Starting Out on the Fiddle: Learning the Violin With the Suzuki Method Level 1

This performance-based class will focus on basic violin skill development and music reading utilizing the Suzuki Method. Through using interactive activities and periodic class games students will engage in a variety of topics in learning the violin.

***This class is best for students who are new or somewhat new to learning to play the violin (equivalent level is Suzuki 1)
--As the teacher, I will guide the students through the process of proper violin playing techniques, learning the basics of playing the various scales and music pieces, holding and playing the instrument properly through modeling and describing what I am doing.

The class will meet on a weekly basis and focus on learning a particularly song every 2-3 weeks. Throughout each weekly meeting students will be gaining knowledge in the following areas:
--Students will learn the proper way to hold and play the violin.
--Students will learn proper rhythm techniques and rhythmic patterns thru clapping, singing, and playing the violin.
--Students will Perform a varied repertoire of music on the violin, alone and with others.
and throughout the course of the classes will be able to develop the ability to match pitch and adjust intonation through playing and singing.
--Students will also be able to demonstrate an understanding of phrasing through performing simple melodies.
--They will be able to discuss and demonstrate characteristic tone production on a string instrument.
Demonstrate correct left-hand position and finger placement, right hand position (bow
hold), posture, instrument position, and bow placement.
--Produce a characteristic sound using legato, staccato, slurs, detached slur, accent, and
pizzicato.
--Utilize correct finger patterns in performing scales and repertoire in the keys of D, G, A and C Major
-- Demonstrate awareness of individual and group roles within the ensemble relating to
balance, blend, dynamics, phrasing, and tempo.
--Identify notes in the staff and on ledger lines of respective clef.
--Read and notate notes within key signatures D, G, A and C Major.
--Read and notate rhythms (e.g. whole notes, half notes, quarter notes, eighth notes, dotted
half notes and their corresponding rests in the time signatures of 4/4, 3/4, and 2/4).
--Recognize basic symbols for dynamics, tempo, articulation, and expression as used in
corresponding literature.
Responding
--Discuss how the basic elements of music, including mood, tempo, contrast, and repetition
in selected examples (e.g. aural, written, performed) are important to a performance.
--Identify the difference between melody and accompaniment in given examples (e.g.
aural, written, performed).
--Students will gain experience in evaluating music and music performances.
--Distinguish between correct and incorrect notes and intonation, and demonstrate the
ability to adjust accordingly.
--Evaluate the accuracy of rhythm and tempos for individual and ensemble playing.

Note: Each student must have a camera on at various times during the class so that I can help them with the correct hand positions and bowing and and give them feedback on their playing, this is an essential part of learning in this course. Student's will also be engaging and practicing their violin pieces and their hands must be seen for this. If the student does not want their face seen, they may angle the camera to only show their hands and instrument.