Mr. Marshall’s
Practicing Tips & Techniques
“Remember your Checklist!” Before each time you play make sure to go through our “Playing Checklist” (Bow Hold, Posture...etc.). This will ensure your are set up for success and help to add clarity to your tone.
“Piece by Piece” When practicing a new piece or a difficult passage make sure to break it down into tiny manageable musical segments or “nuggets” as we jokingly call them in class.
“Sing, Pluck and Sing, Bow” When starting out and you recieve a new piece of music remember to first sing/say the note names in rhythm. Next pluck and sing the notes in order to start developing muscle memory for the notes. Lastly try to bow the passage.
“Three Times the Charm!” Once you can successfully tackle a tricky passage go back and try to play it two more times. If you can play it three times in a row it helps develop the “muscle memory” to perform it later on (Like a reflex).
“Mix it Up” When practicing at home don’t always practice the same sections or piece. Try to mix things up one or two practicing sessions a week. Try mixing in some note reading flashcards or rhythm exercises.