Suzuki Book 1 - Musette (Violin Tutorial)
Understanding the Basics of “Musette”
“Musette” is written in cut time (2/2), which means there are two beats in a measure, and the half note gets the beat instead of the quarter note. This shift in timing can feel a little different at first, but practicing with a metronome will help you adjust to the rhythm.
Key Signature: D Major (two sharps: F# and C#)
- High second finger on the A string (for C#)
- Low second finger on the E string (for G natural)
This finger placement is crucial to keeping the piece in tune, so make sure your second finger is either touching your first finger or your third finger — never in between.
What Suzuki Is Teaching with This Piece
Every piece in the Suzuki method is designed to teach a new skill. In “Musette,” Suzuki introduces mixed bowing patterns with string crossings:
✅ Two notes slurred, two notes separate
✅ Continuous eighth notes
✅ Four notes slurred in one bow
This mix of slurs and separate bowing helps you develop control over your bowing hand and improve your ability to switch strings smoothly.
Tips for Practicing “Musette”
1. Start Without the Slurs
If the mixed bowing patterns are tripping you up, start by playing the piece without any slurs. This will help you focus on finger placement and intonation before adding complexity.
Example:
- Play each note separately until you feel comfortable
- Once the notes are clean, add the slurs back in gradually
2. Isolate Tricky Passages
Some of the hardest sections are the continuous eighth-note slurs. Break them down into smaller chunks and practice them slowly:
- Start with separate bows
- Gradually increase the tempo
- Once you have the notes down, add the slurs back in
3. Pay Attention to Dynamics
“Musette” includes a range of dynamics, from mezzo-forte to piano and forte. Stay in the middle of the bow to maintain control and even tone.
- Mezzo-forte at the beginning
- Sudden shift to forte in the second line — increase bow pressure
- Diminuendo at the end — lighten the bow to create a fading effect
Navigating the Repeats
“Musette” has two repeat signs:
- First repeat – End of the first line → Return to the beginning
- Second repeat – End of the piece → Go back to the first measure of the second line
Final Advice
If you struggle with slurs or string crossings, simplify the piece first. Remove the slurs, master the notes and rhythm, then add the slurs back in. This layered approach will help you stay in control and play more confidently.
