kids Video Dec 8, 2009 @ 5:01 am
- Great Lens!!!
http://www.sillybus.net
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- sandyspider sandyspider Nov 30, 2009 @ 6:59 pm
- I wanted to play the violin but didn't get the chance. Nice lens.
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- Pukeko Pukeko Nov 2, 2009 @ 1:09 am
- Congratulations, this lens has been selected as lens of the month for November 2009 on
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- Pukeko Pukeko Oct 15, 2009 @ 11:28 pm
- Hi, I came back for another visit now that I have my wings. Squid angel blessed.
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- mukunda22 mukunda22 Aug 12, 2009 @ 7:16 pm
- I never taught violin, but certainly have taken my share of lessons!! I always read music until the time came when I kept telling my subconscious mind that all I ever wanted to do was play my violin by ear.
One day it happened and I wept tears of joy!!
Nice to see you here on Squidoo!! A hearty welcome to you, and keep coming back and make more lenses!!
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- JoyfulPamela JoyfulPamela Jul 19, 2009 @ 1:16 pm
- Hi - wanted you to know I added you to my lensroll, also. (I just figured out how!) I think the two complement each other nicely!
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- JoyfulPamela JoyfulPamela Jul 17, 2009 @ 5:32 am
- Thank you for the comments on my string page! It means more seeing you are a music teacher also! I love this lens!
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- RomyWhite59 RomyWhite59 Jul 12, 2009 @ 5:46 pm
- Great site. It's always nice to see what other's are doing. I am going to recommend the Recital and Concert Invitations to all my students, they are so creative.
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- bdkz bdkz Jun 19, 2009 @ 8:04 pm
- Very cute!
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- Mrs_R Mrs_R Jun 19, 2009 @ 7:03 pm | in reply to Wysiwigs
- Thanks for stopping by - it's never too late to start learning an instrument, it's fun, relaxing and uplifting! I have taken on new students as old as 72. Don't let the opportunity pass you by!
- Load More
by Mrs_R
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