• Stretch and Release
• New Midi file for elephant song

Stretch and Release
because you need it now; because you will need it all your life

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by Karen Zethmayr

We emphasize stretch and release in the beginning, because when everything is new, it's easy to get cramped and uncomfortable. Stretch and release will be just as important, however, in Book Six and beyond as it is now. Violin and viola players must hold the instrument with head and shoulders, the very places where tension can build up and give us serious problems at any age.

As you hang in there with your child, take advantage of the stretch and release times during each practice session to enjoy letting go of your own muscle cramps, reveling with your child over each tiny stepping stone crossed. Your joy will transfer, and the rhythm of the practice session will be more user friendly.

When I first started using Suzuki's approach I was so impressed with the importance of position (hands, feet, head, shoulders, what doesn't have to be just so?) that it took me a long time to realize that movement is even more important. Position is a point through which you move, and movement needs freedom and flow.

Even when we're working on fussy little smallmotor issues like left hand finger flexibility, doing these games away from the instrument is an opportunity to let go of those neck muscles. Nothing like big arm circles as a transition both to and from the violin. I have added a midi file of One Little Elephant Went Out to Play, since some folks pointed out that it's not familiar to everyone. Thanks for the reminder.

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If you would like to receive notification as new Suzuki resources are added to this site, you can send an email to grandma@grandmaskite.com. Your email will not be sold, shared, traded, or used for any other purpose than that which you requested. As it turns out, I have been adding a topic in a parent letter about once a month for my own Suzuki families.

Other Suzuki resources on Grandma's Kite:

Pencil exercises, set one for bow hold
Pencil exercises, set two for bow hold
One Little Elephant (left finger strength and flexibility)
Four Little Elephants Jumping on a Web (left finger naming, strength and flexibility)
Left hand number card "pick up" game
"Home built" violins and ways to use them in group sessions
Reading readiness game "Who Ran Away?"
Reading readiness game "Rhythm Flash "
"Reading Readiness in Music"

Supplementary Music and Midis

Twinkle Rag – a twinkle variation with a new twist on half of the rhythm in Variations A and D. Same four sixteenth notes in a ragtime setting

Daisy Daisy uses a three four twist on "Mississippi without the hot dog." The whole accompaniment is open D and G. The song and bass line can be played as a violin / 'cello duet or on the piano.

For more information on the Monroe Street Fine Arts Center Suzuki program, see Monroe Street Fine Arts Center, http://www.msfac.org/ or email grandma@grandmaskite.com.

For more information on Middleton School of Performing Arts, see http://msopa.net or email grandma@grandmaskite.com.

 

 

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Suzuki is
Hands On
Education

•Parent Letter Topics
Bow hold:
•Pencil exercises I
•Pencil exercises II
Left hand strength and flexibility:
•1 Little Elephant
•4 Little Elephants Jumping on a Web
• Smallmotor "pick up" game
Position in Motion:
•"Home built" violins with activities
Reading readiness:
"Who Ran Away?"
"Twinkle Rhythm Flash Cards"
Supplementary Music and Midis
Twinkle Rag
Daisy Daisy
Daisy sheet music

Email Karen Zethmayr grandma@grandmaskite.com • Teaching Resume • Design Resume