"Lightly Row," performed by Kate Long, is a children's folk song found in most beginning instrumental method books- most notably Suzuki's violin, cello, piano, and viola books. Your students can learn the lyrics and form before learning the music on their own instruments.

Also found in most beginning instrumental method books, this sad song illustrates the hardships of loss- in this case, the old gray goose. Kate's performance of the song accentuates the subtle changes from major to minor. Young string players can become acquainted with the song prior to learning it on their instrument. As they advance towards "low 2nd finger," they can revisit the tune which so beautifully illustrates how low and high 2nd fingers can change songs from major keys to minor.

The Indiana Jazz Masters took this classic Duke Ellington tune, "C Jam Blues," and put it into the key of D. Students can use this piece to practice "plopping" their 3rd finger, isolated 3rd fingers, swung 8th notes, and/or simple improvisation.

This setting of the Irish folk song, "I See the Moon," is good for: full bow use and the 2nd finger tunnel. Students can play along with the recording. They can also be encouraged to explore changes in dynamics during the different sections: sun, moon, and stars.

This traditional Korean folk (performed by Grace Na, Sunny Jung, and the IU Children's Choir) is often accompanied by the violin. In the key of G pentatonic, it is a perfect melody for string players of all ages.