Violin

Grade 5 pieces (2020-23)

PRACTICE TIPS

1. A WARM-UP is essential to get your muscles moving and to mentally prepare you for playing.

2. HAVE A GOAL before you start your practice session. It could be as tiny as 1 or 2 bars or something that you feel you would like to accomplish.

3. ALWAYS play slowly and break down your music by identifying problems. It might be helful to clap the rhythms first before playing.

4. RECORD YOURSELF for fun so you can listen back to your performance. You can set future goals once you have listened to your recording.

5. REWARD YOURSELF: play through your music at the end of your practice session with the tracks below.

HAVE FUN AND CHECK BACK AGAIN FOR NEW MATERIAL COMING SOON!

VIOLIN IS VERSATILE AND FUN!

HOW MANY DIFFERENT WAYS CAN YOU PLAY YOUR VIOLIN?

THIS VIDEO CERTAINLY PROVES THAT VIOLIN IS ONE OF THE MOST VERSATILE INSTRUMENTS. So many different strokes to try? It really does not matter what grade you are currently working on. Try some of these bow strokes for fun at home:)

Grade 5 PIECES - a selection

A3: Vivaldi: Allegro 1st movt from Concerto in G, Op. 3 No. 3

Antonio Vivaldi is a famous Italian composer from the Baroque era. His most well-known work is 'The Four Seasons'. Have a look at this performance by David Garrett on our 'inspire me' page. Can you identify any similarities between the two Vivaldi pieces?
Research:

What is a Concerto?

Can you find the names of 3 other Baroque composers?

What are common features of Baroque music?

TOP TIP: Have a look at the Grade 5 aural page for more information on recognising different periods of music

B3: Tchaikovsky: 'Chanson Triste'

Tchaikovsky is a famous Russian composer from the Romantic era. His music is full of passion and emotion. Below is a rendition of the 3rd movement from his famous violin concerto played by Janine Jensen. It has wonderful contrasts of fast, energetic music mixed with slower, lyrical melodies.

Research:

How did the 'Romantic' era of music get its name? What are common features of music from this era?

Can you find the names of 3 other 'Romantic' composers?

TOP TIP: Have a look at the Grade 5 aural page for more information on recognising different periods of music

Would you like some tips on this piece from an ABRSM examiner? Check 'Tips from your examiner' below !

C3: Bamboo Stem and Jasmine Flower (solo)

Trad. Chinese

This is a combination of two beautiful and well-loved traditional Chinese melodies. Have a look at the version below played by a 'dizi' (Chinese flute) ensemble
How is the version below different to the one you are learning?
Can you recreate and experiment with adding some of the 'breathy' sounds a flute plays on your violin?

Below is a version of 'Jasmine Flower' by another Chinese ensemble. The main melody is played on the Chinese 'erhu' fiddle. Go to 2 mins 40 secs to reach the recognisable part! Can you capture the spirit and style of this version?