FINGER PATTERNS
Improve left hand string playing with one question: "Where are the half steps?" These worksheets contain four primary finger patterns found in string playing paired with 16 bowing and articulation exercises. Great for beginners and intermediate students, a solid grasp of these finger patterns will help students navigate their instruments confidently in any key or position. An additional exercise called "The Spider" slowly works its way up the string, teaching students to leave fingers down and build their hand frame. Complete with proper fingerings for all instruments!
SHUFFLE BOWING & THE CHOP
How can we turn our melodic instruments into rhythmic accompanying instruments? How can we groove on string instruments? How can we add some interest when arranging for a string ensemble? "The Chop" is a short "chunk" like sound often seen and heard performed by contemporary string players. These worksheets break down each motion of the chop in a sixteenth-note grid. By mixing bowed notes with chops, we create a "compound chop." Use the grid concept to practice "shuffle bowing."