Quality of sound and articulation: Right hand
- Play with a clear and resonant sound across a larger range of dynamics, listening to the sound produced and adjusting as appropriate, with help
- Develop a flexible, secure bow-hold with more control
- Play with varied articulations and bow strokes to express the character of the music
- Begin to change speed and weight of bow-stroke and vary sound points to create different dynamics
- Play pizzicato without tension at different tempi, changing quickly between pizzicato and arco
Encourage learners to play with tone colours that reflect the character of the music, e.g. dolce for a lullaby, martélé for a march.
Give learners pieces that do not have articulation markings and ask them to choose different kinds of articulation to suit the style of the music, e.g. classical, folk.
Ensure that learners have an awareness of the science of sound production.
Introduce the technique of bariolage as appropriate to the repertoire being studied.
This is much exploited in bluegrass fiddling and has its roots in central European traditions. Examples include Orange Blossom Special and Listen to the Mockingbird.
Having demonstrated and explained the required sound and appropriate physical movements, ask learners to devise their own exercises to develop:
- the placement of the bow with more freedom and security whilst playing on and off the string
- a variety of bowing techniques e.g. hooked bows, spiccato, sul ponticello, martélé, tremolo
- an even bow-stroke on all strings and in simple double stops
- the slurring of several notes, including crossing strings
- using different parts of the bow for varying musical effects
- changing the bow speed and weight to affect tone and articulation, e.g. accents, crescendo and diminuendo
- pizzicato technique, including double stops and strumming
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