One Man's Struggle to Practice

Practice Strategies for Minuet No. 1 in Suzuki Book 1

     You are a 3/4 of the way through the book and are now going to embark on the 3 Minuets of J.S. Bach! You are now playing Bach, this a good step up! Bach wrote these minuets originally for his wife to play on the harpsichord. Here are some tips to get started:
   
Structure. The piece is organized in two main sections, but we can think of the song in 3 parts (more why below). Here’s how they are played: part 1 mezzo forte (line 1-2), part 2 piano then mezzo forte (line 3-4), part 3 piano then mezzo forte (line 5-6).

New Skills. 
1. Hook Bows. This bow stroke is also called portato and is played down-down or up-up. You will recognize this in the music where there is a curved line over two notes and dots above them in measures 1 and 3. The best way to work your hook bow for now it to play with a smooth bow and stopping between the two notes. Another way of saying this is don't play hook bows with crunches and squeezing, since it will not give you a good tone.
2. Low-High Two. In the previous piece, Etude, low 2 on A and E string was introduced. But now, in part 1 and 3 we have low 2 on the A string and high 2 in part 2. This is why I break the piece up in three parts, so that it is easier to remember where the high 2 is played.
3. Artistry. Since the Minuet is a dance in 3/4 time, once the song is flowing we can emphasize the first note of every measure with more bow. The emphasis of the first beat in a Minuet is a way to make it more professional and expressive. 

Strategies:
1. Warm-up with the bow exercises, now with an emphasis on hook bows.
2. Play the finger concerto with low 2 and high 2. Play on every string once with low 2 then with high 2 and that will make it easier to switch between them. 
3. Play through the piece with all low 2s then bring the high 2 back in part 2. You can also do it the other way, play everything high 2 and then add the low 2s where they belong. 
4. Play along with the Youtube video above and other recordings.
5. Be creative with your playing this week, add hook bows to all the songs you know.

What do you think? Do you have any tips? Any questions, suggestions or concerns? Let me hear from you. 

Practice Tips for Long, Long Ago Suzuki Book 1

   Get ready for a dynamics roller-coaster in your new piece, Long, Long Ago. Here are some tips to go along on the ride with this folk song:
  
Playing Position. Go to playing position a few times with your eyes closed. This will help challenge you to get ready to play.

Structure. The piece is laid out in 3 parts. The order in the songs is the following: part 1 (first line) mf, part 2 (second line), part 3, and part 2 mf (third line).

New Skills.
1. Theory: Moderato means medium speed, decrescendo means get gradually quieter.
2. Rhythms: half rest equals 2 beats and looks like a small box sitting on the third line of the staff.
3. Dynamics: crescendo. The crescendo was introduced in O, Come Little Children, where in part 2 and 3 we get louder and louder. Towards the end of the song we have a decrescendo, which means to get softer and softer
4. Three Strings: We now have the opportunity to play a song that uses the E, A and D string. In part 3 we hop the first finger from the A to D string.
 
Strategies.
1. Warm-up with the bow exercises, now with an emphasis on crescendos and decrescendos.
2. After you listen to the song one time and follow the notes, listen again and clap the notes along with the song to starting learning the rhythm of the song.
3. Practice hopping each finger 3 times from the A to the D string.
4. Play along with the Youtube video above.
5. Add crescendos and decrescendos to numbers 1-6.

     If you want a quick way to boost the speed of your progress, challenge yourself to do a 2-minute Theory Flaschard Challenge. This means that you push yourself to see how many flashcards you can get in 2 minutes. Let me know how it went and were my tips helpful?

Prctice Tips for May Song, Suzuki Book 1

     You have started songs on the A string, on the E string, down bow, up bow, and with 2 fingers on the A string. So now you are ready for May Song, here are some tips:

• Playing Position: go to playing position a few times with your eyes closed. This will help challenge you to get ready to play.
• Structure: The order is part 1 (first line) f, part 2 mf, part 2 p (second line), and part 1 f (third line).
• New Skills: 
• rhythms - the dotted-half note. This note is worth 1.5 beats, it is easy to make it too short (1 beat) or too long (2 beats). Listen to how I play the first four notes on the video get an idea how to play it.
• dynamics - there is now forte, mezzo forte, and piano. May a distinct difference between these three levels of volume with the amount of bow that you use.
• Strategies:  
• Warm-up with the bow exercises, now with an emphasis on alternating between forte, mf, p and dotted-quarter notes.
• After you listen to the song one time and follow the notes, listen again and clap the notes along with the song to starting learning the rhythm of the song.
• Play along with the Youtube video above.
• Add f, mf and p to the songs you already know.

This week, practice songs and exercises in a different order than usual. Spend one minute on something then go to something else, do this until you practice 5 minutes more than usual. Parents, let your child choose what to switch to next and have fun with it. You can put a timer so that it is easily seen, enjoy!

When Should My Child Do Their First Recital?

     This week I am having each of my students do a recital during our lesson time. Students range from around 4 years old to high school at a variety of ability levels. Many teachers and parents wonder, "When should a student do their first recital?"

Short answer: In the first session of lessons, which for me is 10 weeks long. Every student first learns all the Twinkles and then we play them together for the family; that tends to be the first recital. Then every session students play a mini-recital of songs they have learned and are mastering.

     The recital usually consists of the student playing all the songs he or she has memorized for family and friends. This goes hand-in-hand with Dr. Suzuki's idea of home recitals being performed regularly for the family. This is an easy way to introduce students and parents to public performances. It also motivates students because they not only have a long-term goal, but also short-term goals in mind. It is very rewarding as a teacher to see students start to have the confidence to invite friends and others outside the family.

     For newer students, I have some surprised parents that I would do a recital in this way and so soon in part because they are used to recitals being once in a while, each student plays one piece and it is a very serious occasion. So I understand the reluctance to do a recital if all you've known is once in a while, serious and stressful. But I do not look at recitals in that way. I think of them as a time of fun and celebration; as a way to show others what you have learned. Students get to dress nice, bring snacks, take a picture together, and have a great time celebrating their progress and accomplishments along with their family. Plus, the family can record the recitals so they can go back to see where their child started. Parents do see the benefits of these recitals after the second and third recital, because they see the progress themselves and see how much their child has accomplished. 

    Yes, students do still get nervous and still make mistakes. But this is part of the process of becoming a musician and you can still have a nice recital. Some teachers, out of good intentions, push really hard that everything be done "perfect," so they wait and wait before having their students play. Some teachers have students play only once a semester, but students need to gain experience playing in front of people as much as gaining proficiency on their instrument. 

    What have you experienced in recitals? What do you think of doing mini-recitals for the family and friends? Any suggestions?

Practice Tips for Go Tell Aunt Rhody, Suzuki Book 1

Believe it or not, but you are 1/4th through the book, a few more songs and you are half way! I have posted some tips in a previous post (check them out), but there's more! Here are some more strategies to Go Tell Aunt Rhody:

• Playing Position: Prepare the playing position before starting the song, remember that these few seconds of preparation will make it so much easier to play the piece.
• Structure: The order is part 1 (first line) mf, part 2, part 2 piano (second line), part 1 mf (third line)
• New Skills: 
• rhythms - you now have a mix of quarter, eighth, and half notes in the song.
• dynamics - for the first time in the book you switch from mf (medium strong) to p (softly), so after you get comfortable with the notes and rhythms you can add this interesting aspect to the song. 

• Strategies:  
• Warm-up with the bow exercises, now with an emphasis on playing one string mf, the next p and so forth.
• After you listen to the song one time and follow the notes, say the notes in rhythm as best as you can (parents this is a good opportunity to sing along with your child).
• Learn part 2 first so that you can start trying out the dynamics.
• Play along with the Youtube video above.
• Add mf and p to the songs you already know.
• Perform a Quarter-Book Recital for family and friends.

      Parents and students alike are looking for getting everything right as quick as possible all the time. Take the time to focus on the progress that was made, point it out to yourself or parents make sure to point it out to your child. We all need encouragement, give it to yourself and to others throughout the week it will make a difference in your practicing and others aspects of your life.

Louisville Philharmonia' Symphonic Smorgasbord!

"Free Fall Concert on Thursday, October 30, 2014 at 7:30PM. Come join us and enjoy this FREE musical evening. The concert program is a virtual Symphonic Smorgasbord with a sampling of selections from Beethoven, Berlioz, Brahms, Mozart, Schubert, Sibelius and Tchaikovsky. 

The musicians of the Louisville Philharmonia are very excited to be members of an orchestra which is operated and managed by the musicians and its conductor, Daniel Spurlock. The orchestra is made up of local part-time and full-time musicians who have come together to perform great music and share their passion for and love of music with the community." Louisvillephilharmonia.org

Talk about a practice strategy. You want to make your practicing at home more smooth, fun, effective and efficient, go to free concerts. Many parents and students maintain their passion for their music through concerts such as these. I know I do!

WHEN:  Thursday, October 30, 2014 at 7:30PM  
WHERE: Harvey Browne Presbyterian Church

311 Browns Lane, Louisville, Kentucky

"Symphonic Smorgasbord"

Brahms  Symphony No. 4   III. Allegro

Beethoven  Symphony No. 7   II. Allegretto

Sibelius  Symphony No. 3   II. Andantino con moto

Berlioz  Symphonie Fantastique   IV. March to the Scaffold

Mozart  Symphony No. 35 ("Hafner")   III. Menuetto

Schubert  Symphony No. 8 ("Unfinished")   I. Allegro moderato

Tchaikovsky  Symphony No. 4   IV. Allegro con fuoco

Practice Tips for Sailing in the Sun, Faber Book 1

     You now can play Firefly and Little River. Here are some tips and focus points that will help you master this piece:

• Prepare your hands: Right hand is in C position just like Firefly, but now the left hand puts the 1st finger (thumb) next door to the right hand on the white key, which is B.
• Two Notes: In this song, you get to play two notes at a time with the right hand (1st and 3rd, 2nd and 4th). To make this easy, press the 1st finger down, hold it down while you press the third finger. Do that a few times, then it will be easier to press the first and third finger down at the same time. Next, do the same with the second and fourth finger.
• Dynamics: where it is written p, play the notes quietly and make the mf medium strong. You want to hear a big difference between p and mf.
• Medley: play Firefly, Little River and Sailing in the Sun all in a row.

Practice Tips for Song of the Wind in Suzuki Book 1

You now can play the Twinkles and Lightly Row. You have also been trying out some strategies to learn songs, keep thinking of new ways to approach new songs.  Always keep in mind that we want to make things effortless, so do not get discouraged if you cannot learn the song quickly because everyone makes mistakes. Here are some strategies to add to your arsenal as you learn Song of the Wind:      

• Playing Position: Prepare the playing position before starting the song.
• Structure: The order is part 1 (first line), part 2 (second line), part 2 (third line).
• New Skills: 
• staccato - which is indicated with dots on top or bottom of the note heads, play or sing choppy, crisp, separated, the opposite of legato (smooth and connected).
• bow circles (retakes) - as you do your bow circle in measure 4, 6 and at the end of part 2 take your time to place the bow gently and at the middle.
• Strategies:  
• Warm-up with the bow exercises, especially playing each string staccato and bow circles 4 times each string.
• Listen to the song and hum along one time before trying to play it. song, so pop in that c.d. or watch the video above!
• The song introduces more hoping E1 to A3 to E3 to E1 at the end of part 1 (line 1, measure 3). To make it easier, practice hoping from E1 to A3 a few times without the bow, then A3 to E3, then E1 to E1. Now engage the Twinkle rhythms, playing through the same combinations. Now, play the all those notes with one of the rythms and then the way it's in the book. 
• Play along with the Youtube video above.
• Play through all the Twinkles, Lightly Row and Song of the Wind.

     As a parent it will help you greatly to keep in mind what it would be like if your parent said the kind of things you say to your child as you practice together. Would you love it if your mother or father point out all the mistakes all the time every practice? Think back on how you did things with your parents, let those memories give you a new way to approach practicing with your child.

These are just a few ideas, get creative and try the song in different ways!

Practice Tips for Lightly Row in Suzuki Book 1

    Congratulations on learning the Twinkles, so let's get to Lightly Row. As a parent working with your child or as a student it is easy to feel like you do not know how to approach a new song. Whether you are a violinist, violist, cellist, or bassist, here are some tips to help you learn this song:

• Playing Position: Prepare the playing position before starting the song.
• Structure: The order is part 1 (first line), part 2 (second line), part 3 (third line), part 2 (fourth line).
• Strategies:  
• Warm-up with the bow exercises.
• Listen to the song one time before playing it. So pop in that c.d. or watch the video above!
• The song introduces more hops from string to string (called string crosses). Play the first measure (E, C#, C#) with the Twinkle rhythms, this will make playing the E and C# easier. Now, play the first measure the way it is written in the book. 
• Go through the same process for the second measure and any other notes that are tricky for you.
• Beware of just getting through the piece, the best way to learn a song is to master it in small chunks.
• Play along with the Youtube video above.
• Play through all the Twinkles and Lightly Row. 

     Over the years I have noticed the tendency of students and parents of approaching practicing as a chore to get through. Beware of this mindset, it will slow things down, limit how much you will learn and make playing the violin boring. It is better to think of it as an opportunity to grow, as an adventure of learning something new, and as a chance to calm yourself from all the other things going on in the world. 

These are just a few ideas, get creative and try the song in different ways!

Practice Tips for Little River in Faber Lesson Book 1

    Now that you have been learning Firefly you are ready to start Little River. This two-line melody is an exercise to get you comfortable with legato (playing smoothly).  Here are some tips and focus points that will help you master this piece:

• Prepare your hands: Put your hands in the C position just like Firefly.
• Who Goes First? The right hand starts, as you can see the notes in the Treble Clef staff is for the right hand. The left hand plays the bottom staff with the Bass Clef.
• The Slur: Practice the right hand by itself 3-4 times, then do the same with the left hand. After you get comfortable with the notes, start trying to play the notes as smooth as possible. Do not worry if you cannot play very smoothly at first, it will take time.
• Both Hands: Though it is not written this way, it will be helpful to play through with both hands playing as smooth as possible. Try the song in different positions and different speeds.

What tips do you have for Little River? 

Practice Tips for Twinkles in Suzuki Book 1

You have learned how to get into a proper playing position and can play the finger concerto with all the Twinkle rhythms. Now it is time to use the rhythms with the Twinkle, Twinkle song. Here are some tips as you learn the Twinkles on the violin, viola, cello or piano:

• Playing Position: Place the violin on the shoulder, left thumb by the first tape, wrist relaxed. Next, put curved fingers on the bow and put the bow at the middle between the bridge and the fingerboard. Do that every time you play.
• Structure: Part 1 starts with A string, Part 2 starts with E string. The order of the song is Part 1, Part 2, Part 2, Part 1.
• Stop and Prepare: To make it easy to learn Part 1 play the first note with the rhythm, stop, then prepare the next note, play that note, stop, and so on just like with the Finger Concertos
• Rhythms: Variation A is pepperoni-pizza, Variation B is popcorn-pause-and, Variation C is run-pony-run-pony, Variation D is blueberry-strawberry, Variation E is grandma-on-the-motorcycle and then the Theme.
• Learn to play the song really well with one rhythm before going to the next rhythm.
• Play along with the videos below to get an idea on how they go then try it faster

Variation A

 

Variation B

Variation C

Variation D

Variation E

Theme 

What tips have helped you with the Twinkles? Any questions?

Practice Tips for Firefly in Faber Lesson Book 1

Congratulations you have started Faber Book Level 1. Your first piece is Firefly. Here are some tips and focus points that will help you master this piece:

• Prepare your hands in the C position: right hand thumb on C and left hand pinky on the lower C.
• The right hand starts, as you can see the notes in the Treble Clef staff is for the right hand. The left hand plays the bottom staff with the Bass Clef.
• Practice the right hand by itself 3-4 times, then do the same with the left hand. As you are playing each hand by itself watch your fingers that they stay curved and firm.
• Now, you are ready to try both hands together. Watch those fingers to keep them curved and firm.
• When you start putting both hands together, take your time and do not be in a hurry it will sound a lot better this way.
• Try the song 2-3 times without the book and see how much of the song you have mastered.
• Play the notes mf (mezzo forte) strong with firm fingers.
• Make the notes where you have a p really soft, because p means to play soft.
• Try the song in D, E and F position, it is going to sound a little different.

What tips do you have for Firefly? Feel free to ask questions, suggestions and concerns in the comment box. And if you want more help, try a free online lesson!

Practice Tips for Minuet No. 2 in Suzuki Violin Book 1

     You have made it through Minuet No. 1, now it's time for Minuet No. 2 by Johann Sebastian Bach. This piece has a lot of interesting details, be on the lookout for them. Here are some tips that a student of mine put together with me to help learn Minuet No. 2:

• Key and Fingering: The piece is in the key G major, which means it is written from the G major scale. One way to get warmed up is to play this scale a few times. Remember, there is a low 2nd finger on the E and A string. You only play F sharp, which is 2nd finger on the tape (a high 2nd finger), touching the third finger, on the D string. Keep an eye out for accidental sharps;  there is a D sharp, high 3rd finger on the A string, in measures 23 and 24. Use the 4th finger where it is written to make the melody sound more sweet.
• Bowing: play smooth and connected (legato) with the bow. With a proper, relaxed bowhand it is easier to make the bow flow legato.  The notes that have dashes on top or on the bottom (tenuto) are meant to be played with big bow and separation between them. There are lots of slurs and hook bows in the piece, which calls for a distinction in the bowing. The slurs are to be played smooth and the hook bows more choppy.
• Dynamics: measures 17 to 20 are played soft (piano) and one way to get a soft beautiful tone is to use less bow on these notes. There is a crescendo in measures 16 and 40, which means you will want to increase the amount of bow being used. On the accented notes make them more separated and use more bow to bring them out.
• Repeats: watch out for the repeats at the end of each section.
• Take your time so that you get comfortable with the details and can enjoy the piece. 
• Play along with the video to get an idea on how it goes then try it your own way; get creative!

What details do you see in Minuet No. 2? What has helped you play the piece well? Subscribe for more updates and see you next time.

The Summer Practice Challenge!

     Every summer, my students are encouraged to go for The Summer Practice Challenge. Why? I started it a few summers ago because I thought it would be a fun way for students to get a prize and it would encourage them to avoid being lazy with their instrument. Being lazy in the summer time is very tempting with no school, hot weather and other fun activities that they are doing. But The Summer Practice Challenge has been a success, more and more parents are telling me how it's motivating their children.

How does it work? The student needs to be able to play everything I give them on their practice chart 20 days in a row. If they do not skip a day and get 20 days they get their prize, or they may go for 40 days to get a bigger prize, or if they get 40 days, they can go for 60 days for the biggest prize!

The Good news: 1. the prize is something the student likes, 2. the student may start the challenge any time they want before the 1st day of school, and 3. they may re-start the challenge as many times as they want. As you can see the point is to motivate the student to keep trying.

The Benefits:
1. Motivates students to practice (they want to push for the prize).
2. Challenges the student's and the parent’s integrity to be honest (will they cheat?).
3. Teaches the student consistency and discipline to practice even when you do not feel like it.
4. It teaches students to set goals and have fun at the same time. 
5. The student will learn to take responsibility to complete his or her goal.
6. Parents will not have to push their child very hard to practice.

        In the end it is the attitude of the teacher and the parent that will influence the student on how to approach The Summer Practice Challenge.  Parents, out of good intentions, have pushed their child so hard that the student shuts down and they do not want to do the challenge.  I encourage teachers and parents, to make this optional to their students as it will "put the ball in their court." You might be surprised what happens when you give them the responsibility. Let the challenge begin!

Musette: Suzuki Violin Book 2 - Tips and Focus Points

     So you are now getting comfortable playing with the whole bow Chorus from Judas Maccabaeus and now we are ready for the next step: Musette by J.S. Bach. Here are some tips and focus points:

• Check the key signature: 2 sharps (F# and C#), which means 2nd and 3rd finger touch on A and D string; 1st and 2nd finger touch on the E string.
• Play at the tip of the bow as many notes as possible.
• Bring out the sudden changes in dynamics. Make a distinct difference between p, mf, f by the amount of bow you use.
• Take a small breath when you see the commas in the music.
• The last note in the piece you can play as a harmonic on the D string.
• One way to practice the 4-note slurs is to make them into hook bow, so that it is easier to distribute he amount of bow per note.
• Play scales and pieces from book 1 at the tip to make it easier playing at the tip.

Feel free to ask questions, suggestions and concerns. And if you want more help, try a free online lesson!