Paying attention to one violin technique at a time during practice is challenging. I want to focus on everything all at once and the boy would like to focus on sunlight reflections, farts and dust bunnies. After a bit of squabbling and crying Tuesday, we came up with a marble game. Our marble game involves point scoring and defeating opponents; both very motivating factors for young violinists of the 21st century. How to play: Get...

Earlier this week, I described our preparation for Go Tell Aunt Rhody. The above video shows the...

This weekend, wee-man is scheduled to play Go Tell Aunt Rhody for recital. Rhody seemed like a good choice since it’s a fair distance from his current piece (Long, Long Ago) and it’s been on review rotation every stinkin’ day since it was polished. But once it was selected as his recital piece, the boy suddenly stopped remembering bits. He began struggling with notes he’d been doing without effort. He started...

Song of The Wind & Arrows: Here’s The Set Up “Song of The Wind.” LOOP ITEM 1: “Okay, find the fuzzy spot with your ring finger.” (bow hand). “Keep you thumb bent.” (bow hand). “Keep your eyes on the finger board, focus on your tapes.” (finger board). “Rocket wrist… keep your violin hand nice and long. It looks like you’re trying to deliver a...

A reminder to stretch before practice came to me at the chiropractor’s office, of all places. The boy and I get adjustments somewhat regularly and the chiropractor noticed tension in wee-man’s left shoulder during our most recent visit. I questioned whether it might be related to his violin practice. She thought playing violin might be the cause and suggested a little massage before and after each practice. Notice anything a...

Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star with Harmony Take 1 (in 1 Take). Suzuki parents (and students) back me up here: listening to / playing the Twinkle Variations gets OLD. Sure they’re good for you, like Brussels Sprout, and you might even like eating them… the first 9,999 days. But, and I’m pretty sure there’s a book about this on my to-read list, after day 10,000 who wants to eat that again? It doesn’t even smell...