Hi everyone! Joel Kennedy here from Kennedy Violins. This week’s play-along video features Bourrée from Suzuki Book 2, a great piece packed with essential violin techniques that will prepare you for more advanced playing. In this blog post, I’ll break down some key elements of this piece, focusing on finger patterns, accidentals, and bow control to help you play it more effectively.

 

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Understanding the Basics

Before diving into the piece, let's establish a few fundamentals:

• Time Signature: Bourrée is in common time (4/4), meaning four beats per measure, with the quarter note getting one beat.

• Key Signature: We’re in G Major, which means one sharp—F#.

Finger Patterns and Accidentals

One of the biggest lessons in this piece is mastering the difference between high and low second fingers. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• G String: High 2 (B natural)

• D String: High 2 (F#)

• A String: Low 2 (C natural)

• E String: Low 2 (G natural)

However, Suzuki throws in some accidentals, meaning the standard finger placements change in certain measures. A great example is in the third line, second-to-last measure, where we encounter a run with high second fingers. Pay close attention here because the first time the C# appears, it’s marked, but the second time it isn’t—yet it still applies throughout the measure!

Another tricky spot is the high third finger (D#) in the fourth line’s last measure. Instead of your usual third finger placement, you’ll need to raise it a half-step so that it touches the fourth finger. A helpful practice tip: when you put down your fourth finger, keep the third finger down to reinforce correct hand positioning.

Bow Distribution & Dynamics

Bow control is crucial in Bourrée. A common mistake is playing randomly across the bow without intention. Here are some general rules:

• Middle of the bow: Most of the piece is best played here.

• Lower half: Use this for louder (forte) passages.

• Upper half: Best for quieter (piano) sections.

One great dynamic exercise is in the last line, where you start pianissimo (very quiet) and gradually crescendo to forte (loud). Focus on smooth bow control to achieve a natural and controlled build-up.

Staccato vs. Legato

Suzuki often includes staccato notes (short and separated), but in Bourrée, there’s an interesting variation—slurred notes with legato markings. This means that instead of stopping the bow entirely between notes, you should give them a slight push to create a connected but articulated sound. Practicing this technique will refine your control over articulation and expression.

Final Practice Tips

1. Slow It Down – Play difficult passages slowly, ensuring accurate finger placement, especially for the high second and third fingers.

2. Use the Metronome – Practicing at a steady tempo (I used 115 BPM in the video) helps solidify rhythm and timing.

3. Keep Fingers Down – Keeping fingers placed when possible (like holding second finger down while playing fourth) builds muscle memory and intonation accuracy.

4. Be Intentional with Your Bowing – Choose where to play in the bow and be consistent in your execution.