#suzukiviolinschool

[jbenjaminviolin]

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A post shared by Benj Caaway (@j.benjamin.violin)

My student Hans @jerang12 playing Gavotte by P. Martini, from the Suzuki Violin School, Vol. 3. #gettingbetter #suzukiviolinschool #volume3 #book3 #workinghard #practicingwell #memorized

[willhurdstrings]

#jello #vibrato #violinpractice #violinvibrato is most natural when the vibration is a result of the placement or dropping to the string - just like when jello jiggles when it’s dropped to a plate - the jiggle is a reaction to the drop. Three videos: 1) Playing with my food at @heebeenusa #koreanbarbeque in Alexandria, VA - Notice the music #letitgo in the background. This was not planned! LOL ~swipe left~ 2) slow motion demonstration of the “jello vibrato” - notice how the drop initiates the vibrato on impact. ~swipe left~ 3) “Jello vibrato” demonstrated in #perpetualmotion from #suzukiviolinschool #suzukibook1 Note: when introducing vibrato to #youngviolinists I begin with #staccato notes rather than sustained notes so the hand has time to relax #betweenthenotes #jellodessert #violinpedagogy #violintechnique #violinlessons #violinlessonsforkids #suzukitriangle #violinteacher #violatechnique #cellotechnique #stringpedagogy #practiceroom #kinestheticlearner #actionreaction (at Heebeen Restaurant) https://www.instagram.com/p/CZeou9VL5eN/?utm_medium=tumblr

[willhurdstrings]

Prepared #staccato #violinpractice The work of staccato occurs #betweenthenotes as each note is prepared by pushing the thumb upward causing the stick to flex downward toward the hair. The sound of each note happens on the “release” as in #pizzicato (pull for preparation, release for sound). Since the bow “plucks” the string, many teachers in my area call this stroke “pluckato” 5 videos: 1) Preparation/release demonstration using #springtoys ~swipe left~ 2) Example: #perpetualmotion by #shinichisuzuki from #suzukibook1 Notice how the shaft of the bow bends almost to touch the hair between each note. ~swipe left~ 3) #longlongago variation from #suzukibook2 ~swipe left~ 4) #minueting by #beethoven from #suzukibook3 ~swipe left~ 5) #countrydance by #vonweber from #suzukiviolinschool book 5. #violinpedagogy #violintechnique #violinlessonsforkids #suzukiviolinteacher #suzukiviolinmethod #suzukistrings #suzukiviola #suzukicello #upbowstaccato (at Washington D.C.) https://www.instagram.com/p/CY6Nej6AoEq/?utm_medium=tumblr

[willhurdstrings]

Happy Birthday #shinichisuzuki ! The #japanesemusician #violinteacher and founder of the #suzukimethod of #musiceducation was born on #17october 1898 in #nagoyajapan Suzuki believed all children could learn anything well given a nurturing and rich environment. When accepting students, Suzuki did not screen children for ability, but rather the family’s willingness to participate in his program of education. Here are a few books from my personal music library pertaining to Suzuki, to include translations of #nurturedbylove by Waltraud Suzuki and Kyoko Selden and Suzuki’s own original reference recording of #suzukiviolinschool books 1 and 2 reference recording on vinyl! I brought this LP to a recent #suzukigroup class and the children asked how does the record fit inside the CD player! They had never seen a #vinylrecord before! #suzukiviolinteacher #musiceducationforkids #musiceducationmatters #musiclibrary #stringplayer #musicpedagogy #violinpedagogy #violinclass #suzukimusic #suzukimusiceducation #beautifulmusic #musicforkidsandfamily #musiclessonsforchildren #musiclessonsforkids #violinlessonsforkids (at Washington D.C.) https://www.instagram.com/p/CVIpNonAQWJ/?utm_medium=tumblr

[willhurdstrings]

#repetition is the single most effective #musicpractice strategy. Repeating small pieces of a passage many times at or close to tempo is a great way to get many repetitions and train #musclememory while still being able to focus on accuracy. In this passage from #violinconcerto in #gminor #allegro #1stmovement mm 161-165 by #vivaldi I practice by repeating four note groupings. I play each group close to tempo simulating the conditions of performance - vigorous tone, vibrato, forte volume. The small groups allow be to maintain accuracy while repeating many times in a short period of time. Two videos: 1) Practice in repeated note groups. ~swipe left~ 2) Performance version #violinteacher #suzukiviolinmethod #suzukiviolinteacher #suzukiviolinschool #suzukiviolinist #practiceroom #violinpedagogy #stringpedagogy #violintechnique #100dayspracticechallenge #lingling40hours #practice40hoursaday #beautifulmusic #violinmasterclass #violinpractice #stringplayer #practicemakespermanent (at Washington D.C.) https://www.instagram.com/p/CUZw4B0AnwA/?utm_medium=tumblr

[willhurdstrings]

Listen, listen, listen! This is the advice I give my @levine_music #suzukiviolinmethod families at the beginning of the school year as well as throughout the year. Listening to #beautifulmusic is the only way to internalize #beautifultone Listening to #suzukimethod reference recordings develops a clear sound image of the repertoire pieces, making them easier to learn and minimizing mistakes in practice. I require my families to listen to their reference recordings no fewer than 3 times daily or 90 times per month! Pictured is part of my #viola and #violinpedagogy listening library featuring #suzukiviolinschool recordings by Koji Toyoda and #davidnadien #suzukiviola recordings by William Preucil, Sr. And @michaelisaacstrauss Solos for #youngviolinists and #violists by Barbara Barber, and Oscar Shumsky’s recording of #24caprices for #soloviolin by #pierrerode performed on Rode’s #stradavarius #violin #suzukiviolinteacher #violinteacher #violinpedagogy #violateacher #suzukigroup #beautifulmusic #listentomusiceveryday #musiclibrary #musiceducation (at Washington D.C.) https://www.instagram.com/p/CT9cqZorbah/?utm_medium=tumblr

[willhurdstrings]

Excited to be teaching my first live #suzukigroup class @levine_music since the pandemic restrictions began last spring! Our #youngmusicians enjoy the challenge game. Each #youngviolinist randomly chooses a piece they can play well and performs it according to a randomly chosen challenge. I adapted this idea from a @twosetviolin video which featured Hilary Hahn @violincase performing a Paganini Caprice while hula hooping! (Definitely look this up on YouTube!) We don’t hula hoop in my class but we have many fun and educational challenges to choose from. Three videos: 1) Choose your piece. Today’s winner is #waltz by #johannesbrahms ~swipe left~ 2) Choose your challenge! Play the piece with the opposite bowings! ~swipe left~ 3) Perform for the class! Depending on the child and the combination of piece and challenge, if I see a child struggling I may simply do the challenge myself (and include some funny mistakes), or have the child choose a different challenge, or do it all together as a group. In my experience the favorite challenge is “lie on your back while playing!” Note: I am using #decidenow , which is a free app for creating your own custom spin wheels! Children enjoy pushing buttons as well as opportunities to “game-ify” practice. Letting children choose their piece and challenge gives them a feeling of ownership of the practice process. Of course, the menu of options should be carefully chosen by the teacher or parent. #brahms #brahmswaltz #jbrahms #violinteacher #violinpractice #violinlessonsforkids #violintips #musiceducation #violinfun #suzukiteacher #suzukiclass #suzukiviolinmethod #suzukiviolinteacher #suzukiviolinschool #loveviolin #gamifylearning #gamifyyourclassroom #violinguy #musiceducationmatters #musiceducationforkids (at Washington D.C.) https://www.instagram.com/p/CT7lkmVgm37/?utm_medium=tumblr

[willhurdstrings]

Rondo form understood as similar to a menu driven computer application or smartphone Home Screen. The Home Screen or main menu is analogous to the repeated theme of the rondo. This theme is always repeated before playing another them. Similarly, smartphone users will need to return to the Home Screen to access additional applications. #gavotte from #cellosuite no 6 #bwv1012 by #jsbach contains a mini rondo in Gavotte II Two videos: 1) Gavotte in D from #suzukiviolinschool book 5 arr #shinichisuzuki split screen demonstration with my iPhone ~swipe left~ 2) Performance of the same excerpt from a recent internet concert performed on #violoncellodaspalla To enjoy the entire Suite, click the link in my description! #musictheorylessons #musicalforms #violinteacher #violinlessons #suzukiviolinteacher #suzukiviolinmethod #soloviolin #violinguy #celloworld #hellocello #cellosuites #celloist #lovecello #loveviolin #beautifulmusic #cellosolo #bachcellosuites (at Washington D.C.) https://www.instagram.com/p/CTUxmDbA46D/?utm_medium=tumblr

[willhurdstrings]

#bowdistribution #violinpractice using chalk to mark of sections of the #violinbow Here’s how I use chalk to practice a passage from the #2ndmovement #adagio of #violinconcerto in #gminor by #vivaldi found in #suzukiviolinschool #book5 Three videos: 1) Mark the sections with chalk. In this practice, I’m focusing on the bowing distribution in measures 36 & 40. For a sense of motion on these up bows, I allocate increasingly more bow for each note. First note 1/6 of bow; second, 1/3; last, 1/2. ~swipe left~ 2) Practice the relevant measures using slurred #staccato or stopping for each note to ensure each note receives the allocated amount of bow. Also practice with the performance bowing slur and check to see you’re passing the chalk marks at the appropriate times. ~swipe left~ 3) Performance version. The long up bows at the beginning of each phrase have motion which propels the phrases. #violinteacher #suzukiviolinmethod #suzukiviolinteacher #antoniovivaldi #beautifulmusic #violintechnique #violinpedagogy #stringplayer #stringpedagogy #stringsattached #stringteacher #lingling40hours #practicepracticepractice #baroquemusiclovers (at Washington D.C.) https://www.instagram.com/p/CSO21XBHFOI/?utm_medium=tumblr

[willhurdstrings]

Practicing a complex #violin bowing and #stringcrossing pattern in #violinconcerto in #aminor by J. B. Accolay (mm 133-152). Three videos: 1) First I practice the slur pattern using a customized version of #perpetualmotion by #shinichisuzuki from #suzukiviolinschool #book1 I modify this piece to create a 6/8 meter in which I can practice the bowing pattern in this passage, making sure to accent slightly and vibrate the main beats. I also change the key to A minor. Any etude will do, but I like to keep things simple so I can focus on the bowing right away without having to learn a new piece. Students who regularly review Suzuki repertoire will be able to learn this version in a few practice sessions, if not after a few minutes. ~swipe left~ 2) String crossings - there are many “drops” to the E string, usually for a repeated open E. It is essential that the entire arm drop to the E string even though this passage is fast. This ensures the best control and tone quality throughout. I announce the string crossings out loud as follows: “Drop” - arm drops to E string “Reach” - hand reaches to a lower string. Notice how it’s just my hand. My forearm doesn’t go up to the lower string. Announcing the string crossings out loud engages more of the brain and makes the practice more thoughtful and powerful. It also slows students down so they think about what they’re doing! ~swipe left~ 3) Performance version - The bowing and string crossing patterns are organized. Tone is pure on all strings. There is no skidding or chipping of notes on the E string. #violinteacher #suzukiviolinteacher #violinsolo #violinsoloist #violinpedagogy #violintechnique #stringplayer #stringteacher #beautifulmusic #stringpedagogy #viola #violinista #orchestramusic #practiceroom #violinmaster #violinmasterclass #violinlesson @paoyi_2005 (at Washington D.C.) https://www.instagram.com/p/CRTiXVrga2b/?utm_medium=tumblr

[willhurdstrings]

In complex #contrapuntal pieces such as #bachdouble or #concertofortwoviolinsindminor #bwv 1043 by #jsbach It is necessary to understand the underlying subdivisions within the rhythm. There are many syncopated rhythms and ties which combine to create wonderful #counterpoint I find the best way to feel the subdivisions is to actually play them. These three videos show how I practice three particularly challenging passages. In #suzukigroup class, I have my students practice the entire piece in this manner! #violin #violinist #violinteacher #suzukiviolin #suzukiviolinmethod #suzukiviolinteacher #suzukiviolinschool #fugue #baroquemusiclovers #beautifulmusic #violinpractice🎻 #practiceroom #40hoursofpractice #violinclasses #violinlessonsforkids #violintechnique #violinlove #violinguy #musicpractice (at Washington D.C.) https://www.instagram.com/p/COuxx2ogQZS/?igshid=vma7j8ni3whk

[willhurdstrings]

Repetitive groupings can impede the flow of music to create an unwanted stodgy feeling. Here’s an example of how I practice and teach passages such as those in the 1st movement of Bach’s concerto in a minor, BWV 1041 mm 88-98 (this is the longest of several similar passages in this movement) 3 videos: Step 1 - Smallest groups. Make a slight crescendo to the last note of each group (the changing note). This crescendo should be slight and probably unnoticeable to the audience. Don’t overdo it! ~~swipe left~~ Step 2 - Groups of groups. Now small phrases appear. Make small crescendos in each group as well as overall crescendo in each larger group or phrase, coming back to a slightly lower dynamic at the beginning of each phrase. ~~swipe left~~ Step 3 - Performance version. Notice how the smaller and larger groups fit together to shape the entire section. I love playing and teaching this piece, which is a favorite among advancing students as well as professional players! #violinteacher #violintechnique #violinpractice #practiceroom #violinpracticetime #suzukiteacher #bachconcerto #concertoinaminor #suzukiviolinschool #suzukiviolinteacher #violinlesson #violinclass #beautifulmusic #baroquemusiclovers #violinsoloist #virtuosoviolinist #violinpedagogy #violintips #violinhelp #jsbach #johannsebastianbach #violinfun #practiceviolin #practiceviolineveryday #geigespielen #скрипаль (at Washington D.C.) https://www.instagram.com/p/CIVnyBfAa5K/?igshid=1vjthhna03pz0

[willhurdstrings]

obrigado Gracias ขอบคุณ Grazie ありがとうございました 谢谢 감사합니다 Дякую धन्यवाद Спасибо teşekkür ederim متشکرم We surpassed 4000 followers this weekend! Thank you for for all your support! Your continued interaction, comments, and encouragement means so much to me! Please share my content with anyone you think would be interested in classical music, music education, string pedagogy and the Suzuki method! I look forward to future conversations in upcoming posts and live streams! #violinteacher #violintechnique #violinist #violinistsofinstagram #suzukimethod #suzukiviolinmethod #suzukiviolin #suzukiviolinschool #suzukiviolinteacher #viola #violapower #violanation #violaworld #cello #violin #violoncellodaspalla #practiceroom #practicediaries #practicemakesprogress #practicewithpurpose #4kfollowers #4000followers #instamilestone #instagrammilestone #classicalmusician (at Washington D.C.) https://www.instagram.com/p/CIN07YxASYo/?igshid=1je44q1h0fb38

[willhurdstrings]

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A post shared by William Hurd (@willhurdstrings)

Please enjoy the Finale: Allegro from Sonata in D by George Frideric Handel (1685-1759) in collaboration with violinist, Chiko Kinoshita. Be sure to check out @chikolotus for beautiful violin playing as well as stunning nature, food, and travel photography! The original version of this movement is a bit longer with several additional measures. Handel himself pared this down in a later edition. Contemporary professional recordings of this piece often use the original version. Shinichi Suzuki used Handel’s version with cuts in Suzuki violin school book 6. Chiko and I are performing the revised version with Handel’s cuts. Please enjoy the complete movement posted on my IGTV! #violin #violinist #violinmusic #violinsonata #violoncellodaspalla #cello #cellist #cellomusic #stringplayers #stringsattached #classicalmusic #baroquemusic #baroquemusiclovers #baroquestyle #suzukiviolinschool #handel #gfhandel #georgfriedrichhändel #beautifulmusic #suzukiteacher #musiclover #hellocello #violinlove #cellolove #talentedmusicians #videooftheweek #instamusic (at Kyoto, Japan) https://www.instagram.com/p/CEtoz01AsCZ/?igshid=77yj0djiee9i

[willhurdstrings]

#stringcrossings #cellopractice with #violoncellodaspalla In rapid #bariolage string crossing passages, it is necessary to minimize the motion of the upper arm to avoid generating too much inertia and lose control. I practice holding some light weight spacing objects to keep the upper arm still and train the motion of the forearm and wrist. Two videos: 1) #kreutzer #etude no 13 - This passage is primarily on the E and A strings so the upper arm should be released and close to the body - approximately a #seaweedpackaging distance away! ~swipe left~ 2) For passages primarily on the A and D strings, I use a #ricecracker package! #perpetualmotion from #suzukimethodviolin The best part is I get a delicious snack when practice is complete! #hmartfoods @hmartofficial #cellolesson #violinpedagogy #violintechnique #stringplayer #stringpedagogy #musicpractice #hellocello #cellolove #cellofun #violinfun #violinteacher #suzukiviolinschool #violadaspalla #violoncellopiccolo (at Washington, DC) https://www.instagram.com/p/CV219VYAmel/?utm_medium=tumblr