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Part
1: GETTING THE VIOLIN READY
SETTING
UP THE VIOLIN:
It is important for every string teacher to establish a good working
relationship with the parents of their students. Talk to the parents about
the program commitments, clearly specifying the expectations. In the String
Academy, the parents are required to attend two weekly private lessons
and a group lesson, and to supervise daily home practice. The progress
of the child is directly proportionate to the parents' commitment and
involvement.
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Clip Title:
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Getting The Violin Ready |
Description: |
Sizing the violin, placing the fingerboard lines, shoulder pad, chinrest, parts of the violin, care of the violin |
Channel: |
101 |
Duration: |
2'00" |
VIOLIN
SIZE AND SET-UP:
When deciding the correct violin size, the
left arm of the child should be able to curve around the scroll. It is
better to choose a violin that is a little too small rather than one that
is too large. This is to ensure that the child will be able to maintain
the proper position.
The
bow can also be measured. Make
sure that the student can easily extend the forearm at the tip of the
bow. If this is not possible,
either use a smaller bow, or mark this "new tip" with a piece
of tape.
- High
Dot -- placed at the octave harmonic. This divides the string
into equal halves.
- Finger
Lines are placed at the first and third finger spots. This
provides a visual division of the fingerboard. When the student begins
to use the fourth finger, a fourth finger tape may be added. Occasionally,
with the very young child, the teacher may choose to place a second
finger tape. However, this should be the exception rather than the
rule.
- Shoulder
Pads: It is best to use foam rubber sponges with young students.
This keeps the violin from slipping off the shoulder and eliminates
unnecessary gripping with the neck and shoulder. (Foam rubber can
be purchased at local fabric stores in varying heights and can be
cut to size.) For older students, *Playonair's have proven acceptable.
The violin is balanced on the collarbone, using the left arm and the
head. Balancing the instrument becomes a give and take between the
left arm support and the cantilever effect of the head resting on
the chin rest. Thus the String Academy advocates against using shoulder
rests with inflexible metal frames. These "Brooklyn Bridges"
lock the shoulder muscles into one position, and any muscle that is
not moving becomes tight. Providing for and promoting a dynamic rather
than static violin hold is crucial. (for more discussion, see Part
2 - The Issue of Balance)
- Chinrests: *Chinrests come in many different shapes and sizes. Teachers must
search far and wide for the appropriate chinrest suitable for each
student. The Guarneri model and Teka model have proven the most useful
for full size violin players. Low, round plastic chinrests work well
for the small size violins.
Parts
of the violin:
Learn the names of the parts of the
violin: back, front (belly), ribs, neck, fingerboard, scroll, peg box,
pegs, strings, bridge, tailpiece, chinrest, end button, f holes, and sound
post.
Care
of the violin:
Instruct students in the proper care
of the violin:
- Keep
a soft cloth in the violin case to clean the rosin off the violin
and strings.
- Always
loosen the bow
- Be
aware that strings need changing at least once a year.
- Check
that the bridge is perpendicular to the belly.
- The
violin, the car and the weather...extra precautions
- Do
not leave the violin in a hot car-the varnish on the violin will
blister.
- Do
not leave the violin in a cold car-the varnish or the wood may
crack when brought into a warm house.
- Do
not leave the violin in the car because someone else may want
it.
REMEMBER
THAT THE VIOLIN IS YOUR BEST FRIEND
*Go
to "Online References" found at the top of the page.
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