A sample lesson plan with background notes, lesson tips and hyperlinks to teaching tools
4. Big Top
Lesson Tips:
Big Top is played at a lively tempo on 3 open strings. Aim to develop clean string crossings on the alternating bows (“see-saws”).
Quavers are introduced in this piece. Encourage good tone by playing the paired quavers with a firm double-bow stroke (“rabbit” bows).
Big Top is written in ternary form with a call & response structure in the middle section. There is also a repeat sign at the end.
This piece is built on the following 3 rhythm patterns:
Teaching Tools:
- Preview the 3 rhythm patterns in Flash Cards (Scores & eBooks)
- Develop bow action in Preparation:
- Ex 1: See-Saws (slow): stop the bow and cross neatly during the rest
- Ex 2: See-Saws (quick): cross the string quickly without stopping the bow
- Ex 3: “Rabbit” bows: firm double-bow stroke on a single string
- Ex 4: Early in the Morning: quick string crossing & “rabbit” bows
- Ex 5: “Rabbit” Echoes: rhythm swapping
- Work on details in “real” time with the pdf Full Score (Scores & eBooks)
- Play the whole piece from beginning to end with audio backing in Read & Play in Learning, Practice or Concert tempo
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