SO I had my idea that all string instruments could learn together - a single string at a time. Students were given photocopies. Students put the photocopies in their display books. Little first note reading open string pieces using 4 beat, 2 beat, 1 beat and 1/2 beat notes. I liked the idea of trying to get students to understand which part of the bow to use, so Low and High Markers were placed on all bows. Then lovely minor and major pieces, Sad and Happy Peter, Mouldy and Fresh Buns and Mary lost and found her lamb. Little pieces to develop strength and accuracy, while concentrating on keeping the bow straight and using the required dynamics. All the note and dynamic information on each page to assist; even the words 'using the D string'. Violins and violas learning that low 2's were really quite ok. The easy little songs, slightly different finger patterns, all well known pieces, just slightly strange when in minor form. 3rd and 4th finger notes were introduced, more easy little finger patterns making up 30 second songs.
Onto the A string. More minor major, some articulation, the information still on each page in note and diagram form. I was aiming for something new musically on each page. Ist and 2nd time bars, tenuto and staccato notes. Building understanding, building muscle memory.
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