I'm trying to keep up with technology, so I've decided to start a blog for the purpose of updating parents with what we did in Violin each week. As I learn about blogging, I also plan to add practice charts, suggestions, articles about practicing for parents, etc. Feel free to let me know if there's other information that may be helpful.
1st Period -- This group worked really hard today and learned three hard parts of Lightly Row. The first section we worked were the last 2 measures of the 2nd line. We also worked hard on learning the 1st line. Parents, when they practice this, have them work the 2nd line part, then the 1st 2 measures of the 1st line, and then the end of the 1st line. That way the kids work on the hardest parts first, and get to finish up with the easiest one. I would suggest each section 10x per day, but gauge the number of repititions on how well they're playing it slowly. If all goes well, we will finish learning the song next week. As always, be sure they review all the Twinkles, and continue to listen to the CD.
2nd Period -- We made a lot of headway today. Their assignment today was to work on the 1st section of Puppet Show, memorizing Minuet 1, and for those who haven't done this before, to begin memorizing Go Tell Aunt Rhody, May Song, & Lightly Row. Listening to the recording will help greatly. Please, if they don't have the CD, let me know.
4th Period -- 12:00 -- We worked on polishing French Folk Song. This song is NOT in the Violin Suzuki book, or CD, but it is in the Suzuki books for Viola & Cello. After nearly 19 years of teaching, I think this song is easier than Lightly Row, expecially for younger students whose fine motor skills are still developing. Make sure they still review their Twinkles, and if they don't have the notes for the piece, they are
3 3 3 2 2 2 1 2 3 E (on E String)
3 3 3 2 2 2 1 1 1 A (on A String)
A 1 2 A 1 2 A 1 2 3 (on A String)
1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 E (on A String except for the last note which is on E String)
3 2 1 E (on E String) 3 2 1 A 1 A (on A String)
5th Period -- 12:30 -- We worked a lot on the basics today. We practiced holding the violin up on the shoulder. Parents, please make sure they are holding the violin correctly. Holding the violin further down on their chests can lead to Tendonitis later in life. We also worked on our bow hand position. Remind your students to make sure they hold the bow correctly. In addition, we worked on our "Ghost & the Magic X" hand position, which should be down by the scroll, with the thumb and fingers pointing upward. Keep working on Pepperoni Pizza. Let's try to have the 1st 8 notes down (unless today was your 2nd class) so your student can play them without using the music.
I'm really proud of all the progress you are all making. See you on Friday!!
Great idea, Nicole. I think this is a good idea to remember what we did or talked about in class and a good way to stay connected. My challenge is getting Hope to practice enough times each day. What are some good ideas to motivate those young musicians?
ReplyDeleteLooks great Nicole!
ReplyDeleteVolumes have been written on motivating children to practice. In Hope's case, perhaps increasing the amount of time, and decreasing the number of times would be our best bet. She needs to build up her endurance.
ReplyDeleteAs far as some of my favorite motivations . . one of my private student parents has a 1 for 1 rule -- 1 minute of tv, movie, video games for each minute of practice. It's worked amazingly well for her son. For Abi (6) practice is part of the routine, she gets up, eats and gets ready for the day, and then we practice. She works with me on part, and then gets to review older pieces on her own. Giving them control over part of practice often works wonders.
Good Luck! I've got some suggestions somewhere that I'll copy and bring in next week. (hopefully)