Super String Instruments!
Super, spectacular symphonic string instruments! Soothingly sing along with the slow, slippery, sliding bow strokes or skip along with the spirited, sparkling, staccato sounds of strings!
Beautiful string instruments have existed far back in human history. The Bible contains the first record of music in Genesis 4:21, "Jubal; he was the father of all who play the harp and flute." String instruments have been created all over the world in many ways and have changed over the years, but they have always been a loved instrument. Have fun learning!
Learn about the string family of instruments in this study unit. Pieces for a String Instrument Lapbook or Notebook are included if you like, or just use the materials, links, and games to start your learning.
Beautiful string instruments have existed far back in human history. The Bible contains the first record of music in Genesis 4:21, "Jubal; he was the father of all who play the harp and flute." String instruments have been created all over the world in many ways and have changed over the years, but they have always been a loved instrument. Have fun learning!
Learn about the string family of instruments in this study unit. Pieces for a String Instrument Lapbook or Notebook are included if you like, or just use the materials, links, and games to start your learning.
Orchestra Series Lenses
Each family of instruments has its own special characteristics ~ come meet the members of each family group!-
Orchestra: Woodwind Family Lapbook Unit
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Wonderful wild whistling woodwinds winding through the wind! Come find out more about them!
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Orchestra Lapbook Unit
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The grand sounds of a symphony orchestra ~ especially a live one ~are so beautiful! Come find orchestra websites, teaching resources, kid's music sites, worksheets, flash cards, lapbooks and other materials, games, videos, cds, and adventures for mus...
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Joyful Songs Lensography
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Hello world ~ I'm very glad to meet you! Writing lenses here on Squidoo has been so much fun for me. I truly am becoming addicted to writing and reading the wide range of lens topics throughout Squidoo. I am a performing musician and teacher who...
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Orchestra: Brass Family Lapbook Unit
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Imagine ... a breezy, beautiful day below the big blue sky ... a brass band begins to step to the bold beat of the bass drum. The sun brightly bounces off the bells of the beaming brass instruments ... then you hear it, the boisterous, blowing of th...
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Orchestra: The Percussion Family Lapbook Unit
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The percussion family ~ what a broad range of instruments! Percussion instruments are used in every style of music from classical, rock, folk, jazz, ... to any kind! Percussion music may be very simple that even the youngest child can play to extrem...
String Instrument Family Lapbook Unit
Lapbook Components
Some of the sections have more than one way to document the information. I did this because of the different ages and preferences of my children, so, just pick what works best for you!
· The String Instrument Family: Cover Page
· Bible Verse: Cards & Pocket
· Bible Verse: Copywork Pages
· Bible Verse: Poster / Pocket
· String Instrument Vocabulary: Flap Book
· History of Stringed Musical Instruments: Notebook Pages and Mini Book
· String Instruments through Time and Place: Book
· String Instrument Notebook Page - use with any part of the unit.
· Characteristics of the String Family: Notebook Page and Mini Book
· String Instrument Parts
· Orchestral String Instruments: Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, and Harp Matchbooks
· Non-Orchestral String Instruments: Tab Book
· Rubber Band String Instrument: Accordion Book
· Experience Vibration Experiment: Accordion Book
· Music & Science: Notebook Pages
· My Musical Instrument Creation: Notebook Pages
· Who was Stradivari?: Tri - Fold Book
· Construction of Stringed Instruments
· String Instrument Cards: Flashcards, Matching Game, or Go Fish!
· Stringo Bingo Game
· Instruments of the Orchestra: Tab Book
· Computer Websites: Simple Book
· Book Resources: Simple Book
· The String Instrument Family: Cover Page
· Bible Verse: Cards & Pocket
· Bible Verse: Copywork Pages
· Bible Verse: Poster / Pocket
· String Instrument Vocabulary: Flap Book
· History of Stringed Musical Instruments: Notebook Pages and Mini Book
· String Instruments through Time and Place: Book
· String Instrument Notebook Page - use with any part of the unit.
· Characteristics of the String Family: Notebook Page and Mini Book
· String Instrument Parts
· Orchestral String Instruments: Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, and Harp Matchbooks
· Non-Orchestral String Instruments: Tab Book
· Rubber Band String Instrument: Accordion Book
· Experience Vibration Experiment: Accordion Book
· Music & Science: Notebook Pages
· My Musical Instrument Creation: Notebook Pages
· Who was Stradivari?: Tri - Fold Book
· Construction of Stringed Instruments
· String Instrument Cards: Flashcards, Matching Game, or Go Fish!
· Stringo Bingo Game
· Instruments of the Orchestra: Tab Book
· Computer Websites: Simple Book
· Book Resources: Simple Book
- String Family Lapbook Unit
- All the lapbook pieces, notebook pages, lesson plans, answers, and resource links for you to print and use.
- String Instrument Lapbook Pictures
- Cross Rhodes Academy ~ Please check out pictures from my friend Tajuana's family at Lapbook Lessons! They did a fabulous job with it!
String Instrument Photos
Lapbook: Attach photos of instruments, musicians, and orchestras to your lapbook.
Cleats
Bass Strings
Jack 'o lantern
Suspension Bridge
Me at NEC with the o...
automatically generated by Flickr
What is a lapbook / notebook?
A lapbook is a really creative and fun way attaching mini books, flash cards, games, and more to notate anything you study in a file folder! There are several ways you can fold the file folder or two into a book. You can cut it into an interesting shape like a huge butterfly or a toolbox (maybe the shape of a cello in this case?), and add extra flaps out of tagboard.
Since I have elementary , middle school, and high school children, I have mixed elements for different ages in the lesson. Please choose and alter what you need for your students accordingly. My youngest child prefers all mini books and games in his lapbooks. The high schooler prefers to use fancy notebook pages placed in a binder to document her studies, research, and reports. The middle schooler uses a combination of both. I let the children lead in designing their books as long as: 1) all objectives and concepts I want them to know are contained within the book somewhere, and 2) that it is done neatly. The older children obviously include more detailed information as appropriate to their level. It is fascinating to observe how they take the same information and present it many different ways!
If you have never done a lapbook or notebook before, you may want to check out these wonderful lenses about how to create them! :)
Since I have elementary , middle school, and high school children, I have mixed elements for different ages in the lesson. Please choose and alter what you need for your students accordingly. My youngest child prefers all mini books and games in his lapbooks. The high schooler prefers to use fancy notebook pages placed in a binder to document her studies, research, and reports. The middle schooler uses a combination of both. I let the children lead in designing their books as long as: 1) all objectives and concepts I want them to know are contained within the book somewhere, and 2) that it is done neatly. The older children obviously include more detailed information as appropriate to their level. It is fascinating to observe how they take the same information and present it many different ways!
If you have never done a lapbook or notebook before, you may want to check out these wonderful lenses about how to create them! :)
- Lapbooking
- Everything you need to know about lapbooks!
- Lapbooking Verses Notebooking
- What is the difference? Which style fits you and your children? Learn about both and how to combine them.
Strings in the Bible
Lapbook: Flashcards & Pocket, Notebook Pages, Poster / Puzzle
· There are a tremendous amount of Bible verses that involve the playing of stringed instruments!
· The lapbook parts contain a sampling of these verses on flashcards, blank cards to write your own, a pocket to store the cards in the lapbook, 3 notebook pages for copywork and /or memorization, and a poster.
· The poster may cut up into a puzzle to help memorization. I cut just a few pieces for my little guy, and let the older kids cut theirs however they want. They like to play with them and switch with each other for more practice.
· There are a tremendous amount of Bible verses that involve the playing of stringed instruments!
· The lapbook parts contain a sampling of these verses on flashcards, blank cards to write your own, a pocket to store the cards in the lapbook, 3 notebook pages for copywork and /or memorization, and a poster.
· The poster may cut up into a puzzle to help memorization. I cut just a few pieces for my little guy, and let the older kids cut theirs however they want. They like to play with them and switch with each other for more practice.
Read all about them...
History of Stringed Musical Instruments
Lapbook: History of Stringed Musical Instruments: Notebook Pages & Mini Book, String Instruments through Time and Place Book
- New York Philharmonic's Kidzone
- The NYP Kidzone is awesome! Use this site to study the history of stringed instruments. Enter the "Locker Room", walk the person to the left in the string storage room, click on the word "strings" and each instrument picture to learn of our modern instrument's predecessors. The harp is found in the "percussion" locker section.
- The Guide to Symphony Orchestra Instruments
- This guide provides the history, description, and sound samples of orchestral instruments.
String Instrument Vocabulary
Lapbook: Vocabulary Flap Book
· Suggested terms for study: banjo, bass, bow, bridge, cello, clef, family, fiddle, fingerboard, guitar, harp, harmony, instrument, lute, lyre, mandolin, melody, neck, octave, orchestra, parts, peg, pick, pitch, pluck, resonance, resonating box, sound holes, strings, symphony, tailpiece, treble, tuning pegs, ukulele, vibration, viola, violin
· Suggested terms for study: banjo, bass, bow, bridge, cello, clef, family, fiddle, fingerboard, guitar, harp, harmony, instrument, lute, lyre, mandolin, melody, neck, octave, orchestra, parts, peg, pick, pitch, pluck, resonance, resonating box, sound holes, strings, symphony, tailpiece, treble, tuning pegs, ukulele, vibration, viola, violin
String Tips
Violin Basics : How Does a Violin Work
Violin Basics : How to String a Violin
The art of making string instruments
Beginner Violin Instruction : Beginning Strokes for Violins
Beginner Violin Instruction : Finger Positions for Playing Violins
Guide to Tuners for String Instruments : How to Tune an Electric Guitar
curated content from YouTube
Characteristics of the String Family
Lapbook: Use the Characteristics Notebook Page or Mini Book for notes.
Characteristics of the String Family:
·All members of the string family have strings on them.
·The strings are made of steel, nylon, or animal gut.
·The bowstrings are made of horsehair.
·Most string instruments are played by rubbing the bow across the strings, or plucking the strings with the fingers or a pick.
·String instruments wooden bodies are arched and hollow inside.
·Long necks exist on most stringed instruments.
·The strings are attached tightly to pegs at the top and the bottom tailpiece grid.
·The left hand fingers push on different strings and locations on the strings to make varying pitches.
·The right hand moves the bow across the strings or plucks the strings with the fingers.
·Wood pieces are glued together instead of nailed.
·Many layers of varnish are applied to the outside of string instruments.
Characteristics of the String Family:
·All members of the string family have strings on them.
·The strings are made of steel, nylon, or animal gut.
·The bowstrings are made of horsehair.
·Most string instruments are played by rubbing the bow across the strings, or plucking the strings with the fingers or a pick.
·String instruments wooden bodies are arched and hollow inside.
·Long necks exist on most stringed instruments.
·The strings are attached tightly to pegs at the top and the bottom tailpiece grid.
·The left hand fingers push on different strings and locations on the strings to make varying pitches.
·The right hand moves the bow across the strings or plucks the strings with the fingers.
·Wood pieces are glued together instead of nailed.
·Many layers of varnish are applied to the outside of string instruments.
Parts of a String Instrument
Lapbook: Cut out and fold a page or two from Enchanted Learning below to add to your lapbook. Research at one of the orchestra sites and label a picture of the parts.
· body · bow · bridge · clamp · fingerboard · frog · horsehairs · neck · peg box · pegs
· sound holes · strings · tailpiece · tuning pegs · others!
· body · bow · bridge · clamp · fingerboard · frog · horsehairs · neck · peg box · pegs
· sound holes · strings · tailpiece · tuning pegs · others!
- Lable String Instruments
- Orchestra family printouts to label. The answers are located here also.
- String Section at Play Music!
- Help the Maestro put the broken virtual violin back together! Look at the top for links to learn about those parts.
Beautiful Sounds
![The Instruments Of Classical Music: The Guitar & Lute [CD on Demand]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61Ssai-Yx5L._SL75_.jpg)
![The Instruments Of Classical Music: The Cello [CD on Demand]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51dnJHVtftL._SL75_.jpg)
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Orchestral String Instrument Descriptions
Lapbook: Use matchbooks of violin, viola, cello, string bass, and harp in your study.
Violin:
· The violin is the smallest member of the orchestral string family.
· It has the highest pitch 'soprano' of orchestral string instruments.
· Orchestras include more violins than any other instrument - about 30 per orchestra.
· Violins in an orchestra play two different parts, the 1st part is mostly melody, and the 2nd part can be melody, but many times is harmony.
· The violin is 24 inches long and has 4 strings.
· It has a 29-inch long bow.
· Music is written in the treble clef for violins.
· The violin is held with the chin and shoulder.
· The left hand fingers push on different strings and locations on the strings to make varying pitches.
· The right hand moves the bow across the strings or plucks the strings with the fingers.
Viola:
· The viola looks like violin but is a little larger.
· It has a slightly lower pitch than violin (by five7 half steps or a 'perfect' 5th).
· There are 10 - 14 violas in a standard orchestra.
· It is 27 inches long and has 4 strings.
· The bow is 29 inches long and stronger than the violin's.
· The viola's strings are thicker than violin.
· Music is written in the alto clef for violas.
· It is held between the chin and shoulder.
· The left hand fingers push on different strings and locations to make varying pitches.
· The right hand moves the bow across the strings or plucks the strings with fingers.
Cello:
· The cello is the same shape as the violin and viola but is larger.
· It sounds lower (tenor) than the viola, but higher than the bass.
· The larger body gives the instrument a deeper resonance.
· The cello neck is shorter than violin's neck.
· The cello has a long adjustable peg at the bottom to help place the cello in the proper spot for players.
· 8-12 cellos are in a standard orchestra.
· The cello is about 4 feet long and has 4 strings.
· The bow is thicker than a viola bow and is 28 inched long.
· Music is written in the bass clef for cellos.
· Cellists sit in a chair to play with the instrument held between the legs. The neck of the cello rests on the left shoulder.
· The left hand fingers push on different strings and locations to make varying pitches.
· The right hand moves the bow across the strings or plucks the strings with fingers.
String Bass (Also referred to as Bass and Double Bass):
· The string bass is the biggest and lowest (bass) orchestral string instrument.
· It has very harmonic and rhythmic parts to play.
· The bass' deepness gives strength to hold the orchestra together.
· 6-8 cellos are found in a standard orchestra.
· The bass is 6 + feet long from the top to the bottom peg.
· The bass usually has 4 strings, but may have 5 for more pitches.
· Its body is shaped differently than violin, viola, and cello.
· The bow is 26-27 inches long.
· The bow is thicker and heavier than the other bows.
· Music is written in the bass clef for string basses. It sounds one octave below the cello.
· Play standing up or sitting on a high stool.
· Instrument leans against the body with the peg on floor and the neck by left shoulder
· The left hand fingers push on different strings and locations on the strings to make varying pitches.
· The right hand moves the bow across the strings or plucks them with the fingers.
Harp:
· The harp has a 6½ octave range.
· It is about 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide.
· Some types of harps are the pedal harp, folk harp, lever harp, and multi-course harp.
· The pedal harp is the most common harp for orchestra. It has 47 different sized strings set in a curved wood frame.
· Strings may be made of copper, animal gut, or nylon.
· The tones of each string can be pitched a half step higher or lower with the use of 7 pedals at the bottom.
· A harpist must sit and reach the arms around the harp.
· The strings of a harp are always plucked, not bowed like its family members.
· One story about the creation of the harp tells of a hunter who heard a nice sound from his hunting bow when it vibrated. He tried other sizes of bows and noticed the pitch differences. He helped to create the first harps.
Violin:
· The violin is the smallest member of the orchestral string family.
· It has the highest pitch 'soprano' of orchestral string instruments.
· Orchestras include more violins than any other instrument - about 30 per orchestra.
· Violins in an orchestra play two different parts, the 1st part is mostly melody, and the 2nd part can be melody, but many times is harmony.
· The violin is 24 inches long and has 4 strings.
· It has a 29-inch long bow.
· Music is written in the treble clef for violins.
· The violin is held with the chin and shoulder.
· The left hand fingers push on different strings and locations on the strings to make varying pitches.
· The right hand moves the bow across the strings or plucks the strings with the fingers.
Viola:
· The viola looks like violin but is a little larger.
· It has a slightly lower pitch than violin (by five7 half steps or a 'perfect' 5th).
· There are 10 - 14 violas in a standard orchestra.
· It is 27 inches long and has 4 strings.
· The bow is 29 inches long and stronger than the violin's.
· The viola's strings are thicker than violin.
· Music is written in the alto clef for violas.
· It is held between the chin and shoulder.
· The left hand fingers push on different strings and locations to make varying pitches.
· The right hand moves the bow across the strings or plucks the strings with fingers.
Cello:
· The cello is the same shape as the violin and viola but is larger.
· It sounds lower (tenor) than the viola, but higher than the bass.
· The larger body gives the instrument a deeper resonance.
· The cello neck is shorter than violin's neck.
· The cello has a long adjustable peg at the bottom to help place the cello in the proper spot for players.
· 8-12 cellos are in a standard orchestra.
· The cello is about 4 feet long and has 4 strings.
· The bow is thicker than a viola bow and is 28 inched long.
· Music is written in the bass clef for cellos.
· Cellists sit in a chair to play with the instrument held between the legs. The neck of the cello rests on the left shoulder.
· The left hand fingers push on different strings and locations to make varying pitches.
· The right hand moves the bow across the strings or plucks the strings with fingers.
String Bass (Also referred to as Bass and Double Bass):
· The string bass is the biggest and lowest (bass) orchestral string instrument.
· It has very harmonic and rhythmic parts to play.
· The bass' deepness gives strength to hold the orchestra together.
· 6-8 cellos are found in a standard orchestra.
· The bass is 6 + feet long from the top to the bottom peg.
· The bass usually has 4 strings, but may have 5 for more pitches.
· Its body is shaped differently than violin, viola, and cello.
· The bow is 26-27 inches long.
· The bow is thicker and heavier than the other bows.
· Music is written in the bass clef for string basses. It sounds one octave below the cello.
· Play standing up or sitting on a high stool.
· Instrument leans against the body with the peg on floor and the neck by left shoulder
· The left hand fingers push on different strings and locations on the strings to make varying pitches.
· The right hand moves the bow across the strings or plucks them with the fingers.
Harp:
· The harp has a 6½ octave range.
· It is about 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide.
· Some types of harps are the pedal harp, folk harp, lever harp, and multi-course harp.
· The pedal harp is the most common harp for orchestra. It has 47 different sized strings set in a curved wood frame.
· Strings may be made of copper, animal gut, or nylon.
· The tones of each string can be pitched a half step higher or lower with the use of 7 pedals at the bottom.
· A harpist must sit and reach the arms around the harp.
· The strings of a harp are always plucked, not bowed like its family members.
· One story about the creation of the harp tells of a hunter who heard a nice sound from his hunting bow when it vibrated. He tried other sizes of bows and noticed the pitch differences. He helped to create the first harps.
Strung on Strings!
Non-Orchestral String Instruments
Lapbook: Non - Orchestral String Instrument
Being a mostly classical musician, my first thought when I think of strings is orchestral instruments. There is a whole branch of string instruments that are not played in orchestras though, but are used in all sorts of music - folk, world, bluegrass, gospel, ancient, medieval, and many more. Here is some information and samples of great string music!
Being a mostly classical musician, my first thought when I think of strings is orchestral instruments. There is a whole branch of string instruments that are not played in orchestras though, but are used in all sorts of music - folk, world, bluegrass, gospel, ancient, medieval, and many more. Here is some information and samples of great string music!
- Lyre Video
- Lyre: A lyre is an instrument from long ago similar to a small harp.
- What is a lute?
- Lute: Recording and info.
A lute is a pear shaped instrument.
The strings are set in pairs.
It is an ancestor of the guitar.
The player's fingers plucked the lute. - Lute
- Listen to one on the video.
- Banjo
- Banjo: Recording and info.
The banjo has a very long neck and round body shape.
The five strings are usually plucked. - Banjo Video
- Enjoy this world speed record banjoist. Banjoist, is that a word? How about, listen to this top banjo player!
- Sitar
- Sitar: The sitar is a stringed instrument from the country of India.
It has a long neck and a body like a pear.
Ancient sitar mostly contained 3 strings.
Modern sitars have 4-7 strings.
When there are numerous strings, some are used for melody and some are to create a drone effect.
Sitars sometimes have additional strings. "Sympathic strings are strings located underneath the main strings on an instrument. They are not played directly, but vibrate "in sympathy" as the main strings are played." (Quoted from Classics for Kids ) - Sitar
- Check out George Harrison (BEATLES!!!) learning to play the sitar.
- Zither Video
- Zither: A zither is a world folk instrument.
It contains between 30 to 40 strings.
The body is a flat soundboard upon which the strings are tightly placed.
Zither strings are plucked with the fingers or a thumbpick. - Autoharp Video
- Autoharp: The autoharp is a traditional American folk instrument.
Similar to a zither, it has strings pulled over a thin sound box.
An autoharp has small buttons to push so that only desired strings will be played. - Dulcimer
- Dulcimer: Recording and information.
A dulcimer is also a stringed instrument that has a wooden base and strings.
Tiny hammers tap the strings to make the pitches.. - Dulcimer
- This one is a hammered dulcimer - very pretty sounding!
- Mandolin History
- Mandolin: A mandolin is similar to a lute.
It has 8 strings instrument.
The neck is shorter than some other string instruments. - Mandolin
- Video of a very fast mandolin player!
- Ukulele
- Ukulele: The ukulele originated in Hawaii.
It is similar to a guitar, but smaller.
It usually has four strings.
Its figure eight body is made of wood.
Learn to play one with this interesting teacher. There are other lessons from him in the related videos section on the right. - Epinette
- Video
- Bourrée des dindes
- I don't know the name of this instrument, but it has a nice sound.
- Galician Song
- Played with medieval strings.
- Medieval
- Medieval Harp
- How a Guitar is Made
- Guitar: The guitar is not usually thought of as an orchestral instrument, although it can be. (Listen closely next time you listen to Star Wars II)
The video link shows how a guitar is made.
The guitar is a six stringed instrument with a long neck.
Its body is curved and hollow.
Guitarists play by strumming or plucking with the fingers or a pick.
Play Along!
Hands-On Activities
Lapbook: My Musical Instrument Creation
Have fun making these homemade string instruments and playing them. These uniquely named instruments are based on real world instruments that look and sound interesting! Try making them with different materials or sizes to experiment with the different sounds you can make. Create other new string instruments with things you have around the house. Which ones sound the best?
Take pictures of the process of making them, and your final product to put into your lapbook or notebook. (See notebook pages.)
Have fun making these homemade string instruments and playing them. These uniquely named instruments are based on real world instruments that look and sound interesting! Try making them with different materials or sizes to experiment with the different sounds you can make. Create other new string instruments with things you have around the house. Which ones sound the best?
Take pictures of the process of making them, and your final product to put into your lapbook or notebook. (See notebook pages.)
- "Styro-Cello"
- Try to make this fun instrument!
- 'Tube-Encheh'
- Save "stuff" from around the house to create instruments! ~ What a great way to recycle!
- "Berimbao"
- Based on a real instrument.
Orchestral Strings
Violin, Flute, Guita...
Couple Of Them
DSC05347.JPG
axe, violin, romance
automatically generated by Flickr
Sound & Pitch ~ The Science of Music:
Lapbook: Rubber Band String Instrument Accordion Book, Experience Vibration Experiment Accordion Book, Music & Science Notebook Pages
"Different notes are made by using your finger to press a string against the fingerboard. When the string vibrates at its full length, from the bridge to the peg box, the lowest sound is produced. When the vibrating length is shortened by pressing a finger on a string against the finger board, a higher sound is created because then the string is smaller (shorter)."
Arts Alive Instrument Lab
Use the Music & Science Notebook Pages and Accordion Books to notate your findings of these experiments. Take pictures of your instruments, or compose a piece of music with them for fun!
Strings vibrate when plucked or bowed. ~ Varying vibration speeds cause differing pitches and sounds. ~ Find out how with these experiments!
A simple experiment to try is with the 'instrument' in your body ~ your voice! Place your hand gently on the front of your neck. Sing a high note, sing a low note, try notes in between. What do you feel near your voice box? Can you feel the vibrations that make your vocal sounds? How do they feel different when you sing or speak in new ways?
"Different notes are made by using your finger to press a string against the fingerboard. When the string vibrates at its full length, from the bridge to the peg box, the lowest sound is produced. When the vibrating length is shortened by pressing a finger on a string against the finger board, a higher sound is created because then the string is smaller (shorter)."
Arts Alive Instrument Lab
Use the Music & Science Notebook Pages and Accordion Books to notate your findings of these experiments. Take pictures of your instruments, or compose a piece of music with them for fun!
Strings vibrate when plucked or bowed. ~ Varying vibration speeds cause differing pitches and sounds. ~ Find out how with these experiments!
A simple experiment to try is with the 'instrument' in your body ~ your voice! Place your hand gently on the front of your neck. Sing a high note, sing a low note, try notes in between. What do you feel near your voice box? Can you feel the vibrations that make your vocal sounds? How do they feel different when you sing or speak in new ways?
- Arts Alive Instrument Lab
- Learn about string lengths, thicknesses, and tauntness ~ How do they affect music?
- Rubber Band String Instrument
- Watch vibrations in action! How can you make an instrument with different pitches?
- Experience Vibrations Experiment
- How can you make vibrations? How do vibrations vary? What does this have to do with music?
LOL ~ for musicians with a sense of humor!
Here comes treble...
Einstein's Theory E = MC2, Musician's Theory E = Fb
I'm a fermata - hold me
Piano Keys - Tickle Me
Einstein's Theory E = MC2, Musician's Theory E = Fb
I'm a fermata - hold me
Piano Keys - Tickle Me
Popular String Instruments
Violin, Flute, Guita...
IMG_7965
IMG_7958
Pioneer Courthouse S...
rockstar
automatically generated by Flickr
Orchestra Websites
Kids Sections about String Instruments
- Instrument Storage Room & Instrument Lab
- New York Philharmonic Kidzone ~ Absolute favorite for kids music info and games!
- Families of the Orchestra
- Dallas Symphony Orchestra
- Guide to Symphonic Orchestra Instruments
- History, pictures, and sound samples.
- Instrument Families
- San Francisco Symphony ~ Click on "strings" - see pictures and close-ups, hear small samples, read basic facts.
- Our Instruments
- Nashville Symphony Orchestra Kids
- Sounds from the Orchestra
- Energy in the Air ~ Click on "orchestra" or on an instrument picture to learn more about it and hear samples.
- String Section
- Arts Alive
- String Section
- Play Music
- String Instruments
- Classics for Kids
- Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra
- Carnegie Hall
Play a Game!
Music Games
Lapbook:
String Instrument Card Games: Use these for flashcards, matching games (match identical cards or picture to names), or "Go Fish" if you wish! Includes a pocket for storage.
Stringo Bingo Game: Bingo Cards, Caller Cards with string Info on them, Chips, and pockets for storage.
String Instrument Card Games: Use these for flashcards, matching games (match identical cards or picture to names), or "Go Fish" if you wish! Includes a pocket for storage.
Stringo Bingo Game: Bingo Cards, Caller Cards with string Info on them, Chips, and pockets for storage.
- Music Games at Joyful Songs
- Above games: Stringo Bingo, String Game Cards; Woodwind and Brass Games; Rhythm and Time Signature Game: Note Reading Games ~ I enjoy making up new games and materials frequently!
- Harp Lesson Video
- Click on 'videos' then 'Allen Harp' to watch a short video of a first harp lesson.
- Instrument Frenzy
- Help Maestro 2000 put all the instruments back into the correct family!
- Instruments of the Orchestra Instrument Sound Match
- Listen to a sound sample and choose the correct instrument from five pictures. When correct, information on that instrument is given.
- Make an Online Instrument
- Create your own instrument clicking and dragging pieces together to make it unique.
- Music Match Instruments
- Play a concentration type matching game with instruments.
- Music Quest Backstage Adventure
- Become an "intern" at the New York Philharmonic and learn to play instruments and more as you 'meet' people backstage at Avery Fisher Hall!
- String Section at Play Music
- Help put the broken virtual violin back together!
Display your Strings
Stradivari
Lapbook: Who was Stradivari? Tri-Fold Book
- Stradivarius
- What is so special about these instruments?
- Stradivari
- The man behind the craftsmanship.
- Stradivarius Movie
- There were several parts to this film about the famous violins. This is part 1.
How It's Made
These wonderful videos are simple but very informative. They feature instrument construction and history.
How It's Made: Violins
Electric Violin (How it's Made)
How It's Made: Banjos
How It's Made: Electric Guitar (Part 1)
How its made - Godin Acoustic Guitar
How It's Made - Carbon Fiber Cello (Pt.1)
How It's Made - Carbon Fiber Cello (Pt.2)
curated content from YouTube
Construction
Lapbook: String Instrument Construction Mini Book
If you have curious hands-on learners, this section will appeal to them! Watch the "How It's Made" videos, click on the websites below, or research about other string makers.
· Which types of wood would you use to build a violin and other string instruments?
· How will different wood change the sound?
· How is the wood cut and shaped?
· Research about how the wood is attached (glue, no nails).
· Why and how do they varnish string instruments?
· Find out about the various shapes and how they affect the sound.
· What is the soft stuff on the bow made of? Did you say horsehair?
· Research what a resonating box is. Try to make one from various objects you have.
· What is the purpose of the "f" holes?
· What materials are used to make the strings?
· How are the strings attached?
· Try to think of a way to make a homemade string instrument. What equipment do you want to try? How will you make the body? What are your strings made of? How will you fasten the strings? How will the instrument be tuned? Explore with several different materials. Compare the sounds with ones your family or friends make. Enjoy the process of creating something unique!!
If you have curious hands-on learners, this section will appeal to them! Watch the "How It's Made" videos, click on the websites below, or research about other string makers.
· Which types of wood would you use to build a violin and other string instruments?
· How will different wood change the sound?
· How is the wood cut and shaped?
· Research about how the wood is attached (glue, no nails).
· Why and how do they varnish string instruments?
· Find out about the various shapes and how they affect the sound.
· What is the soft stuff on the bow made of? Did you say horsehair?
· Research what a resonating box is. Try to make one from various objects you have.
· What is the purpose of the "f" holes?
· What materials are used to make the strings?
· How are the strings attached?
· Try to think of a way to make a homemade string instrument. What equipment do you want to try? How will you make the body? What are your strings made of? How will you fasten the strings? How will the instrument be tuned? Explore with several different materials. Compare the sounds with ones your family or friends make. Enjoy the process of creating something unique!!
- Construction Information
- This Wikipedia page links to different articles about creating parts of string instruments.
- Construction Techniques
- Much more detailed directions on creating beautiful sounds.
Instruments & Accessories
If you are interested in purchasing instruments or accessories, I highly recommend the Woodwind & Brasswind company. I have personally purchased many of my instruments and materials from there and have been very pleased with their prices and service. Many others who I work with have also given rave reviews of the company.
Other String Family Lapbook, Notebook, and Worksheet Materials
- Joyful Songs Music Resources
- I have many resources for music education here ~ music lessons, units, lapbooks, composers, instruments, great works of music, and resources.
- Music Activities - Label an Instrument
- Fun stuff at Enchanted Learning: Scroll down to "String Instruments" ~ printouts of the family and individual instrument pictures to label.
- String Lapbook Components at Homeschool Share
- Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, and Harp Mini Books & String Family Tab Book
- Instrument Worksheets at TLS Books
- · 'My Musical Instrument Book' ~ A page for each instrument family, a puzzle, word search, and instrument sort page in a cute tab book.
· String Family Word Find & Picture Match ~ String Instrument Printing Practice ~ String Family Name Match - Instrument Playground ~ String Family
- 12 Page Document containing information on instrument families, orchestra seating, string family instruments (pictures, description, how to play), the conductor, Powell Hall, and music vocabulary from the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra.
- "Stand Up Symphony"
- Action figures of orchestra members to make a pop-up book with or play with!
- String Family Flashcards
- Nice pictures with words for study.
String DVD
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Great Places to Purchase Sheet Music
There are many places online to find quality sheet music ~ here are two of my favorites. They both have an excellent variety of music publishers and materials for you to select.
How do you feel about string instruments?
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- BandLov3r BandLov3r Oct 25, 2009 @ 3:36 pm
- I like harp because of Kat! That's what I voted for.
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- Evelyn_Saenz Evelyn_Saenz Aug 7, 2009 @ 9:15 am
- Thank you for being a member of Unit Studies: Fun, Creative Hands-On Leaning Group.
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- Mrs_R Mrs_R Jul 17, 2009 @ 8:23 pm
- Excellent job - I lens rolled you to my ViolinFun lens! EVERYONE should play a string instrument!!
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- Pukeko Pukeko Jul 17, 2009 @ 4:17 am
- Great job. Lots of really good information here.
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- Jimmie Jimmie Jul 15, 2009 @ 7:20 am
- This is going to be an amazing project when all the lenses in the series are done! A fantastic lens!
Lensmaster JoyfulPamela has been a member since May 31 2009, has rated 457 lenses, favorited 356, and has created 45 lenses from scratch. This member's top-ranked page is "A Christmas Carol Unit Study". See all my lenses
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