CELLO TEACHING OF SUSAN MOSES (Part 2)
Establishing the Bow Position
Another way to approach the first bow position is by imagining you are swimming the crawl and gently approach the bow with the hand. Come to the bow from a forward motion, grasp the bow first with the fingers (feel that you know the bow), and gently add the thumb opposite the longest finger.
Keep a sense of pronation as you play to the tip of the bow.
Draw an” X” on the wrist bone. As you draw the down bow, make sure you can always see the “X”. This reinforces the feeling of pronation.
String playing is based on physical sensations.
The student can also hold and play with the bow at the ¼, ½, and ¾ division of the bow. Return to frog, see how the bow feels, and listen to the tone quality.
Keep the awareness of the curve in the bow. The Italian word “arco” means arched shape. Have the student pick up a pencil in the most natural way. Place the relaxed thumb opposite the longest finger. No grabbing!
Keep the bow stationary and walk the fingers down to the tip. Each person’s arm is a different length and walking to the tip helps define the passage of the arm. Hold the bow at the tip with left hand and walk up the stick with right hand, keeping the pinky on top of the stick. The hand stays in contact with the bow at all times. This allows the bow arm to feel comfortable and natural in all parts of the bow.
Get to know your bow. The bow is a living thing as it is an extension of your arm… it is alive!