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Return: Teach Strings
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TO TILT OR NOT TO TILT: A HISTORIC AND P
Pedagogues, researchers, and scientists all have been compelled to closely examine the bow tilt. At first glance, bow tilt may appear deceivingly trivial, which indeed it is among the fundamental characteristics of bow technique.
PRACTICING IN TUNE: FOUR PUZZLERS FOR FOUR CONCEPT
Students play out of tune for a variety of different reasons. How can we help them as teachers? We can encourage students to be meticulous in the process of intonation work and to be aware of the influences on intonation. But what exactly are those influences?
PUT THE FUN BACK IN THE FUNDAMENTALS
Now that the school year is well underway, use fun games to teach and/or reinforce important, fundamental skills. The excitement of the start of school is over and students (and teachers!) can get stuck in a rut.
USING BODY LANGUAGE TO EXPRESS THE MUSIC IN CONDUC
Most orchestra directors learn the basics of conducting in college classes. Often, however, the principles of projecting musical character through body language and meaningful gesture are glossed over or totally ignored. By observing the techniques and listening to the
THE DILEMMA OF (AND SOLUTIONS FOR) TRYING TO BE CR
One of the hurdles students sometimes face is coming up with fun or helpful ways to approach overall practicing, let alone just trying to manage a difficult spot in their music.
THE ART OF RECRUITING
It is critical for string teachers to master the art of recruiting and attracting students to the stringed instruments. Although instrumental recruitment in most districts officially takes place in the spring, recruitment for string teachers really must begin in Sep.
6 STAGES OF TUNING STRINGED INSTRUMENTS IN ORCHEST
Teaching students to tune their own instruments is one of the most important things string teachers do. The ability to tune an instrument is one of the most basic aspects of musical independence.
DEVELOPING THE BOW HAND
Violinists frequently talk about the importance of free motions in the bow arm. It’s difficult to move the bow arm freely, however, if you’re afraid you’re going to drop the bow.
STUDIO TEACHING TIPS: THE FINGER MATRIX EXERCISE
Successfully navigating the fingerboard requires a clear knowledge of the notes within each position and the deft ability to relate those positions to one another.
IMPROVING INTONATION
Intonation is one of the very most important aspects of playing a bowed string instrument well.
Inheriting, Losing, and Rehabilitating Students
All teachers gain and lose students to either natural attrition or mutually agreed upon terms. Students float in and out of our lives, and this is the course of things.
INCREASING ACCESS TO STRINGS
A step-by-step guide to creating string music programs, based on successful programs from around the country. Provides information that has been identified by researchers and teaching professionals as the most critical elements for long-term success.
An Alternative Perspective on Right-hand Finger
We have all seen it—the dreaded claw-like bow-hand shape best characterized by straight and tense fingers.
IMPROVISATION: A PEDAGOGICAL METHOD FOR TEACHING
How often do you hear your students comment on the richness of their musical experiences? Does it seem as if there’s a constant struggle to get your students to focus on and achieve their artistic and personal goals regarding musical expression?