Clip Title:
First Pieces
Description:
Ants Song
Channel:
503
Duration:
THE FIRST PIECES
It might appear that it has taken quite awhile to arrive at the point of the first piece, but all the invested efforts in setting a stable foundation allows for facile learning of repertoire. Stay patient and aware of how the body is interacting with the instrument.
Although the emphasis in these first lessons is on correct set-up of the instruments, music reading and ear training are integrated as a separate portion of each class. It is helpful to teach these skills away from the instrument in the initial stages. Then, students are able to concentrate on playing their instrument without the burden of reading music at the same time.
Basic Music Theory Skills
Basic music theory skills at the beginning level include:
The game AWESOME is a fun way to teach music theory. In this game, the class divides up into two or more teams stationed at a chalkboard. The teacher asks a question (note names, rhythms, interval identification, rhythmic or melodic dictation, the sky is the limit!) and one person from each team writes the answer on the board as fast as possible. The quickest correct answer gets to begin spelling AWESOME. The team that completes the word first wins.
Ear training at this level includes the Sunflower Song and interval identification.
Get the students moving in the classroom by using eurhythmics to teach rhythmic patterns. Rhythms can be taught using the Kodaly syllables, which are useful in the teaching of new music.
First pieces are learned without reading music. Students learn by rote by singing words, note names and rhythmic syllables.
Ants Song
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Clip Title:
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First Pieces |
Description: |
Ants Song |
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Channel: |
503 |
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Duration: |
1'58" |
All Instruments |
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Violin / Double Bass
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Viola / Cello
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The first piece is the Ants Song which integrates the names of the open string notes into a catchy tune while shaping and strengthening the left hand. This piece will be modified in a heterogeneous group due to the various open strings. Violinists and double bassists can play together, while violists and cellists partner. Violin, viola and cello students start with their 4th finger over the high dot to create a rounded left hand shape. Double bass students may need to pluck slightly below the high dot as they develop the strength needed to pluck the thick strings. They may also use the middle fingers to pluck if necessary.
Violinists and double bassists play:
Each, Each, Each, each and every
Ant, Ant, Ant, digging in the
Dirt, Dirt, Dirt, underneath the
Ground, Ground, Ground
The open string notes coincide with the rhyme, and the high dot positioning of the pinky finger ensures a round, released motion.
The violists and cellists will play:
Ants, Ants, Ants, digging in the
Dirt, Dirt, Dirt, underneath the
Ground, Ground, Ground, all the way to
China, China, China
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Clip Title:
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CGC-GDG-DAD-AEA |
Description: |
Left hand pizzicato |
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Channel: |
504 |
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Duration: |
2'59" |
In a heterogeneous group, you will begin with GDG. This piece continues to reinforce the names of the strings and the proper shaping of the left hand. Violinists, violists and double bassists will tap the right foot during the rests, and cellists will tap the right thigh with their right hand.
Over the high dot, with the pinky finger, all students pluck:
G D G rest
G D G rest
G G D D
G D G rest
Next have the group pluck:
DAD rest
DAD rest
DDAA
DAD rest
Now the violinists and double bassists pluck the entire sequence of:
GDG, DAD and AEA
The cellists and violists pluck:
CGC, GDG, and DAD
FINALLY…..now with all the instruments, you can now proceed to pluck:
CGC, GDG, DAD and AEA
At this juncture, if you feel that your students need more time developing the shape of the left hand, left hand pizzicato ringing tones, and a continuing awareness of the relationship of the body to the instrument, add additional left hand pizzicato pieces.