TIPS

Pedagogy
Scales
Organization

Pedagogy

All Instruments
"C natural / C#”
→ not high 2 & low 2Utilize the names of the pitches so students don’t become dependent on numbers (and 1st position)
Upper Strings
F-natural on the E string?
How about ext. 4th finger instead?
Shifting
Teach shifting to violin/viola via D/G 2 octave scale early.Early familiarity = more fluent in upper positions → shifting in music becomes more approachable.
Lower Strings
Bass Positions
Bass has three positions: ½, I, and thumb Everything else - “put your finger here” Rationale: Position work for bass doesn’t translate quickly to the other instruments as you can’t stay in a position for more than a whole step. Contributed by: Mindy Curtis
FMEA Bass Presentation - Teaching String Bassists In The Heterogeneous Classroom
What it is: View the slides from Mindy Curtis, Shelby Montgomery, and Lauren Pardee's session from the 2023 FMEA Conference

Scales

4th Finger/Closed Strings
(violin/viola): use open strings when ascending, 4th finger when descending Take it further: Encourage cello/bass to also “close” their open strings on the way down (play fingered note instead of open string)
Using scales to build skills:
  • Half notes or long tones for scales for tuning
  • Utilize Harmony Director or drone
  • Scales in 3rds
Contributed by: Mindy Curtis

Organization

Kanban Board
What it is: Visual tool to help you track tasks that need to be completedHow to implement: Create a physical board (as shown below) or a digital board with different columns to track items that need to be completed. Any columns can be created. Sample column suggestions:
  • To Do, In Progress, Done
  • Due Today, This Week, Long Term
White Board Calendar
How to Implement: Create a large calendar on your white board using washi tape and expo markersTake it further: Customize even more with accessories like bulletin board decor, wooden clips, and so on adhered to magnets.
Bass Rack Storage for 1/4 Size Basses
How to implement: If your quarter size basses are too short to reach the top of the rack, add pool noodles (cut in half and to length) to give them some extra height