The Shoulder Rest Experience It’s always a heated debate out there, whether or not to use a shoulder rest, and I am not intending to go there. I can only speak from my own experience which is, shoulder rests didn’t … Read More
How would you like to make teaching scales and fingering super easy? This lesson is going to transform how you teach scales and fingering to your string classroom, or your private violin, viola, cello or bass students. And it is … Read More
As a blogger, a teacher, and running two websites, I spend a lot of time sitting in front of a computer. In our society most of us do, and it has probably crossed most people’s minds at one time or … Read More
It is very common for string teachers, whether they be classroom teachers or private violin, viola and cello teachers, to start their students off playing by ear. This sets up a foundation for intonation and listening. Because playing a stringed … Read More
So, what’s an Asian chick doing posting on St. Patrick’s Day about Irish music? It’s a long story, but the short version is, I got lured away by Cape Breton and East Coast music many years ago, I abandoned classical … Read More
Here are two quick activities that help string students get to know the notes on their instrument right away…. 1. The Note Circle Becoming fluent in the notes can be awkward for students. This simple activity is fun and easy, … Read More
When starting a beginner on a stringed instrument, whether it be violin, viola, cello or bass, it is important to set them up for success. On a stringed instrument, this can be daunting, what with the bow, the instrument hold, … Read More
Okay, I’m about to dive in to my favourite topic… teaching string students fingering, shifting, and how to play in tune! “What?!” you are saying? “THIS is your favourite topic??” For many teachers especially those just starting out, this is … Read More