P1 - B5

Articulation and coordination

  • Coordinate the right and left hands at a regular pulse:
    • beginning to develop some clarity and fluency
    • using simple rhythmic patterns

Teach learners to play short, simple phrases to a regular pulse using three notes G/A/B on the fourth (G) string.

A backing track can make this exercise more interesting and musical, and also act as a metronome.

Demonstrate to learners ways of minimising the movement of left-hand fingers. Ask them to imitate and to discuss the advantages.

Ask learners to experiment with playing short, simple phrases using different dynamics. Discuss how the different dynamics are achieved, and why we need to use different dynamics.

Link to speech and the way that we vary the dynamics of our voice depending on the situation.

Demonstrate different kinds of articulation, using some simple phrases. Ask learners to imitate them. Discuss how the different sounds are produced, and their musical effects.

Teach simple exercises and tunes that use rests and staccato. Show learners how to make rests and staccato effects by touching the string with the right-hand thumb or appropriate finger, or a combination of both.

Ask learners to make up some simple variations by using different rhythmic patterns on each note.

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