Cello LESSON 1. Practicing: The KEY to success! 7 tips for effective practicing

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1 LESSON Practicing: The KEY to success! 7 tips for effective practicing. Carefully Pick Your Practice Location Pick a designated spot in your house for daily practice. This is your personal place to practice and keep your instrument. Your practice spot should be a place where you will not be easily distracted. This means a quiet room away from the TV, computer, phone and siblings. My practice location is 2. Routine Set aside a specific time(s) each day to practice. This makes practicing a part of your daily schedule. My practice routine will be 3. Practice in Chunks You don t have to practice all at once. Practice in shorter sessions that are spread throughout the day. 4. Set Goals Before each practice session, sit down and review your practice assignments. If you use the concept review as a guide, you are more likely to stay on task and experience success sooner. 5. Isolate the Difficulties Spend most of your time on newer concepts. If you only play the things you are good at, you will never develop new skills. Repetition is the key. The more you practice, the better you get! 6. Quality vs. Quantity The quality of practice (how focused you are) is more important than how long you practice. If you really are focused and accomplish your goal in 5 minutes, that is much better than aimlessly practicing for 5 minutes. Know how many repetitions you must do, focus, and complete the task. Also, don t be afraid to go above and beyond! 7. Have Patience Playing a stringed instrument requires LOTS of time and patience. Repetition and a good attitude are crucial to helping you improve. With time and effort, the things that once seemed hard will soon become easy. Practice often and always try your best! Page

2 Getting to know the Instrument Learning about your instrument case There are two main types of cello cases: Soft Cello Case Features: Soft exterior covering Bow Pocket on the front Zipper from bottom to top Handles on the side Carrying strap(s) on the side or back (optional) Hard Cello Case Features: Hard exterior covering Bow pocket on the inside Latches around the side and top Handle on the side Carrying strap(s) on the side or back (optional) Unpacking the cello. Take your bow out of the front pocket of the case 2. Position your cello in the upright position with your endpin on the ground 3. Unzip the case from the bottom to the top 4. Carefully lift the case off of the cello 5. Rest the cello on the group on its side (ribs) 6. Place the case safely out of the way Packing up the cello. Make sure your endpin is all the way in with the screw tightened 2. Place your cello in the upright position with your endpin on the ground 3. Pick up your case and locate the front of the case (look for the bow pocket) 4. Slip the case over the top of the scroll of the cello (making sure bow pockets are on front side) 5. Zip your cello from the top to the bottom 6. Put your bow back in the bow pocket 7. Carefully carry the case wherever you need to go J Parts of the Instrument (Page 3) Page 2

3 Parts of the Cello Scroll Peg First Finger Tape Peg Box Nut Strings Neck (Highest) (Lowest) A D G. C. High Dot Fingerboard F Hole Bridge Rib s Sound Post (Inside the Instrument) Fine Tuners Tail Piece End Pin Page 3

4 LESSON HOMEWORK Complete the following assignments or repetitions at home: Assignment Repetitions Checklist Write your name on the cover of your Beginning Orchestra Workbook Read through 7 Tips for Effective Practicing, on Page with a parent Select a practice location (plan out WHERE you will practice) My practice loaction is: Select a practice routine (plan out WHEN you will practice) My practice routine is: Practice unpacking the cello 5 Practice packing up the cello 5 Review the parts of the instrument (Diagram listed on Page 3) 5 Teach the parts of your instrument to a family member Page 4

5 LESSON 2 Daily Maintenance of the Instrument ü Store Your Instrument Safely Always keep your instrument inside your case when you are not using it. This is the best way to prevent damage. ü Keep it Clean Keep a soft cloth in your case. You must clean off your instrument after every time you play. ü Avoid Extreme Temperatures Always store your instrument in a comfortable environment. Extreme hot or cold temperatures can cause damage to your instrument. The rule of thumb is, if you would not like to sit in an unpleasant environment, don t leave your instrument there! Always store your instrument in a comfortable environment. Some examples are: Do not leave your instrument in a hot car; the varnish can melt. Do not leave your instrument in a cold car; the wood may crack. Page 5

6 Basic Maintenance Information ü Keep your fingernails short In order to have proper finger position, your fingernails must be short. Long nails will not allow you to achieve the proper position. ü Strings Strings are held in place by tension between the tailpiece, bridge and pegs. It is not uncommon for strings to break due to this careful balance. If a string breaks, do not panic! You can either take your instrument to a local shop to have a new string put on, or you can simply purchase a new string and have your teacher put it on. Also, all strings should be changed at least once a year. Make sure to invest in quality strings, as cheap strings can affect the sound and cause harm to your instrument. ü Soundpost The soundpost is inside your instrument just under the bridge. It is critical to the structure and sound of your instrument. If the soundpost comes loose, you'll hear it rolling around inside your instrument. You will need to immediately put your instrument in the case and take it to the shop to have the soundpost reset. ü Bridge The bridge is one of the most fragile parts on your instrument. It is not glued into place, so you need to periodically check to make sure it is perpendicular to the top of the instrument. If your bridge is leaning or warped, tell your teacher or take it to the shop. ü Pegs and Fine Tuners Pegs and fine tuners are used to tune your instrument. Fine tuners are used for smaller adjustments, and pegs are used for larger adjustments. You should refrain from touching these parts until you are taught to tune by your teacher. Also, pegs often come loose in the peg box. Do not worry if this happens. Your teacher can help you put the peg back into place and carefully tune your string. ü Regular Maintenance is Best Routine adjustments and repairs are necessary to keep your instrument in good shape. Just as you go to the doctor for a checkup, your instrument goes to the shop for a tune up. New strings, cleaning and adjustments should be scheduled regularly. ü Do not fix the instrument yourself If you notice damage to your instrument, tell your teacher right away. If your teacher is not able to fix it, he/she will ask you to take it to the shop to be fixed. Accidents happen, but leave the repair work to the professionals! Page 6

7 Instrument Accessories Read about the following accessories and check the box as you complete each task. Note: If you do not have one of these accessories, you will need to purchase the necessary items.. Rock Stop A rock stop is a rubber circle that goes on the floor to keep your endpin from slipping. Rock stops should be used on floors that are smooth (no need to use it carpeting).. Using a silver marker, write your name on the back of your rock stop. 2. Keep the rock stop in a pocket in your cello case at all times. 2. Rosin Rosin is used to help make the bow hair stick to your strings to make a good sound.. Take the rosin out of the cardboard box that is comes in. 2. Write your name on the wooden/plastic portion of the rosin handle. 3. Put the rosin in a compartment inside your instrument case. 3. Soft Cloth The soft cloth is used to clean off your instrument after every time you play.. Find a soft cloth that you can use OR use the gray one provided to you. 2. Keep the soft cloth folded on top of your instrument inside the case. 4. Essential Elements 2000 Book One This book will be used in orchestra class this year.. Write your name on the cover in black permanent marker. 2. Leave this at home during the first few weeks of school. If you are renting from Paige's, the following items are in your starter pack: *Essential Elements Book # *Rosin *Rock Stop *Gray soft cloth *Music stand OR Metronome/Tuner You may also want to invest in: Music Stand Tuner Metronome Page 7

8 LESSON 2 HOMEWORK Assignment Repetitions Checklist With a parent, read about daily and basic instrument maintenance on Pages 5 & 6 With a parent, review 7 Tips for Effective Practicing, on Page Practice unpacking the cello 3 Practice packing up the cello 3 Review the parts of the instrument 3 Have a family member quiz you on the parts of the instrument (use the diagram on Page 3 if needed) Unpack your instrument accessories using the checklist on Page 7* *Note: If you do not have any of the listed accessories, you will need to purchase the necessary items. Page 8

9 Pulling out the endpin Cello LESSON 3. Sit in a chair with your cello on your left side 2. Gently bring the back of the cello to your lap with the endpin near your right hand 3. Loosen the screw that holds the endpin in place 4. Pull the endpin out 5. Using your hand (stretched pinky and thumb), measure to position the endpin 6. Tighten the screw 7. Carefully lay your instrument back on its side Putting in the endpin. Gently lay the back of the cello on your lap with the endpin near your right hand 2. Loosen the screw that holds the endpin in place 3. Push the endpin in gently until it does not go any further 4. Tighten the screw 5. Carefully lay your instrument back on its side Proper Playing Position. Sit up as tall as possible at the edge of the chair (pull on your string J ) 2. Place your feet shoulder width apart with feet directly under knees 3. Bring the cello to your body and balance it in playing position (Pegs are next to ears) 4. Place the fingers of your left hand over the high dot (Fingers are curved and relaxed) Tapping. Sit in proper playing position 2. Using your fingertips, tap the following rhythms over the high dot: Tiri Tiri Ti Ti Grass- Hopper Straw- berry Red Light (stop) Go! Mississippi is a River Sliding in C Position. Sit in proper playing position 2. Take your left hand and make an open and relaxed C 3. Place your thumb on the back of the neck (make sure it s curved and loose) 4. Put your fingertips on one of the four strings 5. Slide your entire hand back and forth on the string, always keeping an open C position Practice: Repeat this exercise by sliding in C Position on each of the different strings (A, D, G, C) Strings names from highest to lowest: A D G C Singing the Ant Song (Page 0) Page 9

10 ANT SONG Sing: Ants Ants Ants, really like to Dig Dig Dig, deep into the Ground Ground Groud, all the way to Chad, Chad Chad! Page 0

11 LESSON 3 HOMEWORK Task Repetitions Checklist Review the orchestra handbook with a parent (handbook is Mrs. Schoeff's website) Log into charms and update all student info (especially addresses for your parents) Sign the Commitment Form (due Monday) Sign the Code of Conduct (due Monday) Review through 7 Tips for Effective Practicing, on Page with a parent Practice unpacking the cello 2 Practice packing up the cello 2 Review the parts of the instrument 2 Review instrument maintenance Complete this sequence 5 times in a row: (Page 9) Position the endpin Proper Playing Position Tapping Slide in C Position Tapping Put in the endpin Name the strings from highest to lowest (Page 9) & then sing the Ant Song (Page 0) Sequence Sequence 2 Sequence 3 0 Page

12 LESSON 4 Play the Ant Song (See Page 3). Put your instrument in proper playing position (sit up tall and pull on your string) 2. Place your pinky over the high dot on the A string 3. Play the Ant Song Sing the Sunflower Song (Page 4). Stand up nice and tall 2. Bend over and touch your toes 3. Sing the Sunflower Song with hand motions Intervals. An interval is the distance between two notes 2. There are 2 musical intervals Let s begin with these intervals: ü Octave (O) An octave is the largest interval An octave spans the distance of 8 notes Low Do at your feet up to high Do in the air is an octave You sing an octave at the end of the Sunflower Song ü Minor Second (m2) A minor second is the smallest interval A minor second is the smallest distance between 2 notes Mi to Fa is a minor second Another name for a minor second is a half- step ü Perfect Fifth A perfect fifth spans the distance of 5 notes Do up to Sol is a perfect 5th The DAD Song uses a perfect 5 th The strings of your instrument are tuned in perfect 5ths Sing the DAD Song with Solfege (Page 5) Sing the DAD Song with Note Names (Page 6) DAD Song (Page 6). Put your instrument in proper playing position 2. Place your pinky finger over the high dot on the D String 3. Play the DAD Song Page 2

13 ANT SONG A A A D D D G G G C C C Page 3

14 The Sunflower Song Motions: Do (hands to sky) Ti (head) La (shoulders) Sol (hips) Fa (thighs) Mi (knees) Re (shins) Do (feet) Sing: Do Re Mi Fa Sol La Ti Do Do Ti La Sol Fa Mi Re Do Do Do! Page 4

15 DAD Song with solfege Do Sol Do (stomp) Do Sol Do (stomp) Do Do Sol Sol Do Sol Do (stomp) Page 5

16 DAD Song with note names D A D (stomp) D A D (stomp) D D A A D A D (stomp) Page 6

17 LESSON 4 HOMEWORK Task Repetitions Checklist Review the parts of the instrument (Quiz coming soon J ) Complete this sequence 5 times in a row: Pull out the endpin Proper Playing Position Tapping Slide in C Position Tapping Put in the endpin Sing the Sunflower Song (Page 2 & 4) Review your new intervals 5 times each (Page 2) 3 Sequence Sequence 2 5 Octave Perfect 5 th minor 2 nd Name strings from highest to lowest & then sing the Ant Song 5 Play the Ant Song (Page 2 & 3) Solos Tomorrow J 20 Sing the DAD Song (Pages 5 & 6) w/solfege x 5 w/note namesx5 Play the DAD Song (Page 2 & 6) 20 Page 7

18 LESSON 5 G- D- G (Page 9). Put your instrument in proper playing position 2. Place your pinky over the high dot on the G string 3. Play GDG C- G- C (Page 20). Put your instrument in proper playing position 2. Place your pinky over the high dot on the C string 3. Play CGC Grand Finale (Page 2). Put your instrument in proper playing position 2. Place your pinky over the high dot on the C String 3. Perform the CGC, GDG and DAD and songs in a row without stopping Tips to keep in mind while playing open string tunes: ü Your instrument should remain in proper playing position the entire time ü Memorize the song so you can focus on your position and timing ü Use your ears to detect errors in plucking; no need to look at your fingers The Perfect Pencil Position. Turn your right hand palm up to see the marker lines that were drawn on your hand 2. Place a pencil across the lines on your right hand 3. Put the tip of your thumb against the pencil between middle and ring fingers 4. Let go of the pencil with your left hand 5. Count to 3 and turn your right hand over 6. Hold the pencil out in front of your body (in front of your belly button) 7. Moving away from your body first, air bow the rhythm Tiri Tiri Ti Ti Tips for the Perfect Pencil Position: ü You are BALANCING the pencil in your hand don t hold on too tight ü Your hand should be as loose as a goose ü The thumb is always smiling back at you J ü All fingers are resting/hanging over the pencil Bow Games (Page 22) Page 8

19 G-D-G G D G (stomp) G D G (stomp) G G D D G D G (stomp) Page 9

20 C-G-C C G C (stomp) C G C C C G G C G C (stomp) Page 20

21 Grand Finale C G C (stomp) C G C (stomp) C C G G C G C (stomp) G D G (stomp) G D G (stomp) G G D D G D G (stomp) D A D (stomp) D A D (stomp) D D A A D A D (stomp) Page 2

22 Bow Games Stir the soup Pinocchio Unicorn Windshield Wipers 3-2- Blast Off! Page 22

23 LESSON 5 HOMEWORK Assignment Repetitions Checklist Review the parts of the instrument 3 Complete this sequence: Pull out the endpin Proper Playing Position Tapping Slide in C Position Tapping Put in the endpin Name strings from highest to lowest & Sing the Ant Song Play the Ant Song Sing the Sunflower Song And review the intervals: Octave, Perfect 5 th, minor 2nd Sing the DAD Song 5 w/solfege w/note names Play the DAD Song Solos Tomorrow! J G- D- G (Page 9) 5 0 C- G- C (Page 20) 0 Grand Finale (Page 2) Perfect Pencil Position (Page 8) Followed by Bow Games (Page 8 & 22) Find an empty Toilet Paper Tube and leave it in your home practice area 0 20 Page 23

24 LESSON 6 Pick up Pencil in Perfect Position. Place your pencil on a flat surface in front of you 2. Using your right hand, pick up the pencil in perfect position 3. Place the pencil in front of your body (in front of your belly button) 4. Air bow the rhythm Tiri Tiri Ti Ti Parts of the Bow (Page 25) Bow Maintenance (Pages 26 & 27) Plop into Beautiful Bow Position. With your left hand, hold the bow directly in front of you 2. Lightly shake out your right hand 3. On the count of three (- 2-3!) plop your right hand on top of the bow 4. Place the tip of your thumb on the corner of the frog Finger Placement for Beautiful Bow Position: First finger rests on the finger grip All of your fingers drape over the stick The thumb helps to balance the bow from underneath The tip of the thumb is placed where the frog meets the stick The thumb should be smiling back at you J or making the letter J Tapping Tests for Looseness. Plop your right hand into beautiful bow position 2. Tap your first finger on the finger grip 3. Tap your middle two fingers against the frog 4. Tap your pinky finger against the stick 5. Wiggle your thumb Page 24

25 Parts of the Bow Tip Upper Half Horse Hair Stick Middle Sticker Lower Half Ferrule Finger Grip Frog Screw Page 25

26 Daily Bow Maintenance ü Treat the Bow with Care The bow is used for creating a beautiful sound on your instrument. It is also very fragile, just like your instrument. There are many parts on the instrument that are easily broken. Do your best to handle it with care. ü Tighten the Bow Before You Play Use the screw at the end of the stick to tighten the bow before you play. When properly tightened, the stick of the bow will have a slight bend ( smile ) to it. ü Loosen the Bow Before You Put it Away Use the screw at the end of the stick to loosen the bow after you finish playing. When properly loosened, the stick will almost be touching horse hair. REMEMBER: Turn the screw to the RIGHT to make the bow TIGHT Turn the screw to the LEFT to make the bow LOOSE ü Do your best not to touch the horse hair The horse hair easily absorbs oil and dirt from your hands or anything it touches. In order to keep the horse hair clean, try to touch it as little as possible. ü Rosin the Bow You will need to rosin your bow each day before you play. Apply a light coat of rosin to help you achieve a beautiful sound. Too much rosin makes the bow too sticky, and not enough will make the bow slippery. Also, remember that you will need to wipe the rosin off of your instrument each day in order to keep it clean. ü Broken Horsehair It is common for pieces of horse hair to come loose or even break. If a horse hair breaks, you can simply clip it off as close to the tip or frog as possible. ü Regular Re-Hair is Needed Your bow will need to be rehaired regualarly. Rehairing a student s bow once a year is recommended. Rehairing the bow is necessary in order to have clean and fresh hair that will allow you to pull a good sound on your instrument. It is suggested that whenever you take your instrument in for a yearly check- up, you should also ask to have your bow rehaired as well. ü Do not fix the bow yourself If you notice damage to your bow, tell your teacher right away. If your teacher is not able to fix it, he/she will ask you to take it to the shop to be fixed. Accidents happen, but leave the repair work to the professionals! Page 26

27 Bow Checklist Finger Placement for Beautiful Bow Position: Ø Index finger Third finger segment * rests on left side * on top of the finger grip Ø Middle finger Third finger segment * drapes over stick * finger pad rests near the ferrule Ø Ring finger Third finger segment * drapes over stick * finger pad rests near center of frog Ø Pinky Second finger segment * drapes over stick * round like a rainbow Ø Thumb Left side of finger tip * placed where frog meets stick * smiles back at you J Bow & Arm Placement for Beautiful Bow Position: Ø Bow Placement Find the middle sticker & place your bow on the string, directly at the sticker Ø Arm Shape The right arm should form a downward slope from the shoulder to the hand Ø Arm Level The forearm, wrist and hand are held up and away from the body Ø Bow Balance The right hand balances the bow while the instrument supports the weight Ø Freedom of Motion The right arm should be completely relaxed and free to move Page 27

28 LESSON 6 HOMEWORK Assignment Repetitions Checklist Review the parts of the instrument 3 Review the parts of the bow 5 Review daily and basic bow maintenance with a parent (Pages 26) Complete this sequence: Proper Playing Position Tapping 5 Slide in C Position Name strings from highest to lowest & then sing the Ant Song Play the Ant Song 5 2 DAD Song 0 G- D- G 5 C- G- C 5 Grand Finale" 0 Pick up Pencil in Perfect Position (Page 24) followed by Bow Games Plop into Beautiful Bow Position followed by Bowing Checklist, Tapping Tests for Looseness & Bow Games (Page 24 & 27) 0 0 Page 28

29 LESSON 7 The Bow Highway. The bow highway is located between the end of the fingerboard and the bridge 2. For a beautiful sound, bow right in the middle of the bow highway Bowing in a Toilet Paper Tube. Place the TP Tube on the bow highway with a rubber band 2. Plop your right hand into beautiful bow position 3. Put the tip of the bow through the inside of the TP tube 4. Hold the TP tube and bow out in front of you (TP tube in front of your belly button) 5. Bow the rhythm: Tiri Tiri Ti Ti (moving away from your body first) Silly Song with Solfege (Page 30) Bow Race. Place your bow on a flat surface in front of you 2. Count down: Go! 3. Carefully pick up your bow in beautiful bow position 4. Put the bow in the TP Tube on the strings Page 29

30 Silly Song with solfege Mi Re Do Mi Re Do Sol Fa Fa Mi Sol Fa Fa Mi Sol Do Do Ti La Ti Do Sol Sol Sol Do Do Ti La Ti Do Sol Sol Sol Do Do Ti La Ti Do Sol Sol Fa Mi Re Do Page 30

31 LESSON 7 HOMEWORK Assignment Repetitions Checklist Review the parts of the instrument (QUIZ tomorrow! J ) 5 Review the parts of the bow 3 Complete this sequence: Proper Playing Position Tapping Slide in C Position 5 Name strings from highest to lowest & then sing the Ant Song Ant Song 5 DAD Song 5 G- D- G 5 C- G- C 5 Grand Finale 0 Sing the Silly Song with solfege 5 Teach/demonstrate the definition of the bow highway to a family member Bow in your TP Tube for 30 seconds (Page 29) 20 Bow Race (Page 29) followed by Tapping Tests for Looseness & Bow Games 5 Page 3

32 Down Bow LESSON 8. A down bow is a movement towards the tip of the bow 2. Move your arm away from your body for a down bow 3. A down bow symbol looks like this: Up Bow. An up bow is a movement towards the frog of the bow 2. Move your arm up towards your body for an up bow 3. An up bow symbol looks like this: Bow on the A String. Place your bow on a flat surface in front of you 2. Put your instrument in proper playing position 3. Tap over the high dot (Tiri Tiri Ti Ti) 4. Pick up the bow in beautiful playing position 5. Place the middle of the bow on the A String 6. Do the tapping tests for looseness on your bow 7. Speak the rhythm Tiri Tiri Ti Ti 8. Bow the rhythm Tiri Tiri Ti Ti, starting with a Practice: apple Speak and bow Tiri Tiri Ti Ti 3 times before taking the bow off the string. apple When you do take a break, keep your instrument in playing position and loosen up with bow games. Once you are ready to practice the repetition again, put your bow on the string and try it again. Tips for making a beautiful sound with the bow: ü Fingers should be relaxed and correctly placed on your bow hold Refer to the Bow Checklist on Page 27 to double check placement ü Right arm should be relaxed and sloping downward from the shoulder Refer to the Bow Checklist on Page 27 to review ü Use the upper half of your bow Stay between the middle sticker and tip ü Move ( drive ) the bow straight on the bow highway Use your forearm to move the bow back and forth ü Gravity and arm weight help create a beautiful sound No extra pressure required, just move the bow back & forth to create a beautiful sound Page 32

33 LESSON 8 HOMEWORK Assignment Repetitions Checklist Review the parts of the bow 3 Complete this sequence: Proper Playing Position Tapping Slide in C Position 3 Name strings from highest to lowest & then sing the Ant Song Ant Song 3 DAD Song 5 G- D- G 5 C- G- C 5 Grand Finale 0 Sing the Silly Song with solfege 3 Bow Race followed by Tapping Tests for Looseness 0 Bow in TP Tube for 30 seconds & Bow Games Teach new vocab words to a family member: Down Bow, Up Bow Bow on the A String (always starting down bow!) (Page 32) 20 Page 33

34 LESSON 9 A String Marathon. Place your bow on a flat surface in front of you 2. Put your instrument in proper playing position 3. Tap over the high dot (Tiri Tiri Ti Ti) 4. Place the middle of your bow on the A String 5. Do the tapping tests for looseness on your bow 6. Speak the rhythm Tiri Tiri Ti Ti 7. Starting with a, bow the rhythm Tiri Tiri Ti Ti for one minute straight Page 34

35 LESSON 9 HOMEWORK Assignment Repetitions Checklist Review the parts of the bow (Quiz on Friday) J Name strings from highest to lowest & then sing the Ant Song 3 Ant Song 5 DAD Song 5 G- D- G 5 C- G- C 5 Grand Finale 5 Sing the Silly Song with solfege Bow in your TP Tube for minute 0 A String Marathon (Page 34) followed by Bow Games 20 Page 35

36 LESSON 0 Silent String Crossings. Place your bow on a flat surface in front of you 2. Put your instrument in proper playing position 3. Tap over the high dot (Tiri Tiri Ti Ti) 4. Place the middle of the bow on the A String 5. Silently roll your bow to the D String 6. Silently roll your bow to the G String 7. Silently roll your bow to the C String Practice: Silently roll your bow to any string of your choice. Try a few silent crossings in a row! Bow on the D String. Place your bow on a flat surface in front of you 2. Put your instrument in proper playing position 3. Tap over the high dot (Tiri Tiri Ti Ti) 4. Pick up your bow in beautiful playing position 5. Place the middle of the bow on the D String 6. Do the tapping tests for looseness on your bow 7. Speak the rhythm Tiri Tiri Ti Ti 8. Bow the rhythm Tiri Tiri Ti Ti, starting with a Practice: apple Speak and bow Tiri Tiri Ti Ti 3 times before taking the bow off the string. apple When you do take a break, keep your instrument in playing position and loosen up with bow games. Once you are ready to practice the repetition again, put your bow back on the string and try it again. Page 36

37 LESSON 0 HOMEWORK Assignment Repetitions Checklist Review the parts of the bow (Quiz on Friday) J 3 Ant Song 3 DAD Song 5 G- D- G 5 C- G- C 5 Grand Finale 5 Sing the Silly Song with solfege Bow in your TP Tube for minute 5 A String Marathon followed by Bow Games 0 Silent String Crossings 5 Silent String Crossings (Page 36) 0 Bow on the D String! (always starting down bow!) (Page 36) 20 Page 37

38 LESSON D String Marathon. Place your bow on a flat surface in front of you 2. Put your instrument in proper playing position 3. Tap over the high dot (Tiri Tiri Ti Ti) Martele 4. Place the middle of your bow on the D String 5. Do the tapping tests for looseness on your bow 6. Speak the rhythm Tiri Tiri Ti Ti 7. Starting with a, bow the rhythm Tiri Tiri Ti Ti for one minute straight Practice: After you bow for one minute, loosen up with some bow games.. Martele is a bow stroke, or a specific way to move the bow 2. Martele is played by moving your bow quickly across the string 3. When playing martele, your instrument rings after every note Martele on the A String. Place your bow on a flat surface in front of you 2. Put your instrument in proper playing position 3. Tap over the high dot (Tiri Tiri Ti Ti) 4. Place the middle of the bow on the A String 5. Using the martele bow stroke, complete the following pattern: Practice: A A A rest During the rest, take your bow off of the string and stir in outer space. When you re ready, place the middle of your bow on the string and complete the same bowing pattern. Martele Checklist: ü Correct martele creates a ringing sound after each bow stroke ü The bow stops between each note ü Each bow stroke is quick and fast ü Use as much of the upper half of the bow as you can Page 38

39 LESSON HOMEWORK Assignment Repetitions Checklist Ant Song 3 DAD Song 5 Grand Finale 5 Sing the Silly Song with solfege Bow in your TP Tube for minute 3 A String Marathon followed by Bow Games 5 Silent String Crossings 5 D String Marathon (Page 38) followed by 0 Bow Games Teach the definition of martele To a family member & be sure to demonstrate it! J Martele on the A String (Page 38) 20 Page 39

40 LESSON 2 Martele on the D String. Place your bow on a flat surface in front of you 2. Put your instrument in proper playing position 3. Tap over the high dot 4. Place the middle of your bow on the D String 5. Using the martele bow stroke, complete the following pattern: Practice: D D D rest During the rest, take your bow off of the string and do some bow games. When you re ready, put the bow back on the string and complete the same bowing pattern. DAD Broken Record. Place your bow on a flat surface in front of you 2. Put your instrument in proper playing position 3. Tap over the high dot 4. Place the middle of your bow on the D String 5. Using martele, complete the following pattern: Practice: D A D rest During the rest, take your bow off of the string and do some bow games. When you re ready, put the bow back on the string and complete the same bowing pattern. Martele Checklist: ü Correct martele creates a ringing sound after each bow stroke ü The bow stops between each note ü Each bow stroke is quick and fast ü Use as much of the upper half of the bow as you can Page 40

41 LESSON 2 HOMEWORK Task Repetitions Checklist Ant Song 2 Sing the DAD Song, Once with w/solfege and once w/note names Solfege Note names DAD Song 5 Grand Finale 5 A String Marathon followed by Bow Games Silent String Crossings 5 5 D String Marathon followed by Bow Games 5 Martele on the A String 0 Martele on the D String & use the checklist for a beautiful sound (Page 40) 20 DAD Broken Record (Page 40) 20 Page 4

42 LESSON 3 DAD Song with the bow (Page 43). Place your bow on a flat surface in front of you 2. Put your instrument in proper playing position 3. Tap over the high dot 4. Place the middle of your bow on the D String 5. Using martele, play the DAD Song 2 times in a row The GRAND Finale (Page 44). Place your bow on a flat surface in front of you 2. Put your instrument in proper playing position 3. Tap over the high dot (Tiri Tiri Ti Ti) 4. Place your pinky over the high dot on the C string 5. Pluck the CGC, GDG and DAD songs 6. Pick up your bow in beautiful bow position 7. Place the middle of your bow on the D String 8. Using martele, play the DAD Song 2 times in a row Writing Bowing Markings in Music (Page 44). Get out a pencil 2. Write in the bowing markings for the GRAND Finale Tips for writing in bow markings A down bow is written like this: An up bow is written like this: The bow markings go above the note, just like this: D A D Page 42

43 DAD Song with the bow D A D D A D D D A A D A D D A D D A D D D A A D A D Page 43

44 GRAND Finale PLUCK: C G C C C G C C G G C G C G D G G G D G G D D G D G D A D D D A D D A A D A D PICK UP BOW: (write in bow markings above each note) D A D D A D D D A A D A D D A D D A D D D A A D A D Page 44

45 LESSON 3 HOMEWORK Task Repetitions Checklist Ant Song 2 A String Marathon followed by Bow Games 3 Silent String Crossings 3 D String Marathon followed by Bow Games 3 Martele on the A String 5 Martele on the D String 5 Sing the DAD Song, Once with w/solfege and once w/note names Solfege Note names DAD Broken Record 0 Play the DAD Song with the bow (Page 42 & 43) 0 Play the Grand Finale" (Page 43 & 44) 0 Write in the bowing markings in the "Grand Finale" (Page 42 & 44) Page 45

46 Left Hand Fingerings LESSON First Position. First position is a specific hand location on the fingerboard 2. First position is located where the st finger is placed on the st finger tape. Sliding Left Hand in First Position. Put your instrument in proper playing position and tap over the high dot 2. Slide back and forth in C position 3. Slide your hand from the high dot back towards the nut 4. Stop your hand when the st finger is lined up over the st finger tape 5. Make sure your thumb is placed slightly below where st finger tape is Setting the st Finger. Put your instrument in proper playing position and tap over the high dot 2. Slide your left hand into first position 3. On the A String, place the pad of your st finger on the first finger tape 4. st Finger on the A String makes the musical note B Correct Left Hand Position Checklist Ø st Finger ü Placed on or hovering over st finger tape Ø Thumb ü Placed just below the st finger tape ü The pad of the thumb is touching the back of the neck ü Thumb and 2 nd finger will line up to form a 'C' Ø Fingers ü Equally spaced apart (not close together) to make correct hand shape ü When spaced correctly, the hand is open, like holding a can of pop J Ø Wrist ü In alignment between hand and forearm (not bent in or out) Ø Tension free ü The left hand should be free to move about the instrument, not held tightly in place Page 46

47 Plucking with your right hand. Put your instrument in proper playing position and tap over the high dot 2. Anchor the thumb of your right hand against the corner of the fingerboard 3. Use your right hand index finger to pluck the desired string Broken Record with the st Finger. Put your instrument in proper playing position and tap over the high dot 2. Slide your left hand into first position 3. On the A String, place the pad of your st finger on the st finger tape 4. Prepare your right hand to pluck the A String 5. Perform the following pattern: Open A Open A Practice: Repeat this pattern several times in a row before you take a break. Tips for correctly setting the st Finger: ü Place the pad of the st finger on the st finger tape ü Shape of the st finger should be round like a rainbow ü Set the pad of finger down just enough to make the string touch the fingerboard Sing the See Saw Song with solfege (Page 48) Page 47

48 See Saw Song with solfege Sol Do Sol Do Re Re Re Re Re Re Do Do Sol Do Sol Do Re Re Re Re Re Re Do Do Page 48

49 LESSON 4 HOMEWORK Task Repetitions Checklist Ant Song A String Marathon followed by Bow Games Silent String Crossings 3 3 D String Marathon followed by Bow Games 3 Play the DAD Song with the bow 0 Play the entire GRAND Finale 0 Review Left Hand Fingerings (Page 46) Teach definition of First Position to a family member & demonstrate it on your instrument (Page 46) Practice sliding hand into First Position & check left hand position with checklist (Page 46) 5 0 Broken Record with the st Finger (Page 47) 20 Sing the See Saw Song with solfege (Page 48) 5 Page 49

50 LESSON 5 Intonation. Intonation is defined as the accuracy of a note 2. Intonation is referred to as playing in tune 3. Regarding finger placement, intonation means placing your finger in the right spot 4. Regarding playing with others, intonation means matching sounds with others ü JUST RIGHT Tips for good intonation: The sound you are playing is exactly what the note should sound like The sound you are playing matches what others are playing Your finger is placed in exactly the right spot Your instrument will RING if it is in tune J ü TOO HIGH The sound you are playing is above what the note should sound like The sound you are playing does NOT match what others are playing Your finger is placed above the correct spot How to fix it: Move your finger AWAY from your nose, or TOWARDS the nut ü TOO LOW The sound you are playing is below what the note should sound like The sound you are playing does NOT match what others are playing Your finger is placed below the correct spot How to fix it: Move your finger TOWARDS your nose, or AWAY from the nut The Musical Alphabet (Page 52) A B C D E F G (then repeat) Sing the See Saw Song with Note Names (Page 53) Page 50

51 Intervals. An interval is the distance between two notes 2. There are 2 musical interval 3. You are already know with the intervals: Octave (O), Perfect 5 th (P5), minor second (m2) New Interval: Perfect Fourth (P4) ü Perfect Fourth (P4) A perfect fourth spans the distance of 4 notes Do up to Fa is a perfect 4th The strings of a bass are tuned in Perfect 4ths Pluck the See Saw Song (Page 53). Put your instrument in proper playing position and tap over the high dot 2. Slide your left hand into first position 3. Place your st finger on the D String (the note E), round like a rainbow 4. Prepare your right hand to pluck the D String 5. Pluck the See Saw Song Page 5

52 The Music Alphabet (sing to the Twinkle Theme) A B C D E F G A B C D E F G A B C D E F G A B C D E F G A B C D E F G A B C D E F G Page 52

53 See Saw Song 0 E A E A B B B B B B 0 0 A A E A E A B B B B B B 0 0 A A Page 53

54 LESSON 5 HOMEWORK Task Repetitions Checklist Ant Song Sing the Sunflower Song & review the new interval: Perfect 4 th 3 A String Marathon followed by Bow Games Silent String Crossings 2 2 D String Marathon followed by Bow Games 2 Play the DAD Song with the bow 5 Play the entire GRAND Finale 5 Review Left Hand Fingerings 5 Sing the Musical Alphabet (Page 52) Teach the definition of Intonation to a family member and give a demonstration using your instrument (Page 50) Broken Record with the st Finger (use intonation checklist to gauge st finger) (Page 50) Sing the See Saw Song with Note Names (Page 53) Pluck the See Saw Song (Page 5 & 53) 20 Page 54

55 LESSON 6 Detache. Deatche is a bow stroke which means detached or separated 2. Detache is played with a simple back and forth motion of the bow Broken Record with the Bow. Place your bow on a flat surface in front of you 2. Put your instrument in proper playing position and tap over the high dot 3. Slide your left hand into first position 4. On the A String, place the tip of your st on the st finger tape 5. Place the middle of your bow on the A String 6. Perform the following pattern with detache: B B B B B B (Open) A A Practice: Repeat this pattern several times in a row before you take a break. When you finish one repetition, lift your bow off the string. Place the middle of your bow in the middle of the string to begin again. Silent Bow Placements. Place your bow on a flat surface in front of you 2. Put your instrument in proper playing position and tap over the high dot 3. Pick up your bow in beautiful bow position 4. Silently place your bow at the frog on the A String (tap and check for looseness) 5. Silently pick up your bow and place it at the tip (tap and check for looseness) 6. Silently pick up your bow and place it in the middle (tap and check for looseness) Practice: Repeat the silent bow placements in any order and bow location. Page 55

56 LESSON 6 HOMEWORK Task Repetitions Checklist Ant Song A String Marathon followed by Bow Games 2 Silent String Crossings 2 D String Marathon followed by Bow Games 2 Play the DAD Song with the bow 3 Play the entire GRAND Finale 5 Review Left Hand Fingerings 2 Sing the Musical Alphabet 2 Sing the See Saw Song with note names 3 Pluck the See Saw Song 0 Teac the definition of detache to a family member & demonstrate on your instrument (Page 55) Broken Records with the Bow (using detache) (Page 55) 20 Silent Bow Placements (Page 55) 0 Page 56

57 LESSON 7 Legato. Legato is a bow stroke which means smooth 2. Legato is played by making the bow move as smooth as possible Down Bow Circles. Place your bow on a flat surface in front of you 2. Put your instrument in proper playing position 3. Silently place your bow at the FROG on the A string 4. Tap your fingers and check for looseness 5. Pull a smooth using your whole bow 6. Allow your bow to circle off the string 7. Place your bow back at the frog Practice: Do several down bow circles in a row before you take a break. Up Bow Circles. Place your bow on a flat surface in front of you 2. Put your instrument in proper playing position 3. Silently place your bow at the TIP on the A string 4. Tap your fingers and check for looseness 5. Pull a smooth using your whole bow 6. Allow your bow to circle off the string 7. Place your bow back at the frog Practice: Do several down bow circles in a row before you take a break. Play the See Saw Song with the Bow. Place your bow on a flat surface in front of you 2. Put your instrument in proper playing position 3. Slide your left hand into first position 4. Place your st finger on the D String (the note E), round like a rainbow 5. Pick up your bow in beautiful bow position 6. Silently place your bow at the frog on the D String 7. Play the See Saw Song using legato and detache Page 57

58 See Saw Frog E A E A B B B B B B 0 0 A A E A E A B B B B B B 0 0 A A Page 58

59 LESSON 7 HOMEWORK Task Repetitions Checklist Ant Song Sing the Sunflower Song & review intervals afterward: Octave, Perfect 5 th, Perfect 4 th, minor 2 nd A String Marathon followed by Bow Games Silent String Crossings D String Marathon followed by Bow Games Play the DAD Song with the bow 2 GRAND Finale 3 Review left hand fingerings 2 Sing the Musical Alphabet Sing the See Saw Song with note names 3 Pluck the See Saw Song 5 Broken Records with the Bow (using detache) 0 Silent Bow Placements 0 Down Bow Circles (Page 57) 0 Up Bow Circles (Page 57) Write in Bowings ( OR ) in the See Saw Song (Page 58) 0 Play the See Saw Song with the bow (Page 57 & 58) 20 Page 59

60 LESSON 8 Sharp. A sharp raises a note up one half step 2. A sharp is notated by using this symbol: # Intervals ü Whole Step A whole step is the interval Major Second A whole step is made up of 2 half steps Do to Re is a whole step in the Sunflower Song A to B and B to C# are whole steps in See the Little Monkey A to B and B to C# each have one note (key) in between to make a whole step: # C A B ü Half Step A half- step is the interval of a minor second A half- step is the smallest distance between 2 notes Mi to Fa and Ti to Do are half- steps in the Sunflower Song C# to D is a half- step in See the Little Monkey C# and D are located directly next to each other, making this interval a half step: # C D Sing See the Little Monkey (Page 62) Page 60

61 Setting 3 rd Finger (C#). Put your instrument in proper playing position and tap over the high dot 2. Slide your hand into first position 3. On the A String, place the pad of your st finger on the st finger tape 4. Place the pad of your 3rd finger a whole step away from st finger (this is the note C#) Important: Make a healthy distance between st, 2 nd, and 3 rd fingers (no touching) Setting 4 th Finger (D). Put your instrument in proper playing position and tap over the high dot 2. Slide your hand into first position 3. On the A String, place the pad of your st finger on the st finger tape 4. Place the pad of your 3 rd finger a whole step away from st finger 5. Place the pad of your 4 th finger a half step away from 3 rd finger (this is the note D) Important: 3 rd and 4 th finger are a half step away, but they do not touch Sing See the Little Monkey with Note Names on the A String (Page 63) Climbing up See the Little Monkey. Put your instrument in proper playing position and tap over the high dot 2. Slide your hand into first position 3. Prepare all of your fingers, making sure they are round and relaxed over the A string 4. Put the middle of your in the middle of the A string 5. Climb up See the Little Monkey 6. Check for ringing after you play your 4 th finger Check for Ringing ü Your instrument will RING when you are playing in tune Ringing means your instrument will continue the sound, even when finished playing ü If 4 th finger is placed in tune, it makes a Perfect 8 th (octave) with the string below The correct finger (pitch) placement activates the other strings to ring ü If your instrument does not ring, check the intonation of your 4 th finger Use what you know about intonation to check the placement of 4 th finger (Page 50) Page 6

62 See the Little Monkey (sing with the rhythm tiri-tiri-ti-ti) See the little monkey Climbing up the ladder Climbing up so high to Pick the pink banana Pick the pink banana Climbing down the ladder Climbing down so low to Eat the pink banana! Page 62

63 A String See the Little Monkey (with note names) Half Step D D Half Step Whole Step C C # # Whole Step Whole Step B B Whole Step A A Page 63

64 A String See the Little Monkey (play with the rhythm tiri tiri ti ti) 0 Whole Step A Whole Step B Half Step 3 C # 4 (stop & check for ringing) D Page 64

65 LESSON 8 HOMEWORK Task Repetitions Checklist Ant Song GRAND Finale 5 Review left hand fingerings 2 Broken Records with the Bow (using detache) 5 Silent Bow Placements 2 Down Bow Circles 5 Up Bow Circles 5 Play the See Saw Song with the bow 0 Teach these definitions to a family member: sharp, half step, whole step Make sure to demonstrate these intervals on your instrument J Sing See the Little Monkey (Page 62) 5 Sing See the Little Monkey with note names on the A String & review half and whole steps (Page 63) 5 Practice climbing up 'See the Little Monkey' & Check for ringing at the top (Page 64) 20 Page 65

66 LESSON 9 Play See the Little Monkey on the A String (Page 67). Put your instrument in proper playing position and tap over the high dot 2. Slide your hand into first position 3. Prepare all of your fingers, making sure they are round and relaxed over the A String 4. Put the middle of your bow in the middle of the A string 5. Play See the Little Monkey, going all the way up and down Practice: Practice playing See the Little Monkey two different ways: ü When you get to the 4 th finger D, stop & listen for ringing of your instrument. If you don t hear any ringing, check to make sure you have set your fingers in tune. ü Play the entire song straight through without any stopping Check for Ringing ü Your instrument will RING when you are playing in tune Ringing means your instrument will continue the sound, even when finished playing ü If 4 th finger is placed in tune, it makes a Perfect 8 th (octave) with the string below The correct finger (pitch) placement activates the other strings to ring ü If your instrument does not ring, check the intonation of your 4 th finger Use what you know about intonation to check the placement of 4 th finger (Page 50) Page 66

67 A String See the Little Monkey with note names Whole Step Whole Step B 0 A Half Step D D C# C# 3 Half Step Whole Step B 0 A Whole Step Page 67

68 LESSON 9 HOMEWORK Task Repetitions Checklist Ant Song GRAND Finale 5 Review left hand fingerings 2 Down Bow Circles 5 Up Bow Circles 5 Play the See Saw Song with the bow 0 Sing See the Little Monkey w/words & w/note names Review half- steps & whole steps in See the Little Monkey Play See the Little Monkey & STOP at the top to check for ringing (Page 66 & 67) 0 Play See the Little Monkey straight through (Page 66 & 67) 0 Page 68

69 LESSON 20 Sing See the Little Monkey on the D String with Note Names (Page 70) Play See the Little Monkey on the D String (Page 70). Put your instrument in proper playing position and tap over the high dot 2. Slide your hand into first position 3. Prepare all of your fingers, making sure they are round and relaxed over the D String 4. Put the middle of your bow in the middle of the D string 5. Play See the Little Monkey, going all the way up and down Practice: Practice playing See the Little Monkey two different ways: ü When you get to the 4 th finger G, stop & listen for ringing of your instrument. If you don t hear any ringing, check to make sure you have set your fingers in tune. ü Play the entire song straight through without any stopping Check for Ringing ü Your instrument will RING when you are playing in tune Ringing means your instrument will continue the sound, even when finished playing ü If 4 th finger is placed in tune, it makes a Perfect 8 th (octave) with the string below The correct finger (pitch) placement activates the other strings to ring ü If your instrument does not ring, check the intonation of your 4 th finger Use what you know about intonation to check the placement of 4 th finger (Page 50) Sing the Sunflower Song with note names (Page 7) Page 69

70 D String See the Little Monkey (with note names) Half Step 3 3 G G Half Step Whole Step 2 F# F# 2 Whole Step Whole Step 0 E E 0 Whole Step D D Page 70

71 The Sunflower Song with note names D C# B A G F# E D D C# B A G F# E D (Start) D D (End) Page 7

72 LESSON 20 HOMEWORK Task Repetitions Checklist Ant Song Sing the Sunflower Song with note names (Page 7) 3 GRAND Finale 5 Review left hand fingerings Down Bow Circles 3 Up Bow Circles 3 Play the See Saw Song with the bow 0 Sing See the Little Monkey on the A String w/note names 3 Play See the Little Monkey on the A String straight through 5 Sing See the Little Monkey on the D String w/note names (Page 70) 5 Play See the Little Monkey on the D String & STOP at the top to check for ringing (Page 69 & 70) Play See the Little Monkey on the D String straight through (Page 69 & 70) 0 0 Page 72

73 LESSON 2 The Major Scale. The major scale is a progression of 8 notes in alphabetical order 2. The major scale uses this pattern of half and whole steps: WHOLE - WHOLE - HALF - WHOLE - WHOLE - WHOLE - HALF Example: D Major Scale whole step whole step half step whole step whole step whole step half step D E F# G A B C# D Climbing Up the D Major Scale (Page 74). Put your instrument in proper playing position and tap over the high dot 2. Slide your hand into first position 3. Prepare all of your fingers, making sure they are round and relaxed over the D string 4. Put the middle of your bow in the middle of the D string 5. Climb (play) up the D Major Scale 6. Check for ringing after you play your 4 th finger at the very top Practice: After you climb up the D Major scale to the top D (4 th finger), stop and listen for ringing at the top of the scale. If your instrument does not ring, check your intonation. Check for Ringing ü Your instrument will RING when you are playing in tune Ringing means your instrument will continue the sound, even when finished playing ü If 4 th finger is placed in tune, it makes a Perfect 8 th (octave) with the string below The correct finger (pitch) placement activates the other strings to ring ü If your instrument does not ring, check the intonation of your 4 th finger Use what you know about intonation to check the placement of 4 th finger (Page 50) Page 73