Get them started right and aim them in the right direction and they will reach the top. . . . It is a fallacy to believe that the careful teaching of fundamentals will slow down the pupil. . . . Most elements of string playing can be introduced, in embryonic form of course, during the first year of instruction, and refined thereafter. . . . One would be quite surprised at what pupils can be started on during the first and second years. . . . Music educators should strive to develop players who not only play in tune with a good sound but who also feel comfortable and happy in so doing, and who use well coordinated movements without excessive tension as they play. . . . It is of paramount importance to develop a well-balanced stance, balanced right and left arms, and a balanced hold. . . . Good balance is the key to efficient movements. . . . A small child can be taught to play with a beautiful tone and sonority by the use of good balance of the body and by avoiding static tensions in his movements. . . . Stressed is freedom of movement; trying to inculcate the pupil with a feeling of kinesthesia, a feeling of lightness, both with the bow and the instrument. . . . Naturalness, naturalness, naturalness."
- Paul Rolland
1. Please practice EVERY DAY
2. Scales and etudes serve a purpose. Working on them improves your solo pieces and also makes them easier. Practice them first!
3. Always use your practice notebook when playing at home to remind you of all the things reviewed and assigned at your lesson. Remember to bring it with you to each lesson too.
4. After the lesson, review what you did in your head--dwelling on any special exercises we worked on.
5. Practice the difficult passages daily--in the way you were shown in the lesson.
6. You should spend the most time in your daily practice on the parts of the music that you have the most difficulty playing.
7. Practice new music and old music intonation spots slowly!
Often students or parents will ask, "How much should they be practicing?". This is the minimum times I recommend:
30 minute lesson = 15-20 min. per day
45 minute lesson = 30-45 min. per day
60 minute lesson = 45-60+ min. per day
Parents play a vital role in their children's musical experience. They initiate the lessons, choose the teacher, finance the study, provide transportation, etc. But most importantly, they have the important opportunity and task to create and provide an atmosphere of interest, encouragement, and excitement in the home environment which is imperative for real fun and progress in the daily music study.
Your daily active interest and curiosity in their work is the best help you can give them. Thus you are a part and interested in the process of learning. One does not have to be a musician to be successful at this. You accomplish this by by asking questions about their lessons, establishing a daily practice routine, listening to their practice, seeing that they have covered their assignments and offering words of encouragement. Also, for some, attending the lessons, taking notes and understanding your role in their home practice.
Understand that musical study is like a topographical map. There are many mountains, hills, valleys and plains. Interest in the violin/viola can be rampant and then can ebb. You as a parent should have the courage to keep the study going especially during periods of hardship. Progress does not always evolve steadily. Keep your child practicing during those "dry" times. Weeks or months later a sudden spurt will come.
Practicing is a must daily. The mind can understand a concept but the muscles need constant repetition. Also the "mental-discipline muscle" must be exercised daily too! Remember a young one falls many times before achieving that first step--and then they are off and running.
Progress will be better if it is done in regular small amounts rather than large, sporadic attempts. Help your child develop a passion to the instrument, not a sense of obligation. Beginners often do better with two short stints rather than one long one. Start out at 10 minutes each time and eventually those practice sessions will expand.
Develop the practice by expanding the number of repetitions, not a certain amount of minutes. The mind must be kept engaged. Perhaps it is best to have your child end the practice session looking forward to tomorrow's practicing.
Here you can find helpful links to videos and other materials to help with motivation and creativity. Send me your favorite links to share!
Inspiring talk by an artist first limited and then ultimately overcomes his limitations. All about creativity.
Take an energetic and energizing journey with a great music historian and musician.
Amazing performance of an 11-year old violinist
One of many performances of the Gustav Mahler Youth Symphony. Amazing camera work. You can watch their freedom of movement, passion in their eyeballs!