String Pedagogy Notebook

Bow Stroke Introduction
Pizzicato with bowing motion
Developing correct motion of the arm
Developing a flexible wrist
Finger flexibility games
Finger flexibility with a pencil
Shadow Bowing
Shadow Bowing on the Instrument
Bow Stroke Basics
The Bow Stroke Variables
First Bow Stroke
Making the First Sound
Holding the Bow at the Balance Point
Bow stroke - Violin and Viola
Bow Stroke - Cello
Bow Stroke - Bass French Bow
Bow Stroke - Bass German Bow
Changing Angle of the Bow Stroke
Elbow Elevator
Rolling and lifting the bow
Lift and place the bow at the frog, middle, and tip
Releasing weight at the end of the bow stroke
Collé (piqué)
Common sources of tension
Doctoring up the frog and the bow
Even bow speed
Setting the bow properly before beginning the bow stroke
Shifting weight when bowing
Bowing rhythms on Twinkle
Pinkie teeter totter game
Holding the bow at the tip
Ringing tone martelé stroke
Circular Motion in the Bow Stroke
Bow Stroke as Extension of the Body

Developing correct motion of the arm

Place a penny on the right hand and while sitting down, try moving the hand from left shoulder to right knee without the penny falling. This game will get the students to pronate their forearm and flex their wrist, without the teacher needing to draw attention to the motor skills involved. All attention is focused on the penny.

Cellists and bassists can practice this game by placing hand on left knee and moving to the right knee.

POSTURE • INSTRUMENT SIZING • INSTRUMENT POSITION

BOW HOLD • BOW STROKE • INTERMEDIATE RIGHT HAND SKILLS • ADVANCED RIGHT HAND SKILLS

LEFT HAND POSITION • SHIFTING • VIBRATO • ADVANCED LEFT HAND SKILLS