Happy Holiday!

As we get closer and closer to our Holiday vacation, I wanted to reach out with our December newsletter. I am still working to confirm what we will be doing on those extra Saturdays, but I hope to be able to meet with the students during that time. I will send more information out as I know it.

Practice

I understand the Holidays are time to get away and take a break from school. While I would love to say that this opens up the opportunity for your children to practice for hours, I realize that the break is a respite from school work so even just getting their instruments out a few times over the break will help them retain what we have been working on. (They should be working on #41 in their book which is Jingle Bells, perhaps have them give you a concert?)

Non-Required (but highly encouraged materials)

Bow Buddy! This little trinket comes in around 32.95. I recommend this to all of my beginner private students. It is a great way to help students learn how to use a proper bow hold. Proper bow holds are important especially when we get into more bowing techniques.

Collimator. This thing is super helpful to train muscle memory in where to play on the strings. They can typically be found from $12-35. This are specific for each instrument size, so make sure you know the proper size instrument your student is using.

Shoulder Rest- There are a variety of different shoulder rests that you could choose from. While everyone should have at least a shoulder sponge (unless you play cello or bass). Shoulder rests are important for a number of reasons:

1. It helps to improve left-hand technique by taking weight off of the shoulder and wrist.

2. Reduced tension in neck, which can also help to prevent injury and fatigue.

3. Extra support of the instrument. Less likely to be dropped.

Shoulder sponges are a good alternative, but they are not the most optimal shoulder rest, they are mostly there for comfort.

Recommended Shoulder Rests: (make sure you find the one that is the correct size for the instrument)

1.  Fiddlerman for violin: $14.29

2. Fansjoy Viola: $16.99

3. Bon Musica Violin: $85

4. Bon Musica Viola: $85

5. Kun: $30