Teaching Points
Possums in the Roof
Pieces 1 – 5
- Introduce each open string
- 4/4 time signature
- Simple crotchet/minim/quaver rhythmic patterns
- String crossing
- Up-bow lifts for elbow follow-through
- Down-bow retakes
- Basic dynamic markings
Pieces 6 – 10
- Introduce 1st finger on each string
- Tremolo, crescendo and diminuendo markings
- Slower tempos for development of longer bows and tone production
Pieces 11 – 15
- Introduce 2nd and 3rd fingers (violin and viola) or 3rd and 4th fingers (cello) on upper 2 strings
- 1st finger string jumps
- 2-note up-bow continuous slurs
- 2-note stopped slurs (preparation for hook stroke)
- Dotted minims
- Quick down-bow re-takes
- Ascending and descending 1 – 2 3 (violin and viola) or 1 – 3 4 (cello) finger patterns
Pieces 16 – 20
- Introduce 2nd and 3rd fingers (violin and viola) or 3rd and 4th fingers (cello) on lower 2 strings
- 3/4 time signature
- Left-hand pizzicato
- 3-note continuous slurs
- Staccato and marcato bow strokes