Developmental Readiness: Playing the violin requires that the arms and hands do very different tasks. We learn to do the tasks separately at first, but then work towards multitasking with each hand doing something different. The main developmental skills required to start violin lessons are the ability to use hands independently and to be able to be
Author: emily sunderman
This week at lessons many students have worked on setting the conditions for playing in tune with good tone before playing a note. Here are the checkpoints to try before playing the first note. These three steps really help ensure that the bow makes a good sound and the notes are 90% more likely to be
On behalf of MCMC, I am applying for grant to purchase instruments for the string program at MCMC through an organization called, Classics for Kids (http://www.classicsforkids.org/grants.html). The grant will cover half the purchase of instruments which the school can then lend out to students participating in private lessons at MCMC. A quarter size instrument through
Summer group violin class at MCMC is 45 minutes, free and open to all Suzuki violin students. Please mark your calendars and plan to come if you can!: Book 1 to Minuet 1 will be on Tuesdays, June 30th and July 21 at 5:30 Minuet 1 to Book 2 will be on Tuesdays, July 15th
Several students this week have been assigned the Quint exercise 1 for The Well-Formed Left Hand. This exercise is practiced with careful attention to violin posture with minimal repetitions. The student works to execute the exercise with shoulders aligned above hips and hips aligned above feet, the instrument perched on the shoulder with the weight
And at last, here are the answers (in bold). It is a good idea for performers to arrive to the concert 15 minutes before the concert just as the performance is starting just before the performer’s number starts. If a concert attendee has to arrive late, it is best to enter the performance space Whenever
Generally I figure out where to stand in relationship to the piano seconds before I actually perform. I want to be able to see the pianist’s fingers out of the corner of my eye and I want to be sure the pianist can see my scroll and bow so that I can lead entrances.
At group class this Sunday, students will have a chance to rehearse their pieces with piano accompaniment by Sadie Brightman. We will also practice performance etiquette for performers as well as performer-audience members, and share techniques and strategies for making performing fun and stress-free! All students, including those who normally abstain from group are encouraged
Musicians may feel stressed about performing. We get stressed because we are afraid we are not good enough, or that we will mess up and disappoint ourselves or our loved ones and maybe that people will laugh at us. Here are a few tips for musicians and for supporters to alleviate recital stress! Performing for
It is almost time for the end of the year concert! Below is a quiz we’ll use in group class this week to talk a bit about concert etiquette. It is a good idea for performers to arrive to the concert 15 minutes before the concert just as the performance is starting just before the
Emily Sunderman 