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willhurdstrings · 3 years

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#bachdouble #violinconcerto is wonderful for exploring subdivided #rhythms My #youngviolinists practice the entire part in subdivisions and switch back and forth playing the printed bowings/subdivisions with me in #violinlessons as well as with other #violinstudents in our #suzukigroup #violinclasses Feeling the subdivisions in pieces like #concertofortwoviolins by #jsbach is critical in order to #playmusictogether and bring out the #counterpoint #violinpractice #violinlesson #violinteacher #suzukiviolinlessons #concertoindminor #johannsebastianbach #violinsolo #bachviolin #suzukibook4 #bachdouble #bachdoubleviolinconcerto #violintechnique #violinpedagogy #practiceroom (at Washington D.C.) https://www.instagram.com/p/CWLh-BiAe_3/?utm_medium=tumblr

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willhurdstrings · 3 years

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Happy Birthday #shinichisuzuki ! The #japanesemusician #violinteacher and founder of the #suzukimethod of #musiceducation was born on #17october 1898 in #nagoyajapan Suzuki believed all children could learn anything well given a nurturing and rich environment. When accepting students, Suzuki did not screen children for ability, but rather the family’s willingness to participate in his program of education. Here are a few books from my personal music library pertaining to Suzuki, to include translations of #nurturedbylove by Waltraud Suzuki and Kyoko Selden and Suzuki’s own original reference recording of #suzukiviolinschool books 1 and 2 reference recording on vinyl! I brought this LP to a recent #suzukigroup class and the children asked how does the record fit inside the CD player! They had never seen a #vinylrecord before! #suzukiviolinteacher #musiceducationforkids #musiceducationmatters #musiclibrary #stringplayer #musicpedagogy #violinpedagogy #violinclass #suzukimusic #suzukimusiceducation #beautifulmusic #musicforkidsandfamily #musiclessonsforchildren #musiclessonsforkids #violinlessonsforkids (at Washington D.C.) https://www.instagram.com/p/CVIpNonAQWJ/?utm_medium=tumblr

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willhurdstrings · 3 years

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Listen, listen, listen! This is the advice I give my @levine_music #suzukiviolinmethod families at the beginning of the school year as well as throughout the year. Listening to #beautifulmusic is the only way to internalize #beautifultone Listening to #suzukimethod reference recordings develops a clear sound image of the repertoire pieces, making them easier to learn and minimizing mistakes in practice. I require my families to listen to their reference recordings no fewer than 3 times daily or 90 times per month! Pictured is part of my #viola and #violinpedagogy listening library featuring #suzukiviolinschool recordings by Koji Toyoda and #davidnadien #suzukiviola recordings by William Preucil, Sr. And @michaelisaacstrauss Solos for #youngviolinists and #violists by Barbara Barber, and Oscar Shumsky’s recording of #24caprices for #soloviolin by #pierrerode performed on Rode’s #stradavarius #violin #suzukiviolinteacher #violinteacher #violinpedagogy #violateacher #suzukigroup #beautifulmusic #listentomusiceveryday #musiclibrary #musiceducation (at Washington D.C.) https://www.instagram.com/p/CT9cqZorbah/?utm_medium=tumblr

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willhurdstrings · 3 years

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Excited to be teaching my first live #suzukigroup class @levine_music since the pandemic restrictions began last spring! Our #youngmusicians enjoy the challenge game. Each #youngviolinist randomly chooses a piece they can play well and performs it according to a randomly chosen challenge. I adapted this idea from a @twosetviolin video which featured Hilary Hahn @violincase performing a Paganini Caprice while hula hooping! (Definitely look this up on YouTube!) We don’t hula hoop in my class but we have many fun and educational challenges to choose from. Three videos: 1) Choose your piece. Today’s winner is #waltz by #johannesbrahms ~swipe left~ 2) Choose your challenge! Play the piece with the opposite bowings! ~swipe left~ 3) Perform for the class! Depending on the child and the combination of piece and challenge, if I see a child struggling I may simply do the challenge myself (and include some funny mistakes), or have the child choose a different challenge, or do it all together as a group. In my experience the favorite challenge is “lie on your back while playing!” Note: I am using #decidenow , which is a free app for creating your own custom spin wheels! Children enjoy pushing buttons as well as opportunities to “game-ify” practice. Letting children choose their piece and challenge gives them a feeling of ownership of the practice process. Of course, the menu of options should be carefully chosen by the teacher or parent. #brahms #brahmswaltz #jbrahms #violinteacher #violinpractice #violinlessonsforkids #violintips #musiceducation #violinfun #suzukiteacher #suzukiclass #suzukiviolinmethod #suzukiviolinteacher #suzukiviolinschool #loveviolin #gamifylearning #gamifyyourclassroom #violinguy #musiceducationmatters #musiceducationforkids (at Washington D.C.) https://www.instagram.com/p/CT7lkmVgm37/?utm_medium=tumblr

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willhurdstrings · 3 years

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Please enjoy this arrangement of #thebeatles #because (Lennon/McCartney) for 4 #violins arranged by my #violinstudent J at the Herndon Suzuki School. We’re excited to be performing this beautiful arrangement at our next #suzukigroup concert! The harmonies in this song are inspired by #beethovenmoonlightsonata . Yoko was playing “Moonlight” and John asked her to play the chords backwards. The resulting harmonic progression bears some similarity to Beethoven’s; however, the final product is not simply a backwards playing of Beethoven’s. If you like this arrangement and would like a copy, let me know and I’ll check with J to see if I can get you a copy! #beatlescover #lennonmccartney #beethoven #moonlightsonata #suzukiviolinteacher #beautifulharmony #beautifulharmonies #beautifulmusic #beatlessong #violincovers #sweetharmonies #violinteacher #60smusic #beatlesfan #abbyroadstudios #beatlesforever #stringplayer #johnlennon #instacover (at Washington D.C.) https://www.instagram.com/p/CTuOUZFgYJK/?utm_medium=tumblr

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willhurdstrings · 3 years

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Advanced Twinkles from a recent #suzukiviolin #groupclass #violinconcert As a grand finale, our #youngviolinists performed #twinkletwinklelittlestar in multiple keys and multiple rhythms. The key and rhythm assignments were decided on stage by the performers just seconds before the performance, so the exact assignments were not rehearsed ahead of time! We enjoy these transposition and rhythm games in our weekly #violinclasses Games like this encourage curiosity and keep us “on our toes” with listening closely to each other because we don’t know exactly how it’s going to sound ahead of time! Note: These activities are quite advanced (the players on stage are all book 4 and above) and require a commitment to regular review of all #suzukiviolinmethod core repertoire pieces over many years. Two videos: 1) #twinkletheme in many keys #polytonality ~swipe left~ 2) Twinkle theme in many rhythms #polyrhythmic #polyrhythms #polyrhythm #violinteacher #violinpedagogy #stringpedagogy #youngmusicians #suzukigroup #backyardconcert #suzukiteacher #suzukiviolinteacher #violinlessonsforkids #violinperformance #violinkids #violinfun #fiddlingaround (at Herndon, Virginia) https://www.instagram.com/p/CR3rzLfA0-b/?utm_medium=tumblr

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willhurdstrings · 3 years

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In complex #contrapuntal pieces such as #bachdouble or #concertofortwoviolinsindminor #bwv 1043 by #jsbach It is necessary to understand the underlying subdivisions within the rhythm. There are many syncopated rhythms and ties which combine to create wonderful #counterpoint I find the best way to feel the subdivisions is to actually play them. These three videos show how I practice three particularly challenging passages. In #suzukigroup class, I have my students practice the entire piece in this manner! #violin #violinist #violinteacher #suzukiviolin #suzukiviolinmethod #suzukiviolinteacher #suzukiviolinschool #fugue #baroquemusiclovers #beautifulmusic #violinpractice🎻 #practiceroom #40hoursofpractice #violinclasses #violinlessonsforkids #violintechnique #violinlove #violinguy #musicpractice (at Washington D.C.) https://www.instagram.com/p/COuxx2ogQZS/?igshid=vma7j8ni3whk

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willhurdstrings · 3 years

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Practice soft dynamics by playing softer than a hum. Engage #auditorylearning by asking children to hum the soft parts. Then ask them to play the soft parts softer than a hum. Follow up by asking, “#howdidyoudothat ?” They will usually notice that they used less bow. Directly asking children to “use less bow” or “exaggerate the dynamics” often doesn’t work for #younglearners This humming activity gives them a way to discover the technique of using less bow on their own, through the senses rather than by following a direct instruction. I find this activity to be very effective in both #privatelesson and #suzukigroup class settings. For children struggling with humming at the right time, the teacher or parent may sing or play the loud parts and stop when it’s time for the child to hum. Children who are listening to the reference recording many times per day will have no trouble with this. This will work with any #musicalinstrument The answer to #howdidyoudoit ? Will vary depending on the #instrument Two videos: 1) Humming the soft part ~~swipe left~~ 2) Using less bow on the soft part #violateacher #suzukiviola #suzukiviolinmethod #suzukicello #practiceroom #suzukitriangle #musicwithchildren #violinlessonsforkids #violinclasses #violinclass #violinmasterclass #violintechnique #violinpedagogy #violapractice #violapower #violanation #violaworld #gotellauntrhody (at Washington D.C.) https://www.instagram.com/p/COApnisAOk_/?igshid=l1l8nmcorb3h

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willhurdstrings · 3 years

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Fun with #musicalmodes Create different shades of brightness and darkness with more than just the usual #majorandminor scales! My advanced #suzukigroup loves playing major key pieces in the minor and vice versa, so I thought I’d introduce the concept of mode. Instead of thinking of major as “happy” and minor as “sad”, we explored subtle shades of darkness and lightness with all 7 of the traditional Greek modes. To get brighter, add sharps or subtract flats; to get darker, subtract sharps or add flats. Always alter the key signature in the order of sharps and flats. Here are some examples from #suzukibook1 For simplicity I used only pieces with the original key of A major. I changed my shirt to accentuate the lightness/darkness visually. I hope you like the fashion show. LOL! 1) Lydian mode - add D# to A major 2) Ionian mode or Major - no change here 3)Mixolydian mode - one shade darker than major with one fewer sharp 4) Dorian mode - one shade brighter than minor with an additional sharp added to the minor key 5) Aeolian mode or natural minor 6) Phrygian mode - one shade darker than minor 7) Locrian mode - two shades darker than minor and very weird. I’m willing to bet this is a world premier of May Song in the locrian mode! Note: This is an activity for intermediate and advanced students who have excellent review habits and who have performed the book 1 pieces many times. #violinist #violinteacher #suzukiteacher #phrygian #locrian #dorianmode #mixolydian #lydianmode #lydian #ionianmode #lightlyrow #suzukitriangle #songofthewind #longlongago #maysong #practiceroom #violinclass #violinlessonsforkids #violinlesson #violinfun #violinlove (at Washington D.C.) https://www.instagram.com/p/CKwRFboAC3h/?igshid=1ugxy1v21mf4v

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willhurdstrings · 3 years

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Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite by Anna Harwell Celenza and illustrated by Don Tate is a fun story for children about the 1960 album adapting Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet into big band dance music. Suzuki kids are familiar with the music of J.S. Bach and will find fascinating parallels between the two master musicians. Both were virtuoso keyboardists and master improvisers, band leaders, composed both secular and devotional music, composed instrumental solos with specific musicians in mind, had decades long careers and synthesized all the musical styles of their times. I highly recommend this book for children of all ages! #dukeellington #nutcracker #jazznutcracker #nutcrackersuite #tchaikovskynutcracker #tchaikovsky #jsbach #christmasbooksforkids #christmasbookshelf #suzukigroup #suzukiteacher #musicteachersofinstagram #violinteacher #musiceducationmatters #musiceducationforkids #musicteacherlife #musichistory #dcmusician #booksforchildren #bigbandjazz #suzukitriangle #storytimebooks #booksaboutmusic #booksaboutmusicians #dontate (at Washington D.C.) https://www.instagram.com/p/CJL0K-EgaFi/?igshid=1paq4n3y7pxiq

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willhurdstrings · 4 years

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Tomorrow’s Suzuki group class reading selection! “Bach’s Goldberg Variations” by Anna Harwell Celenza and illustrated by JoAnn E Kitchel #charlesbridgepublishing tells the not necessarily true, but fun and entertaining story behind one of classical music’s most famous keyboard works. It’s a tale of friendship, overcoming challenges and insomnia! Seen here with my Bach action figure from #unemployedphilosophersguild Bach’s music features prominently throughout most books of the #suzukimethodviolin so I thought my students would be interested in a personal and human story about a famous historical figure. #suzukigroup #booksforchildren #musichistory #jsbach #goldbergvariations #suzukitriangle #actionfigurecollector #keyboardmusic #baroquemusiclovers #classicalmusic #pianomusic #bwv988 #suzukiteacher #violinteacher #violinclass #musiceducation #booksaboutmusic #musicianslife #storytimeforkids #violinistsofinstagram #suzukimethod #metodosuzuki (at Washington D.C.) https://www.instagram.com/p/CHQRAQpASTX/?igshid=j613dzu4v637

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willhurdstrings · 4 years

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Lately my Suzuki violin students and I have been spending a few minutes during Sat morning group classes exploring music related children’s books. Tomorrow we’ll read the second installment of Ada’s Violin by Susan Hood. It’s an inspiring true story of how an impoverished community in Paraguay comes together around music to give their children hope for a better future. The full page illustrations by Sally Wern Comport are rich and colorful. This is an inspiring story for children and adults alike. More information about this amazing true story can be found on TED Talks and YouTube. #adasviolin #suzukigroup #suzukitriangle #booksforchildren #childrensbooks #childrensbookillustration #musicbooks #musicbooksforchildren #suzukiviolinteacher #suzukiteacher #violinteacher #violinteachers #recycledorchestra #landfillharmonic #musiceducation #musicsaveslives #musiceducationmatters #musiceducationforkids #practicesaveslives #youthsymphony #youthorchestra #violin #guitar #cello #beautifulmusic #musicsavesyourlife (at Washington D.C.) https://www.instagram.com/p/CGahjgUgVDR/?igshid=sgg9y480pc9o

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willhurdstrings · 4 years

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#twosetviolin #challengegame adapted for #suzukigroup class. I use #decidenow app to randomize the repertoire and challenges. This is the number 1 requested game in my #suzukiviolin group class! Parents can use decide now! To randomize and “game-ify” practice. Custom wheels can be created with lesson assignments. Many children respond positively to this kind of practice as it gives them a sense of control and choice over the practice. In this particular challenge I perform #happyfarmer by #robertschumann from #suzukibook1 using opposite bow direction. Of course this particular challenge would be appropriate for a child who had been playing this piece for a while and not as a new piece. #violinteacher #violinguy #challengeaccepted #twosetviolin #suzukitriangle #suzukiviolinmethod #suzukimethod #violintechnique #violinpedagogy #stringplayer #violinfun #practiceroom #musicforchildren #musiceducation #practicesaveslives #40hoursofpractice #schumann #makeadecision (at Washington D.C.) https://www.instagram.com/p/CFjw-3tAkRw/?igshid=1swbdvyjufcw3

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willhurdstrings · 4 years

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Looking forward to the first Suzuki zoom group class of the year! Here’s my simple setup. #violinteacher #suzukigroup #suzukiteacher #teachersofinstagram #teacherlifestyle #suzukimethod #violintechnique #musiceducation #musiceducationmatters #musiceducator #musiceducationforkids #suzukitriangle #violinclass #teachingathome #musicathome #violinlessonsforkids #practiceroom #practicediaries #suzukimethod #suzukiviolin #suzukiviolinteacher #ipad (at Washington D.C.) https://www.instagram.com/p/CFUQtFJAEBM/?igshid=1424k7gwwl9wt

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willhurdstrings · 4 years

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Looking forward to the first Suzuki group class of the new year! I refer to these bookstores great group class activities and games. Carolyn McCall’s book was written specifically with groups in mind. Many of the activities are zoom-able. While not ostensibly a “group class” book, “Sharpen Your Tools” has wonderful practice suggestions, many of which work well in group lessons. #suzukimethod #suzukigroup #suzukigroupclass #suzukitriangle #suzukiteacher #suzukiviolin #mothertongue #talenteducation #violinteacher #violinclass #violinist #musiceducation #musiceducationmatters #violinlessons #musicclass #musicclassesforkids #violinpractice #musicpractice #violintips #twinkletwinklelittlestar #lessonplanning #zoomlessons (at Washington D.C.) https://www.instagram.com/p/CFPt3R0A18Y/?igshid=ilcwbp3ean34

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willhurdstrings · 4 years

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Bow speed game for children of all ages! Young string players walk/run between two set points. Practice partner counts backwards from randomly chosen numbers between 1 and 10. Count at the same tempo each time. Young musicians adjust speed depending on the number. The goal is to arrive at the destination at the end of the count by traveling at an even speed. Children will learn to choose the appropriate speed at the beginning of the count. Beautiful tone, rhythm and phrasing on bowed instruments are only possible with an understanding of bow speed control. This is a fun way to introduce or review this concert with young players. This makes a fun group class activity! #stringteacher #musicteachersofinstagram #coolmusicteacher #orchestrateacher #suzukigroup #suzukiteacher #suzukimethod #suzukimethodviolin #violintechnique #violinpedagogy #stringpedagogy #musiceducation #practicefun #suzuki #suzukitriangle #homeschoolmusic #violinlessonsforkids #violinlesson #violin #violinist #stringplayer #stringsattached #strings #practicemakesprogress #musicwithkids (at Arlington, Virginia) https://www.instagram.com/p/CEbpkZZgNvD/?igshid=f1m46mbrzskk

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