Welcome to your virtual Class Notes Residency with the Mill City String Quartet!
The Mill City String Quartet was founded in 2007. Based in Minnesota, the quartet has played all over the country and gives concerts in a wide variety of settings.
Instead of visiting your school in person, each member of the quartet has created a series of tutorials to help you improve on your instrument and develop your technique. They will even play your part on some of the pieces you have been assigned so you can practice along with them.
1. INTRODUCTION
Meet Erika, one of the violinists in the Mill City String Quartet. She will tell you a little bit about herself and then play a piece for you.
2. TONE
Erika will give you three easy ideas for getting a beautiful tone on your violin. Have your instrument ready so you can play along. Also get out your music for An English Folksong, since Erika will help you with making a beautiful tone while playing that piece.
3. MORE TONE, THIS TIME WHILE PLAYING SLURS
Erika will talk more about tone, and especially tone while playing slurs. Have your instrument and your music for An English Folksong ready.
4. BOW TECHNIQUE AND PHRASING
For this one, of course you will need your bow! And your instrument, and your scale sheet. Erika will show you how good bow technique helps with dynamics. Finally, she will talk a little about phrasing too.Have your music for An English Folksong ready for that part.
5. LEFT HAND
Erika will talk about the importance of the shape of your left hand. Get ready to try making a great left hand shape. Have your learning concepts sheet for An English Folksong ready, too.
6. PLAY THROUGH!
Erika will play the first violin part and the second violin part of An English Folksong. Get your instrument and get ready to play along.
Hear the Mill City String Quartet perform together below:
LISTEN Mendelssohn's 4 Pieces for String Quartet - Capriccio
Have a question or suggestion? Contact Katie Condon, music education specialist.
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