Hi, everyone! Joel Kennedy here from Kennedy Violins. In this week’s Suzuki playalong, we’re taking a deep dive into Etude, a deceptively simple piece that builds some incredibly important violin skills—if you know what to look for.

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At first glance, Etude seems straightforward: it’s in G major (one sharp—F♯) and common time (4/4). The finger patterns are familiar, and the notes are within reach. But like most of the Suzuki repertoire, this piece is carefully designed to sneak in advanced techniques under the radar.

Here’s what Etude is really teaching you—and how to get the most out of practicing it.

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🎯 Skill #1: Mastering the Staccato Stroke

Staccato—short, separated notes—is the star of Etude. Playing good staccato isn’t about luck or guesswork. It requires intentional bow control.

Here’s how to practice it:

• Use the middle of the bow, not too close to the frog or the tip.

• Use consistent bow lengths for each note.

• Most importantly: stop your bow cleanly after each stroke.

Start slow. Think: stop… stop… stop… until your hand knows how to control the motion. Once you’re confident, gradually speed it up—but always stay in control. A metronome helps a lot with this!

Want to go further? Try playing Etude staccato in all three bow regions:

• Middle of the bow (default)

• At the frog (watch that bent pinky!)

• At the tip (keep things light and balanced)

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🎯 Skill #2: Keeping Fingers Down

One of the best habits you can build early on is keeping fingers down when you can. This keeps your left hand efficient and helps you prepare for double stops and shifting in future pieces.

In Etude, you’ll notice fingerings like “1—1—1” with lines indicating to keep the first finger down. Even when you’re playing third finger, don’t lift the first! It trains your hand to feel like a unit rather than isolated digits.

This also builds finger memory, which makes playing in tune and at faster tempos much easier later on.

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🎯 Skill #3: Using the Fourth Finger

Ah yes, the often-neglected fourth finger. Suzuki gives you a great opportunity here to start strengthening it.

In the third line, you’ll see notes that you can play as either open strings or with the fourth finger. Don’t skip the fingered version! Your fourth finger is weak because you don’t use it. So use it.

Tip: Keep your second finger down when playing that fourth finger note. This teaches your hand to stretch properly and helps build the reach you’ll need in more advanced music.

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Bonus Practice Tips 💡

Here are a few creative ways to practice Etude:

• Play it legato (smooth and connected) to contrast with staccato. This builds bow fluidity.

• Switch between legato and staccato for more dynamic control.

• Focus on bow placement—middle, frog, tip—to improve versatility and balance.

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Final Thoughts

Etude might seem like just another beginner piece, but it’s packed with long-term value. It’s an opportunity to refine your bow control, build finger independence, and strengthen your fourth finger—all while playing something manageable and fun.

If you practice Etude with intention, you’ll come out a much stronger player than someone who just “gets the notes right.” So take your time, follow the small suggestions, and enjoy the process. Your future self will thank you!

Happy practicing,