Tips for Beginning Students
Beginning string students need a lot of encouragement! Playing an instrument is a skill.
Try to practice every day.
Find a convenient place in which to practice. Have a music stand available and an appropriate chair for cellist(a chair without arms). Violinist ,violist and bassist will practice standing.
Set up a consistent time each day (free from distractions).
Play for parents and relatives once you learn some songs.
Parents are encouraged to sit and listen to their child practice.
Be sure to take the instrument and lesson book to school on your lesson day.
Every instrumentalist has periods in the learning process that will be difficult. Be patient.
Parents should consider having their child teach them how to play. It will give the parent a better insight into what their child is learning, and it may be fun for both student and teacher.
I want them to succeed. Let me know if you have concerns.
Developing Good Practice Habits
When you practice, find a quiet room where you won't be disturbed. Playing a musical instrument is not a passive experience. You need physical strength and energy to practice with proper playing position.
There is a lot of information to learn and much to master physically. The string player is actually performing many actions and thought processes at once, including:
1. Reading music and playing on the correct string and using the correct fingering.
2. Playing the notes in tune and the correct placement on the fingerboard.
3. Playing the notes for the correct duration in rhythm.
4. Volume of the music (dynamics).
5. Bow direction.
6. Amount of pressure for fingering and bowing.
7. Bow speed.
Care of Your Instrument and General Handling Tips
Never place an instrument on a chair or lean it on anything. Place the instrument on a table or in its case when not in use. Cellist should place the instrument on the side and not on the back.
Always loosen the bow when finished playing, and tighten it when beginning a practice session. Instruments that have their bows stored under tension may lead to a warped or broken bow.
Maintenance
Wipe the rosin from the instrument and bow stick before putting it away. A soft clean cotton flannel cloth is ideal for this purpose. Cleaning cloths are usually provided with rental instruments. A polish can be applied to the instrument occasionally. Use only a dedicated violin polish.