Basic It will probably take a few weeks to master basic violin techniques. You must know how to control your bow and produce notes on your instrument before you can progress to more melodic and interesting repertoire. The following exercises and melodies range from very simple to slightly more complicated. Practice the first one every day, and only move onto the next after you are completely comfortable with the sound you’re getting. 1. Bowing Rhythms * Set your bow on the open A string at the frog and pull it all the way to the tip, then back down again. Make sure your bow remains straight and your sound constant. * Next, try some different rhythms by either speeding up or slowing down your bow arm. Some examples include: * Short long, short long * Long short, long short * Long, long, long, long * Short, short, short, short * Repeat on the open E, D, and G strings * Make sure you are only playing one string at a time 2. 5-note scales * Start by playing the open A string, and then walk your fingers up the fingerboard and back down again. You will be playing the notes: A, B, C, D, E. Repeat until you have a clear sound. * Repeat on the E, D, and G strings. 3. 2-octave scale * Once you are comfortable with the 5-note scales, combine them into a 2-octave scale. * Start on the G string, and play until you get to your ring finger (note: middle C). * Instead of putting down your pinky finger, switch over to the open D string. Continue in this manner until you have placed your ring finger on the E string (note: high G) * Work your way back down the scale until you end up back at the open G string. 3. Jingle Bells (A section only) Now you’re ready to play some songs! Try the first section of Jingle Bells, starting with the C# on the A string (played by your middle finger.) You will be going back and forth mainly between the A and E strings. 4. Lightly Row This simple song will help you practice scales and string transitions between the D, A and E strings. 5. Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star (W.A. Mozart) This is a classic song for beginning violin students. To make things a little more interesting, try playing the melody with different rhythms. More advanced Once you’ve mastered basic violin techniques, you’ll be ready to move onto some more advanced repertoire. 1. Old Joe Clark (trad.) This is a popular American fiddle tune that makes use of double stops. Double stops are when you play two strings at the same time. For this piece, you will play the A and E string at the same time while changing the melody on the E string. Make sure your left hand is only touching the E string. 2. Amazing Grace (trad.) This beautiful hymn is often played slowly and soulfully, and is a great way to further practice your tone. Consider adding some dynamics (i.e. playing soft at some times and louder at others) in order to give shape and character to the piece. 3. Hey Ho, Nobody Home (trad.) If you know other musicians, suggest this piece as a fun exercise. “Hey Ho, Nobody Home” is a traditional English 3-part round. This means that the melody is divided into three sections, and each musician begins playing at a different section. Once you’ve mastered the melody by itself, call up some of your violin friends to try it out!