Monday, October 02, 2006
I have a new appreciation for scales
I have never realized before how helpful scales can be, but I am quickly learning. We practice so many things with scales. Here is a list of what we look for with scales.
1. Using the full bow, no cheating and using only a portion of the bow, it must be used from tip to frog.
2. Nice loose wrist and fingers
3. No squeaks on the bow change (a bow change is when going from up bow to down bow, or down bow to up bow.
4. Intonnation
5. Keep in the bow in the "middle of the road" (between the finger board and the bridge).
Since we have started doing all these things, the technique around here has really improved! So give the dreaded scales a try. If your teacher is not yet using scales, you can talk the them about it or just try doing short ladders and implementing the sames "rules" with the ladders. Remember....make it fun!!!! AND have fun with your child!!!
Leah is a Mom and proud creator of www.students-violins.com, a site aimed at helping and encouraging parents of violin students.
1. Using the full bow, no cheating and using only a portion of the bow, it must be used from tip to frog.
2. Nice loose wrist and fingers
3. No squeaks on the bow change (a bow change is when going from up bow to down bow, or down bow to up bow.
4. Intonnation
5. Keep in the bow in the "middle of the road" (between the finger board and the bridge).
Since we have started doing all these things, the technique around here has really improved! So give the dreaded scales a try. If your teacher is not yet using scales, you can talk the them about it or just try doing short ladders and implementing the sames "rules" with the ladders. Remember....make it fun!!!! AND have fun with your child!!!
Leah is a Mom and proud creator of www.students-violins.com, a site aimed at helping and encouraging parents of violin students.
