String Resources
Lesson Books and Materials Each lesson will focus on book material, not orchestra music, with very few exceptions. It is anticipated 8th grade and 9th grade students will use the Essential Elements Book 2. 10th Grade students will likely use Strictly Strings Book 3. Older students will work initially from a combination of Laoureux method (violin), the Wohlfart book 2 (violin and viola), Dotzauer book (cello) and a bass book depending on the student level. Other materials are likely, and will be assigned as necessary. (please note - items can be purchased at any local music store - links are simply so you can see materials prior to purchase. Often items are bundled in the links.) Violin:A good shoulder rest - I recommend a molded style. There are many of these on the market. Viola:A good shoulder rest - I recommend a molded style. There are many of these on the market. 'Cello:A good endpin strap. You may certainly use a hockey-puck style, but these tend to not work well. Double Bass:A good endpin strap. You may certainly use a hockey-puck style, but these tend to not work well.. Bass 2-Octave Major Scales with Fingerings
F.A.Q. (Frequently asked Questions)Question: How much time should students practice? The true answer to this question will depend upon the student. For most students, and average of about 20 minutes a day, 5 days a week should be a minimum amount of time spent practicing. This means time spent working on the music (be it ensemble, solo, lessons, etc...), NOT the time it takes to set up, take down, or warm-up. The time doesn't include small little breaks. This should be true, intense, focused practice time. However, the student doesn't necessarily need to be playing their instrument during that entire time. Mental practice, as long as it is focused, can be just as or, in some instances, more effective that constantly trying to play through a problem. Of course, this 20 min/5 day minimum is a minimum, and more is always recommended... Question: What should students be practicing? Students should be spending their practice time focused primarily on assignments given them during their weekly lesson. This includes rhythms, pitches, dynamics, articulations, bowings, and all other musical aspects. Students usually have an assignment in their book they use in their lessons - almost all will also get some additional music. Ensemble music should be practiced, but the primary focus should be on the lesson materials. During the summer, students should play whatever they find most enjoyable and motivating. Question: My student never brings their instrument home, but tells me they are practicing. How can this be true? It could be that the student is spending practice time reviewing rhythms, fingerings, and/or bowings without their instrument. While this is a valid argument, it won't fly all the time. Students do need to be practicing with their instrument a majority of their practice time. We do have limited facilities at school that students can use to practice their instruments. Question: How often should I have my (student's) instrument professionally cleaned? It is essential to keep every instrument clean and in proper working order. In order to do this, instruments must be maintained by the student, and then probably once every year or two by a professional repair person. In this area, John Keal Music Co. (in Albany), Francis Morris (in Great Barrington), Segel Violins (in Troy) or The Violin Shop (in Schenectady) are wonderful resources for strings. We can give you more information at school if you would like. Question: How often are school lessons, and how much time do students miss from other classes? School lessons take place once a cycle (roughly once per week), and rotate through the school day so that students end up missing the same class only once every four weeks. This allows for minimal disruption to class time, while maintaining a regular schedule which will hopefully be relatively easy for students to remember. Question: What can I do to help my student succeed? First of all, be supportive. Some students like to perform for an audience, some prefer their privacy. Students should always have the small maintenance supplies they will always use, such as rosin, extra strings, etc. Also, a metronome and tuner are highly recommended, and can be extremely useful items for any musician. In general, just try to do what seems best. If you are interested in the New York State Standards, as well as the National Standards for Arts Education, please check the link below. These outline the basic materials and information which will be covered in music classes. http://www.nyssma.org/standards.cfm I hope these help - if you have more, please feel free to ask! Guidelines for successful practice:
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