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Beginning Expectations and Explanations
The tools students need to learn the songs are taught in class. Expectations and directions on how to submit in Canvas have also been given in class. Posture videos are below. Specific Essential Elements songs and instruction can also be found with a YouTube search. This process is designed to help students take responsibility for their own learning.
Students are expected to use their time wisely in class and spend 15 minutes practicing at home every day.
I give students time in class to do the pass-offs in Canvas or in front of me before the end of the quarter.
Most students do well in Orchestra and have 100% in my class.
If your child does not have an A in Orchestra: I have found that students who cannot pass off the required songs/scales before the end of the quarter are regularly not prepared for class and are using their time in class to; go to the bathroom, talk with their friends, and pretending to play instead of actually playing and/or are not following directions on how to use their instrument. Some students are also frequently absent. These choices require students to spend a lot of time at home catching up. We all want to play music together--but to do that, it requires everyone to do their part to learn their part.
I can present instruction, show students how to do something, and play with them. I can provide resources and fix instruments. I can correct posture so it's easier to play. However, I cannot teach anyone anything. Students must take responsibility in the learning process.
The Violin Fun Book and Essential Elements Songs are the building blocks of every song we will play in performance. And also every music performance you see and hear. Skipping method book studies will lead to failure to learn how to play an instrument and a failure to participate in music activities. We all want to play lots of fun music! This is the way to get there!
If your child has had absences due to illness, please use this page to help them catch up. You can also contact Mrs. Morris to set up tutoring.
How a Bowed Instrument Sounds Good
How a Bowed Instrument Sounds Good
Beginners have lots of instruction in class coupled with time to practice. I use the Suzuki Method to teach students by rote in class; how to hold their instrument, move the bow, and put their fingers down on the fingerboard. This is called posture. Body posture (how they hold their body), left-hand posture (technique), right-hand posture (technique). Students also need to learn how to read pitches and rhythms. I am far less picky about how students learn notes and rhythms because everyone processes symbols differently. However, I give assignments called pass-offs on the product. The resources I am able to provide are direct instruction, Essential Elements, and Theory Time. Students need to use the resources provided and use their time wisely in class and at home to accomplish their goals. If parents and students use private teachers and/or online resources it is totally fine, as long as students can meet expectations for assignments, posture, and performance.
Beginners have lots of instruction in class coupled with time to practice. I use the Suzuki Method to teach students by rote in class; how to hold their instrument, move the bow, and put their fingers down on the fingerboard. This is called posture. Body posture (how they hold their body), left-hand posture (technique), right-hand posture (technique). Students also need to learn how to read pitches and rhythms. I am far less picky about how students learn notes and rhythms because everyone processes symbols differently. However, I give assignments called pass-offs on the product. The resources I am able to provide are direct instruction, Essential Elements, and Theory Time. Students need to use the resources provided and use their time wisely in class and at home to accomplish their goals. If parents and students use private teachers and/or online resources it is totally fine, as long as students can meet expectations for assignments, posture, and performance.
Violin/Viola Posture
Violin/Viola Posture
We turn our head to the left for beginners so we can look down our fingerboard at our fingers while we are learning how to read notes.
When we pluck our string we will keep our thumb anchored on the fingerbouard.
Cello Posture
Cello Posture
Bass Posture
Bass Posture
The Right Arm and Right Hand.
The Right Arm and Right Hand.
Violin, viola, cello, and bass students need to train their right arm in how to move the bow. We move the bow on the string with our elbow. We change the string with the shoulder. This requires a relaxed and flexible wrist to keep the bow moving in a straight line. Practice in front of a mirror! If the shoulder is moving the bow back and forth, please retrain your arm.
Violin, viola, cello, and bass students need to train their right arm in how to move the bow. We move the bow on the string with our elbow. We change the string with the shoulder. This requires a relaxed and flexible wrist to keep the bow moving in a straight line. Practice in front of a mirror! If the shoulder is moving the bow back and forth, please retrain your arm.
The Right Arm for the Cello
The Right Arm for the Cello
Use this exersice to get the bow moving straight.
Essential Elements Pass-Offs
Essential Elements Pass-Offs
Each student has been given a pass-off sheet. An Essential Elements book should be either purchased by each student or picked up from school if means are not available. Students need to practice every line in Essential Elements and study every instructional box in the book. Students need to play the lines on the pass-off sheet in person or on Canvas. Once students do the specific lines listed in Canvas (5-21), students may receive up to 25 points a week in extra credit if they do more than two pass-offs in one week. That is 5 extra credit points for each pass-off. Students are presented with a completion trophy at the concerts after they complete Essential Elements Book 1. Students--Please announce what number you are passing off if you are doing pass-offs in Canvas. *Volunteers on pass-off days are welcome. Pass-off days are every Friday that is on an A day except the two weeks before a performance. Book completion can take two weeks or two years depending on the student's previous experience and time commitment. Students will not read notes and use the bow at the same time until page 16.
Each student has been given a pass-off sheet. An Essential Elements book should be either purchased by each student or picked up from school if means are not available. Students need to practice every line in Essential Elements and study every instructional box in the book. Students need to play the lines on the pass-off sheet in person or on Canvas. Once students do the specific lines listed in Canvas (5-21), students may receive up to 25 points a week in extra credit if they do more than two pass-offs in one week. That is 5 extra credit points for each pass-off. Students are presented with a completion trophy at the concerts after they complete Essential Elements Book 1. Students--Please announce what number you are passing off if you are doing pass-offs in Canvas. *Volunteers on pass-off days are welcome. Pass-off days are every Friday that is on an A day except the two weeks before a performance. Book completion can take two weeks or two years depending on the student's previous experience and time commitment. Students will not read notes and use the bow at the same time until page 16.
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