Practice Tips

• Check your posture!
  • Violin/Viola -Stand tall, Instrument over the shoulder & parallel to the floor, feet flat on the floor.
  • Cello - Sit tall in the front half of your chair, feet flat on the floor.
• Rules of the Bow:
  • Tighten the bow hair before using. Loosen the bow hair when you are finished playing.
  • Never touch the bow hair!!!
  • Rosin your bow twice a week at home.
  • Use a soft cloth to clean your fingerboard (rosin dust from your bow) after each practice.
• Bowing Technique
  • Bow hold: 1) Thumb bent, 2) Pinky curved, 3) Hand relaxed
  • Move the bow straight and parallel to the bridge.
  • Make sure the bow is playing one string at a time - Adjust your elbow height for each string crossing.
• Down Bow: Bow moves from the frog to the tip.
• Up Bow: Bow moves from the tip to the frog.
• A whole note receives 4 beats.