This Viola vibrato exercise will change your playing.

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Vibrato Stick? For Violin

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Vibrato: 2 exercises for immediate improvement

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Vapor Punk Jazz

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Tips for Double Stop Fifths for Cellists from Cellists Themselves

Here are some streamlined tips for cellists practicing double stops in fifths:

1. Tune by Ear: Regularly tune your strings by ear, playing two at a time. This hones your ability to hit two strings simultaneously and is crucial for accurate double-stops.

2. Visualization: Imagine the strings and bow interaction visually. This method can be particularly effective for many students.

3. Daily Practice: Begin sessions with open string double stops and slow bows. Use a metronome set to 8th note = 140-150, playing 8 beats per bow in each direction. Progress from G+C, to D+G, then A+D strings.

4. Bow Plane Mastery: Ensure you have control over the bow’s plane; any wandering is more noticeable when playing two strings.

5. Play Softly: Aim for piano rather than mezzoforte or forte to avoid pressing too hard and creating a harsh sound.

6. Account for String Height: Each double stop will have different string heights due to finger placement. Adjust accordingly, especially when using the fourth finger.

7. Bow Technique: Rest the bow on the strings, pull from underneath, and allow your wrist to sink on the pull for a smoother sound.

Remember, consistency and mindful practice are key to mastering double stops.

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The Vampire Ball - Brighton 1st November at St Augustine's Centre, St Augustines Church

The Vampire Ball - Brighton 1st November at St Augustine's Centre, St Augustines Church: Calling all creatures of the darkness.

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Bow warm up for clean string crossing and beautiful sound viola and violin

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LEFT HAND Position Violin+Viola

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Beginners: How to Play Violin + Viola

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Bow Hold for String Players with video #suzuki_school

The bow holds for violin, viola, cello, and double bass are tailored to the size and playing position of each instrument. Here’s a brief overview:

• Violin & Viola: The bow hold is quite similar for both instruments. The thumb is bent and placed on the frog (the end part of the bow where you hold it), and the other fingers are curved and placed at specific points on the stick. The pinky finger is curved and rests on the top of the stick to help control the bow.

• Cello: The cello bow hold is similar to the violin and viola but adjusted for the larger size of the bow and the different angle of playing. The thumb is placed opposite the second finger, and the fingers are more spread out along the stick. The hand is also more under the stick than with the violin and viola.

• Double Bass: The double bass bow hold is quite different due to the size and playing style of the instrument. There are two main types of bow holds for the double bass: the French bow hold and the German bow hold. The French bow hold is similar to that of the cello, with the thumb placed on the stick and the fingers spread out. The German bow hold, also known as the Butler grip, involves holding the bow like a stick, with the thumb placed on the side of the frog and the fingers wrapped around the stick.

For detailed guidance, there are educational videos available that demonstrate the perfect bow hold for each instrument and provide exercises to master the technique¹²³. It’s important to note that while the basic principles are similar, each musician may have slight variations in their hold that suit their individual playing style and comfort

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What is the purpose of the Orchestra Conductor? What do their movements mean?

Conducting an orchestra involves a series of precise baton movements to communicate the tempo, dynamics, and expression of the music to the musicians. Here are some basic baton movements for different time signatures:

1. 4/4 Time Signature:

   • Downbeat (1): The baton moves straight down.
   • Second Beat (2): The baton moves to the left.
   • Third Beat (3): The baton moves to the right.
   • Fourth Beat (4): The baton moves up.

2. 3/4 Time Signature:

   • Downbeat (1): The baton moves straight down.
   • Second Beat (2): The baton moves to the right.
   • Third Beat (3): The baton moves up.

3. 2/4 Time Signature:

   • Downbeat (1): The baton moves straight down.
   • Second Beat (2): The baton moves up.

4. 6/8 Time Signature:

   • Downbeat (1): The baton moves straight down.
   • Second Beat (2): The baton moves to the left.
   • Third Beat (3): The baton moves to the right.
   • Fourth Beat (4): The baton moves up.

The first beat is always the baton (or hand) moving down from its highest position, known as the downbeat. The last beat in the bar is always up to the highest position, known as the upbeat. The beat before the upbeat is always a movement away from the conductor’s body¹².

Conductors use these movements to ensure that all musicians are synchronized and understand the intended interpretation of the music. The baton acts as an extension of the conductor’s arm, enhancing the visibility of gestures, especially for musicians seated farther away³.

Advanced conducting techniques go beyond the basic baton movements and involve more nuanced gestures and expressions to convey the conductor’s interpretation of the music. Here are some advanced techniques:

1. Expressive Gestures:

   • Facial Expressions: Conductors use facial expressions to convey emotions and dynamics to the orchestra.
   • Body Language: The entire body can be used to communicate the intensity and character of the music.

2. Subdivision:

   • Subdividing Beats: For complex rhythms or slow tempos, conductors may subdivide beats to provide clearer guidance to the musicians.

3. Cueing:

   • Eye Contact: Making eye contact with specific sections or musicians to cue their entrances.
   • Hand Gestures: Using the left hand to indicate cues, dynamics, and phrasing while the right hand maintains the beat.

4. Dynamics and Articulation:

   • Dynamic Changes: Using larger or smaller gestures to indicate changes in volume.
   • Articulation: Sharp, precise movements for staccato passages and smooth, flowing movements for legato passages.

5. Advanced Patterns:

   • Down-Down-Reverse-Around Pattern: Used for building up to a new phrase or dynamic change. The first two beats are simple downbeats, but the third beat rebounds in a circle towards the outside, continuing around until beat four¹.
   • Down-In-Out-Up Pattern: A variation on the four-beat pattern. The first beat is a normal downbeat, the second beat comes down and goes across the chest at a 45-degree angle, the third beat retraces the second beat’s path, and the fourth beat comes back to the focal point and rebounds up¹.

6. Interpretation:

   • Score Study: Conductors spend extensive time studying the score to understand the composer’s intentions and make interpretative decisions.
   • Rehearsal Techniques: Effective rehearsal techniques to communicate their vision to the orchestra and refine the performance.

These advanced techniques help conductors to communicate more effectively with the orchestra, ensuring a cohesive and expressive performance²³.

Conductors handle tempo changes through a combination of clear gestures, body language, and eye contact to communicate the desired changes to the orchestra. Here are some techniques they use:

1. Preparation:

   • Indicating the Change: Before the tempo change occurs, the conductor will often give a preparatory gesture to signal the upcoming change. This can be a larger or more pronounced movement to draw attention.

2. Gradual Tempo Changes (Ritardando and Accelerando):

   • Smooth Gestures: For gradual tempo changes, such as ritardando (slowing down) or accelerando (speeding up), the conductor will use smooth and continuous gestures. The size and speed of the baton movements will gradually change to reflect the new tempo.
   • Body Language: The conductor’s body language will also reflect the change, with more relaxed movements for slowing down and more energetic movements for speeding up.

3. Sudden Tempo Changes:

   • Clear Downbeat: For sudden tempo changes, the conductor will give a clear and decisive downbeat to indicate the new tempo. This downbeat is often accompanied by a strong and confident gesture.
   • Eye Contact: Making eye contact with key sections or musicians to ensure they are aware of the change and ready to follow.

4. Subdivision:

   • Subdividing Beats: In complex passages or when transitioning between tempos, the conductor may subdivide the beats to provide clearer guidance. This helps musicians stay together and maintain the correct tempo.

5. Breathing:

   • Breath Cues: Conductors often use their own breathing to cue tempo changes. By taking a noticeable breath before a change, they can signal the new tempo to the musicians.

6. Rehearsal Techniques:

   • Practice: During rehearsals, conductors will practice tempo changes with the orchestra to ensure everyone is comfortable and understands the intended timing and execution.
   • Feedback: Conductors may provide feedback and make adjustments during rehearsals to achieve the desired tempo changes.

These techniques help conductors effectively manage tempo changes, ensuring that the orchestra transitions smoothly and maintains cohesion throughout the performance.

Conductors handle rubato, which means “stolen time,” by allowing for expressive flexibility in the tempo of the music. Here are some techniques they use:

1. Preparation and Communication:

   • Clear Intentions: Conductors must have a clear idea of where they want to apply rubato and communicate this effectively to the orchestra during rehearsals.
   • Body Language and Gestures: Subtle changes in body language and baton movements can indicate the desired tempo fluctuations.

2. Leading with the Baton:

   • Flexible Baton Movements: The conductor’s baton movements become more fluid and less rigid, allowing for slight speeding up or slowing down of the tempo.
   • Expressive Gestures: Conductors use expressive gestures to convey the emotional intent behind the rubato, ensuring that the musicians understand the desired effect.

3. Eye Contact and Cues:

   • Eye Contact: Making eye contact with key sections or soloists to guide them through the rubato passages.
   • Hand Cues: Using the left hand to provide additional cues and signals for tempo changes.

4. Breathing and Phrasing:

   • Breath Cues: Conductors often use their own breathing to signal tempo changes, helping musicians to stay together and maintain the musical phrasing.
   • Phrasing: Emphasizing the natural phrasing of the music to guide the application of rubato.

5. Rehearsal Techniques:

   • Practice: Conductors work with the orchestra during rehearsals to practice rubato passages, ensuring that everyone is comfortable with the tempo changes.
   • Feedback: Providing feedback and making adjustments to achieve the desired expressive effect.

Rubato allows for a more expressive and dynamic performance, and conductors play a crucial role in shaping these tempo fluctuations to enhance the overall musical experience¹²³.

Conducting contemporary compositions often requires a different approach compared to traditional classical music due to the unique challenges and complexities involved. Here are some techniques that conductors use for contemporary compositions:

1. Understanding the Score:

   • Score Study: Contemporary scores can be highly complex and may include unconventional notations. Conductors need to spend significant time studying the score to understand the composer’s intentions and the structure of the piece.
   • Extended Techniques: Familiarity with extended techniques such as prepared piano, wind multiphonics, and found percussion is essential. These techniques often require special instructions and gestures to communicate effectively with the musicians¹.

2. Communication with Musicians:

   • Clear Instructions: Contemporary compositions may involve non-traditional forms, changing meters, and additive rhythms. Conductors must provide clear instructions and cues to ensure that musicians understand the timing and execution of these elements².
   • Rehearsal Techniques: Effective rehearsal techniques are crucial for contemporary music. Conductors may need to break down complex passages and work on them in sections to ensure precision and cohesion.

3. Flexibility and Adaptability:

   • Improvisation: Some contemporary compositions include elements of improvisation. Conductors need to be flexible and adaptable, allowing musicians the freedom to explore while maintaining overall structure and coherence³.
   • Aleatory Techniques: Aleatory or chance music involves elements of randomness. Conductors must be able to manage these elements and guide the musicians through the unpredictable aspects of the performance¹.

4. Expressive Gestures:

   • Body Language: Contemporary music often requires more expressive and varied gestures to convey the emotional and dynamic range of the piece. Conductors use their entire body to communicate intensity, character, and mood.
   • Facial Expressions: Facial expressions play a significant role in conveying the nuances of contemporary compositions. Conductors use their faces to express emotions and guide the musicians through complex passages.

5. Collaboration with Composers:

   • Composer Interaction: Conductors often work closely with living composers to understand their vision and interpret their works accurately. This collaboration can provide valuable insights and enhance the performance.

6. Use of Technology:

   • Electronic Elements: Many contemporary compositions incorporate electronic elements. Conductors need to be proficient in managing these elements, including synchronization with live musicians and handling electronic equipment.

By employing these techniques, conductors can effectively navigate the challenges of contemporary compositions and deliver compelling and cohesive performances¹²³.

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Beginners

SUZUKI PODCAST 

We are proud at the SUZUKI.SCHOOL to be forward thinkers who are trailblazing modern techniques and innovative performance strategies for a new wave of musicians around the world.

Suzuki.School delivering a new program for modern musicians in a digital world and you can find all our programs for strings and piano on the links below.

VIOLA TV https://suzuki-school.blogspot.com/p/viola-tv.html

PIANO TV https://suzuki-school.blogspot.com/p/piano.html

CELLO TV https://suzuki-school.blogspot.com/p/cello-tv.html

BASS TV https://suzuki-school.blogspot.com/p/bass-school.html

IN DEPTH LESSONS https://lounges.tv/profile/iservalan

YOUTUBE CHANNEL https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl-Bc2FqX2TCS0IyDfbHMxw

SUZUKI PODCAST https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-iservalan-show--5932843