Practice Techniques for String Players
Often when students begin taking lessons, or attending a group class, they believe that the teacher has some “magical formula” to make them great players. I always emphasize to my students that the real “magic” happens at home in their practice sessions. With this in mind, it is important to teach students proper practice techniques so they can avoid playing a passage over and over and never really achieving anything. Eventually, every student should become their own best teacher.
Here are some specific practice techniques for violin, viola, cello and bass players: (Remember the whole goal is to MAKE IT EASIER!)
1. Clap and Count
2. Silently Finger
3. Play Pizzicato
4. Airbow
5. Take out all slurs
6. Stroke 4 times on each note (this works great in fast eighth note passages)
7. Stroke 2 times on each note.
8. Play it slowly. Gradually increase speed using a metronome.
9. Play the rhythm only on an open string
10. Say the note names
11. Say the finger numbers
12. Sing it
13. Play it on the piano
Often, when students struggle with a passage, I ask them to list 5 different ways they can practice it. Teaching students how to effectively practice is one of the most valuable things you can do as a string teacher.
Topics: Students, Classroom Teachers, Private Teachers |
September 20th, 2007 at 4:00 pm
14. Use Disneyland as an incentive.
15. Lock the doors.
16. Rewards, rewards, rewards.
So teachers don’t have magic? All my life I’ve been lied to?
thanks.