This is the third installment of our SSM initiative to support those in the role of practice partner – at home practices and in group classes.

Welcome to everyone as you journey through the Twinkles!  These variations serve as a comprehensive and efficient learning tool to get you playing through the Suzuki repertoire with ease.

Foundational technique development includes:

Rhythm – the  six  key rhythmic patterns using the familiar Twinkle melody

Bowing – learning two fundamental bowing techniques- staccato and detaché

String crossing – working to achieve seamless, fluid string crossings

Fingering and intonation – proper left-hand posture and finger placement

These variations are a versatile warmup , preparing the students physical and mental muscles.  A diagnostic tool for the teacher, allowing quick diagnosis for where practice and refinement are needed.

By the completion of the Twinkle Variations, the student should have developed the following skills : the skills listed below are at a basic level of development and will serve you well as you progress through the Suzuki repertoire.

1. Rest Position

2. Stance, focus, endurance

3. How to take a bow

4. Sidedness: which hand holds the bow , which hand holds the violin

5. Bow hold

6. Posture

7. Twinkle rhythms

8. Basic E string posture

9. String names and pitches

10. Following directions

11. Finger numbers ( violin hand )

12. Listening skills, attention , habits, ability to take turns

13. Practice skills

14. Opposites : loud /soft high /low

15. Pan-da bow: ability to transfer arm weight into the string

16. String crossing , E and A string

17. Bowing posture – over the front left foot

18. Preparation of left hand fingers

19. Square of the bow arm

20. Violin hand finger patterns

21. Left hand shape

22. Soft left thumb and relation to  left hand fingers

23. Tonalization

24. Relaxed, natural weight of the bow arm

25. Quickness/ placement of fingers

26. Bow control /tip control

27. Stopped form bowing /mid bow

28. Coordination of bow and fingers

29. Kreisler Highway ( contact point of bow on string)

30. Heavy head holding violin

31. Bow held silently on string

32. Pizzicato

33. Care of instrument and bow

34. Memory Skills

35. Eager and positive attitude

36. Ability to sing Suzuki Volume 1 ( in tune )

The Twinkle Variations cover a large percentage of the technical issues for Book 1 . They are comprehensive skill building tools.

These skills are transferable to every level of the Suzuki repertoire .

By focusing on sound and rhythm, the variations help  students develop their listening skills and a strong  physical and aural connection to their instrument .

Do not underestimate the power of these twinkle variations for all future musical and technical progress .  These foundational elements lay the groundwork for continued success in your violin journey.  Take your time !

Congratulations on your work together on these essential points.

YOU ARE LEARNING SO MUCH TOGETHER !

With a twinkling spirit,