1. I have taken articles and pictures of
famous violinists out of magazines and laminated them.
The students can read them while they wait for their lesson.
2.Trend company sells large poster boards
that can be used to put students' names and reward
stickers on. There is also a place for the dates.
3.If the violin bridge warps, drop it in boiling water
for 1-2 min. and then lay it on a flat surface
(do not put anything on top of it).
Let it dry overnight and it should straighten up.
This may last for a while or it may warp again.
4.Students need to learn to turn the round cake
of rosin each time it is used so a flat surface
can be maintained. This is kinder to the bow.
5. Students bring their OWN metronome
to the lesson so it can become user friendly.
6.I use color by number pictures out of coloring books.
Each time a student gets their practice time in
for the week they get to color a section.
The numbers refer to what reward they will receive.
7.To help learn vibrato, put some unpopped corn in a
small metal container. Seal it and have the student shake
it with his left hand in playing position (no violin).
He can learn to control the vibrato (fast or slow)
by listening to the sound of the corn as it shakes.
8.For violin students just learning to place their thumb
inside on the bow grip, I use a foam pencil grip that can
be slid on the bow by removing the frog.
This makes a good surface for them to put their thumb against.
9.Students should always place a cloth over the violin
before they close the case. if they have failed to secure the bow
properly it will not damage the top or the violin.
10.I have a list of famous violinists on a card. Students
read the list to me so they will become familiar with the names.
list to me so they will become familiar with the names.
Pronunciation is interesting somtimes.
11.Some parents tape the violin lesson
so the students can hear the the instructions
This is especially helpful for young children.
12.I video tape performances off the television
when they are offered and then loan out
the tapes so my students won't miss the concerts.
PBS stations have a wealth of great performances.
13.I read about a teacher who uses an apple
to teach the idea of fractions and notes.
The more pieces the apple is cut into the
smaller the pieces.
14. Last but not least.
I take photographs of the students at the lessons
to put in an album. It is rewarding to watch
them grow and their violins "grow" with them.
The pictures are also nice to have to remember
the students when they have moved on in their lives.
Recital Ideas
1."Cafe Music"- Place tables around a room decorated with
table clothes and candles. Serve cookies and a drink
on the table during the recital. Use plastic cups(no noise).
The students perform near the center area
of the tables or at a close viewing distance.
2."Combo"-Combine your recital with a teacher
who teaches a different instrument.
The combination of instruments make the evening
more entertaining and it draws from another audience.
3."2 recitals" - Have one for young children
and one for older youngsters.
4."Caring Recital"- Stage the recital in a nursing home.
Invite the residents of the home.
Violin
sheilascorner Home
Photography
Websites
World War 1
The TEACHER said to the students,
I have taken articles and pictures of
Students bring their OWN metronome
Last but not least.
"Cafe Music"- Place tables around a room decorated with
