Instructions
Welcome, musician! This worksheet is designed to help you connect the technical skills you're learning from The Violin Method for Beginners with the creative and motivational ideas from Kindling the Spark and Think Like an Artist. Take your time to think deeply about each question. There are no wrong answers for the reflective questions, only your unique perspective as a developing artist.
Part 1: The Performer's Toolkit
An artist knows their tools inside and out. Based on what you've learned, describe the main job of each of the following parts of your violin and bow.
1. Bridge:
2. F-Holes:
3. Frog (of the bow):
4. In music, what does the dynamic marking f (forte) tell you to do?
Part 2: Kindling the Spark
Every great musician needs a "spark"—the motivation and passion that keeps them going. Let's think about yours.
1. Think about a time you felt stuck or frustrated during practice. What is one small thing you did (or could have done) to find your motivation again and get through the challenge?
2. Dr. Haroutounian writes about the importance of being an active and engaged learner. What is one question you have about the music you are currently playing? It could be about the composer, the history of the piece, or why a certain part is difficult.
Part 3: Think Like an Artist
An artist tells a story, not just plays notes. Imagine you are playing this simple musical phrase:
D - E - F# - E - D
(Each note is a quarter note, played in a steady rhythm.)
1. The "Sunshine" Version: How would you play this phrase to make it sound happy and bright? Describe the kind of bow stroke you would use (bow speed, weight, placement on the string).
2. The "Moonlight" Version: Now, how would you play the exact same notes to make them sound mysterious and quiet? Describe how your bow stroke would change.
3. What is one image or short story that comes to mind for your "Moonlight" version of the phrase?
Part 4: Your Musical Blueprint
Let's create a plan for one piece you are working on right now. Combine your skills as a technician, your motivation as a fire-keeper, and your vision as an artist.
Name of the piece you are working on:
The Technician's Goal (from The Violin Method): What is one specific, technical spot in this piece you want to improve? (e.g., "play the F# in tune in measure 8," "use a smooth bow change between the two slurred notes.")
The Fire-Keeper's Strategy (from Kindling the Spark): How will you keep yourself motivated while working on that tricky spot? (e.g., "I will try playing it as a fun rhythm," "I will reward myself after I play it correctly five times in a row.")
The Artist's Vision (from Think Like an Artist): What overall feeling, mood, or story do you want to communicate when you play the entire piece?
Answer Key
Part 1: The Performer's Toolkit
- Bridge: It holds the strings up off the fingerboard and transfers their vibrations to the body of the violin to create sound.
- F-Holes: They allow the sound and vibrations from inside the violin's body to come out.
- Frog (of the bow): It's the part of the bow you hold. It holds the end of the bow hair and helps you control the bow's tension and movement.
- f (forte): It tells you to play loudly and with strong energy.
Part 2: Kindling the Spark
(Answers will vary. The goal is personal reflection.)
Example Answer for #1: "When I was frustrated with a fast passage, I slowed it down so much it sounded like a new song. This made it feel less stressful and I was able to focus."
Example Answer for #2: "My piece is called 'Minuet.' I want to know what a minuet is and why so many composers wrote them."
Part 3: Think Like an Artist
(Answers will vary. The goal is to encourage creative musical thought. Below are some examples.)
- The "Sunshine" Version: "I would use a fast, light bow stroke, maybe closer to the fingerboard. The bow would bounce a little to make it sound energetic and joyful."
- The "Moonlight" Version: "I would use a very slow, smooth, and gentle bow stroke, probably playing softly near the bridge (sul ponticello) or fingerboard (sul tasto) to get a more glassy, quiet sound. I would use very little bow pressure."
- Image/Story for "Moonlight" Version: "It sounds like someone tiptoeing through a sleeping castle at night, trying not to wake anyone up."
Part 4: Your Musical Blueprint
(Answers will vary based on the student's current repertoire and personal goals. The goal is to create a holistic plan for practicing a piece.)
Example Answers:
- Piece: Hunter's Chorus
- Technician's Goal: "To play the two-note slurs in the second line with a smooth bow, without a bump in the sound."
- Fire-Keeper's Strategy: "I will practice just the slurs five times perfectly each day. I'll imagine I'm painting a long, smooth line with my bow."
- Artist's Vision: "I want the piece to sound exciting and energetic, like a group of friends riding horses through a forest on a bright morning."