Suzuki Book 1: 'Allegretto' – Play Along and Tutorial for Violin
Hi everyone! This is Joel Kennedy with Kennedy Violins, and today’s play-along video covers ‘Allegretto’ from Suzuki Book 1. This short but essential piece teaches foundational violin techniques, making it a great study for beginners. Follow along as I break down key points, and don’t forget to download the PDF guide to support your practice!
Playing ‘Allegretto’ – Key Points
1. Understanding the Time Signature
‘Allegretto’ is written in cut time (2/2), meaning there are two beats per measure, and the half note gets the beat. This is different from common time (4/4), so it’s important to feel the larger beat divisions while playing.
2. Bowing: Staccato and Accents
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Many of the notes in ‘Allegretto’ are staccato, meaning they should be played short and detached.
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Pay attention to accents placed on certain notes, especially in the opening phrases. Use a bit of extra index finger pressure to emphasize these accents for a crisp articulation.
3. Finger Placement and Matching Pitches
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The piece introduces fourth-finger usage instead of open strings. This helps develop finger strength and ear training.
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Ensure your fourth finger matches the pitch of the open string (e.g., fourth-finger A should sound like an open A string).
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Practice slowly to avoid flat fourth fingers, a common issue for beginners.
Step-by-Step Practice Guide
1. Playing with the Metronome
Start slow, around 45 BPM, and focus on precise bow strokes and articulation.
2. Staying in the Middle of the Bow
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Keep your bowing centered (not drifting toward the tip or frog).
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Ensure each note length is consistent, with equal bow distribution for quarter, eighth, and half notes.
3. Efficient String Crossings
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When switching to the G string, roll your first finger over smoothly instead of lifting and replacing it.
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This technique improves accuracy and efficiency in your playing.
Common Mistakes and Fixes
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Inconsistent Staccato – Stop your bow cleanly between notes to maintain precision.
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Drifting Bow Position – Keep bowing within the same section of the bow for control.
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Weak Fourth Finger – Strengthen it by comparing its pitch to the corresponding open string.
What’s Next?
At the end of each play-along, I select the next piece via the Dartboard of Destiny! This time, it landed on Hunter’s Chorus from Suzuki Book 2, so stay tuned for that tutorial!
Download the PDF Guide
To help reinforce today’s lesson, we’ve created a detailed PDF guide with exercises and bowing techniques for ‘Allegretto’. Click the link below to download!
Keep Practicing and Stay Tuned!
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