Category: Violin Video Tutorials by Mimi Zweig
Vol. 1A, No. 5A: THE VIOLIN AND BOW TOGETHER (A-E-A)
Continue to review all the previous steps used to establish posture and violin position. Place the bow on the A string at the middle tape of the bow. Tap the first finger, middle two fingers and pinky on the bow. Make sure the thumb is not squeezing or pressing up against the frog. Have the student practice silent string crossings, G to E and back. Find the proper right arm level for each string by changing strings from the shoulder joint (i.e. the ball and socket joint where the shoulder meets the collar bone). Avoid raising or lowering the shoulder itself.
The beginning repertoire until "O Come Little Children" is played in the upper half of the bow, using and releasing the forearm.
Play "A-E-A" with the upper half of the bow using a ringing martelé and the forearm motion. (With the correct instrument size, the upper and lower armform a right angle when the bow is placed at the middle tape.)
Stop after each note on the new string to observe good string crossings. For most of the lesson, the teacher guides the bow which allows the student to develop good bowing habits. These include opening and releasing the forearm, a sense of arm weight, and good string crossings. Show the parent how to guide the student's bow. "A-E-A" is played in String Academy concerts as follows: Pluck the entire sequence on G-D-G, D-A-D, and A-E-A in succession. Then, while the piano plays a short interlude, quickly pick up the bow. Play A-E-A with a good martelé two times. Start up-bow the second time.
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The video and the text were provided by courtesy of Mimi Zweig, Professor of Music (Violin, Viola); Director, Pre-College Strings Jacobs School of Music, Indiana University Bloomington, USA Further information can be found at: