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Stacia Spencer
Join us as we explore the fundamental principles and early stages of teaching violin and viola through a series of engaging video lectures and lesson demonstrations, including: 1) Master classes with some of the world’s top string pedagogues, 2) Individual lesson demos of teaching violin/viola set up, left and right hand technique and pieces from the early violin/viola repertoire, 3) Group lesson demos of teaching music theory, ear training and fun activities that encourage good playing habits, and 4) A “field trip” to the violin shop, where we will outfit a new beginning student with a proper instrument and bow. You’ll also engage in a series of discussions and reflections with colleagues and peers across the globe. Upon completion of this course, we hope you’ll return to your studio with confidence, a new curriculum, and a renewed approach to sharing with your students the joyful experience of making beautiful music.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/ezaydj/teaching
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What's inside
Syllabus
Beginning Stages
Welcome to Teaching the Violin and Viola: Creating a Healthy Foundation! We will begin by covering leading philosophies and pedagogical theories about teaching children the violin and viola. The beginning stages will cover the child’s setup, posture and first left hand techniques.
Read more
Syllabus
Beginning Stages
Welcome to Teaching the Violin and Viola: Creating a Healthy Foundation! We will begin by covering leading philosophies and pedagogical theories about teaching children the violin and viola. The beginning stages will cover the child’s setup, posture and first left hand techniques.
Read more
Bow Arm and Hand
To introduce the use of the right hand, we start by creating a “pinky house” for the child’s bow. We delve further into the violin setup and positioning through various creative exercises.
Putting It All Together
Now we get to put it all together by slowly incorporating the different movements of the right and left hand through four different pieces.
Pieces in the Key of A Major
After good setup and posture have been established, we start teaching the fundamentals through elementary pieces in the key of A Major. We also get to learn our first scale!
Playing with the Whole Bow
To transition to using the full bow, we introduce the “adult “ bow hold and a series of exercises to extend the bow stroke. Pieces include Long, Long Ago, O Come, Little Children, and Butterfly, Flutterby.
Pieces in the Key of D Major
We can now introduce the key of D Major. Students learn the D major scale along with pieces such as Bach Musette and Hushabye Lullaby.
Pieces in the Key of G Major
When we progress to the G Major scale and arpeggio, we start adding etudes and more advanced technical concepts. Pieces covered include Minuet and Happy Farmer.
Note Reading, Vibrato, and the Group Class
To teach note reading, we will cover the best-practice teaching techniques for note reading and vibrato. We will also explore group teaching, group games, and group dynamics.
Favorite Exercises for the Older Student
Now that our students are getting more advanced, we can begin to cover our favorite exercises for the older student. Exercises include "Poof Bow" and the "Invisible Violin."
The Master Class
In our final segment, we will learn from top pedagogues Mimi Zweig and Roland and Almita Vamos in a master class setting.
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Introduces students to foundational violin and viola teaching techniques, preparing them to become effective educators
Provides a comprehensive curriculum for teaching violin and viola, covering various techniques and repertoire
Guided by experienced instructor Stacia Spencer, a respected figure in the field of string pedagogy
Offers practical demonstrations and hands-on exercises to enhance teaching skills
Engages participants in discussions and reflections to foster a collaborative learning experience
Includes a field trip to a violin shop for a practical understanding of instrument selection
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Reviews summary
Highly-rated course for teaching violin and viola
Learners say that this well received course offers engaging approaches to teaching violin and viola. Knowledgeable professors share valuable techniques and insights for creating a healthy foundation for students. The course is highly recommended for both new and experienced teachers who wish to improve their craft.
Course content is well organized and engaging.
"This was a fantastic course."
"The Teaches is really clear, focused and assertive."
"I found really amazing the explanations of the main teacher and also the masterclass at the very end of the course."
Professors are knowledgeable and professional.
"Excellent course, with highly professional professors."
"I learned a lot. Thank you!"
"This course has helped me so much with teaching my students better."
Course provides practical techniques for teaching.
"Very helpful approaches to teach children and older students, thank you!"
"I highly recommand this course! I finished my masters 4 years ago and im teaching for almost 10 years and this course helped me discover some new techniques and approaches to violin teaching."
Some technical issues with submission sharing and peer grading.
"Sometimes the submission-shareable links do not work."
"Also, sometimes peers give a bad grade without explanation."
Course lacks sufficient content focused on viola.
"Would have been nice with more viola."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Teaching the Violin and Viola: Creating a Healthy Foundation with these
activities:
Review the basics of music theory
Show steps
This will help you strengthen your foundational knowledge and improve your understanding of the material covered in this course.
Browse courses on
Music Theory
Show steps
-
Review your notes from previous music theory courses or lessons.
-
Take practice tests or quizzes to assess your understanding.
-
Watch online videos or tutorials on music theory basics.
Review a book
Show steps
This text will provide you with foundational knowledge on playing strings that will help you as you start your journey in this course.
View
The Twelve Lesson Course in a New Approach to...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read a chapter or two to familiarize yourself with the general principles and ideas presented in the text
-
Make notes and highlight sections that you find particularly helpful or relevant
Read a book
Show steps
This book is an invaluable resource for string teachers at all levels, providing practical tips, lesson plans, and activities.
Show steps
-
Read through a chapter of the book to gain an overview of the author's approach to teaching strings.
-
Select a lesson plan or activity from the book to use in your own teaching.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Start a practice journal
Show steps
This will help you track your progress, identify areas for improvement, and stay motivated.
Browse courses on
Violin
Show steps
-
Get a notebook or journal specifically for your violin practice.
-
Write down your practice goals for each session.
-
Record your practice time, what you worked on, and any challenges or successes you encountered.
Connect with a peer and practice together
Show steps
Learning with a peer can help improve motivation and accountability.
Browse courses on
Violin
Show steps
-
Find a friend or classmate who is also learning violin.
-
Schedule regular practice sessions where you can play together and provide feedback.
-
Take turns teaching each other new techniques or pieces.
Record yourself playing and share with the class
Show steps
This will allow you and your classmates to share progress and get feedback for improvement.
Show steps
-
Record yourself playing a piece or exercise.
-
Upload the recording to a platform like YouTube or Vimeo.
-
Share the link with your classmates and ask for feedback.
Contribute to an open source music project
Show steps
This is a great way to get involved in the music community and learn from others.
Browse courses on
Music
Show steps
-
Find an open source music project that you are interested in.
-
Join the project's community and start contributing.
-
Share your knowledge and skills with others.
Review the basics of music theory
Show steps
This will help you strengthen your foundational knowledge and improve your understanding of the material covered in this course.
Browse courses on
Music Theory
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review your notes from previous music theory courses or lessons.
- Take practice tests or quizzes to assess your understanding.
- Watch online videos or tutorials on music theory basics.
Review a book
Show steps
This text will provide you with foundational knowledge on playing strings that will help you as you start your journey in this course.
View
The Twelve Lesson Course in a New Approach to...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read a chapter or two to familiarize yourself with the general principles and ideas presented in the text
- Make notes and highlight sections that you find particularly helpful or relevant
Read a book
Show steps
This book is an invaluable resource for string teachers at all levels, providing practical tips, lesson plans, and activities.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read through a chapter of the book to gain an overview of the author's approach to teaching strings.
- Select a lesson plan or activity from the book to use in your own teaching.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Start a practice journal
Show steps
This will help you track your progress, identify areas for improvement, and stay motivated.
Browse courses on
Violin
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Get a notebook or journal specifically for your violin practice.
- Write down your practice goals for each session.
- Record your practice time, what you worked on, and any challenges or successes you encountered.
Connect with a peer and practice together
Show steps
Learning with a peer can help improve motivation and accountability.
Browse courses on
Violin
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a friend or classmate who is also learning violin.
- Schedule regular practice sessions where you can play together and provide feedback.
- Take turns teaching each other new techniques or pieces.
Record yourself playing and share with the class
Show steps
This will allow you and your classmates to share progress and get feedback for improvement.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Record yourself playing a piece or exercise.
- Upload the recording to a platform like YouTube or Vimeo.
- Share the link with your classmates and ask for feedback.
Contribute to an open source music project
Show steps
This is a great way to get involved in the music community and learn from others.
Browse courses on
Music
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find an open source music project that you are interested in.
- Join the project's community and start contributing.
- Share your knowledge and skills with others.
Career center
Learners who complete Teaching the Violin and Viola: Creating a Healthy Foundation will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Private Music Instructor
Private Music Instructor
A Private Music Instructor teaches music lessons to individuals or small groups. This course may be useful to you if you want to focus on teaching violin and viola privately, as it provides detailed lessons and demonstrations for teaching these instruments.
Viola Player
Viola Player
A Viola Player plays the viola professionally. This course may be useful to you if you want to develop your viola skills or learn more about the instrument, as it provides detailed lessons and demonstrations by experienced viola players.
Music Teacher
Music Teacher
A Music Teacher teaches techniques to aspiring musicians who wish to learn how to play a musical instrument or sing. This course may be useful to you if you are interested in teaching violin and viola, as it provides a foundation in the pedagogical approaches and techniques used to teach these instruments.
Music Professor
Music Professor
A Music Professor teaches music-related courses at a college or university. If you want to teach violin and viola at an academic institution, this course may be useful to you as it offers foundational knowledge in pedagogical approaches, techniques, and philosophies for teaching these instruments.
Violinist
Violinist
A Violinist plays the violin professionally. This course may be useful to you if you want to develop your violin skills or learn more about the instrument, as it provides detailed lessons and demonstrations by experienced violinists.
School Music Teacher
School Music Teacher
A School Music Teacher teaches music-related subjects in a school setting. If you want to teach violin and viola at a primary or secondary school, this course may be useful to you as it offers a comprehensive overview of teaching methods and techniques for these instruments.
Musician
Musician
A Musician plays a musical instrument or sings as a profession. This course may be helpful to you if you are interested in using your violin or viola skills in a professional setting, as it provides insights into teaching techniques and philosophies that you can apply to your own practice.
Music Director
Music Director
A Music Director leads, conducts, and oversees musical groups such as orchestras, bands, and choirs. While this course focuses on teaching violin and viola, it may be useful to you if you are interested in leading string ensembles or orchestras.
Orchestra Director
Orchestra Director
An Orchestra Director leads, conducts, and oversees an orchestra. If you are interested in leading an orchestra that includes string instruments, taking this course may be helpful because it provides insight into the techniques and philosophies used to teach violin and viola.
Music Critic
Music Critic
A Music Critic reviews and evaluates musical performances, recordings, and compositions. This course may be useful to you if you are interested in developing your critical listening skills and learning about the techniques used to teach violin and viola.
Instrument Maker
Instrument Maker
An Instrument Maker crafts and repairs musical instruments. This course may be useful to you if you are interested in learning more about the construction and maintenance of string instruments such as the violin and viola.
Music Arranger
Music Arranger
A Music Arranger adapts and modifies existing musical pieces for different instruments or ensembles. This course may be useful to you if you want to learn about the techniques and principles of arranging music for string instruments.
Music Composer
Music Composer
A Music Composer creates original musical pieces. While this course focuses on teaching violin and viola, it may be useful to you if you are interested in composing music for string instruments.
Music Therapist
Music Therapist
A Music Therapist uses music to improve the physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being of individuals. While this course focuses on teaching violin and viola, it may be useful to you if you are interested in using music therapy to help people with disabilities or injuries.
Acoustical Engineer
Acoustical Engineer
An Acoustical Engineer designs and builds systems and structures to control sound. This course may be useful to you if you are interested in the acoustics of musical instruments, such as the violin and viola.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/ezaydj/teaching
Reading list
We've selected 24 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Teaching the Violin and Viola: Creating a Healthy Foundation.
Save
Comprehensive guide to cello playing. It covers everything from basic technique to advanced repertoire. It valuable resource for both students and teachers.
Comprehensive guide to teaching stringed instruments. It covers everything from lesson planning to classroom management. It valuable resource for both new and experienced teachers.
This classic text by Carl Flesch comprehensive guide to violin playing, covering everything from basic technique to advanced performance practices. It valuable resource for both students and teachers alike.
Save
Collection of the world's most famous violin masterpieces and provides a wealth of information on the composers, the pieces, and the performances. It is an essential resource for any student or teacher of the violin.
Classic guide to violin playing that covers everything from basic technique to advanced musicianship, and provides a comprehensive overview of violin playing and is appropriate for violinists of all levels.
By Ivan Galamian collection of exercises, scales, and etudes designed to help students develop their violin technique. It valuable resource for students of all levels.
A pedagogical guide that provides valuable insights into the principles of violin playing and teaching.
Practical guide to the art of violin fingering and provides a wealth of information on the different fingering systems, the different ways to finger scales and arpeggios, and the different ways to finger chords. It is an essential resource for any student or teacher of the violin.
Comprehensive history of the violin and provides a wealth of information on the development of the violin from its origins to the present day. It is an essential resource for any student or teacher of the violin.
Save
Comprehensive guide to the business of music and provides invaluable advice on topics such as choosing a career path, marketing yourself, and negotiating contracts. It is essential reading for any musician who wants to succeed in the music industry.
Save
Guide to playing in an orchestra. It covers everything from auditioning to rehearsing and performing. It valuable resource for both students and teachers.
Save
By David Dalton comprehensive guide to the viola, covering everything from its history to its playing techniques. It valuable resource for both students and teachers alike.
Save
Classic treatise on violin playing. A reference guide for study and practice.
Popular teaching method for young violinists, and provides a collection of short pieces for young violinists, ordered progressively, and is intended to be used as part of the Suzuki method of violin instruction.
A collection of interviews with renowned violinists that offers valuable insights into their techniques, philosophies, and musical journeys.
Save
Guide to playing chamber music. It covers everything from choosing the right repertoire to rehearsing and performing. It valuable resource for both students and teachers.
Popular method for teaching violin to young children. It uses a step-by-step approach that emphasizes listening and imitation. It good choice for parents and teachers who want to start their children on the violin.
Save
Collection of fiddle tunes from around the world. It good choice for students who want to learn to play fiddle music.
Collection of fiddle tunes from around the world. It good choice for students who want to learn to play fiddle music.
Save
Focuses specifically on viola technique and artistry, providing insights into the unique challenges and opportunities of the instrument.
Save
A comprehensive guide to the performance of chamber music, covering repertoire, rehearsal techniques, and historical context.
Explores the mental and emotional aspects of music performance, providing strategies for overcoming performance anxiety and developing a positive mindset.
Examines the social and cultural significance of the violin throughout history, from its origins to its role in modern society.
Provides a comprehensive guide to teaching music strings, covering topics such as lesson planning, group instruction, and assessment.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/ezaydj/teaching
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Effort
6 hours of videos, quizzes and peer assessments
Via
Coursera
Institution
Northwestern University
Instructor
Stacia Spencer
Language
English
Transcripts
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中文
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Good to know
Introduces students to foundational violin and viola teaching techniques, preparing them to become effective educators
Provides a comprehensive curriculum for teaching violin and viola, covering various techniques and repertoire
Guided by experienced instructor Stacia Spencer, a respected figure in the field of string pedagogy
Offers practical demonstrations and hands-on exercises to enhance teaching skills
Engages participants in discussions and reflections to foster a collaborative learning experience
Includes a field trip to a violin shop for a practical understanding of instrument selection
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