Violins made of rubbish!
It is really easy to forget how lucky we are to be able to play on a beautiful, wooden violin. Some children have no way of getting hold of a real instrument, but they love to play music so much they have made their own instruments out of rubbish!
How a violin is made!
Did you know that Dr Suzuki once worked in a violin factory? This article has lots of information about finding the right tree to make a violin. It made me realise how much work goes in to making a violin and remember to take care of mine.
Clapping music
Check out this clapping music - you don't need an instrument to play music!
Why not clap along with your own rhythm that fits in?
If you listen really carefully you can hear different tones in the clapping that make a tune.
Instruments of the orchestra
Here is a game to help you learn all of the instruments that play in a symphony orchestra and how they work. You get to go on safari too! It is quite a long game so you might want to create a login before you start so you can come back to it later.
This is another great site with lots of clips of every instrument. Make sure you look at the violins!
Music Inc
A friend of mine called Sarah is setting up an inspriational project in Chicago. She teaches Suzuki violin in deprived neighbourhoods. The philosophy of Suzuki is that every child has amazing potential and it's really exciting to see a project take shape that is so committed to this principle.
Concerts for children
The St Albans Symphony Orchestra usually holds a concert for children in November. It is a great child friendly opportunity for a close up experience with a real orchestra. Watch their website for details!
I recently spoke to Ruth from Mish Mash Music. Her classes sound great fun for young children. Maybe they could work for younger brothers or sisters keen to start violin but not quite old enough yet!
Your teacher when she was a student
Look what we used to get up to in my Suzuki group when I was a student! I still have my Blue Peter badge somewhere!