I want to share something that my Eastman buddy, Aaron Yarmel, has created.
Many violinists begin their music lives with the gift of a toy violin, or cardboard box violin. In most cases, those objects serve a very limited purpose. They don't feel like real violins. They don't look at all like real violins. And in most cases, the thought that you might be able to teach effective basic bowing technique on a box violin is laughable.
Aaron has been collaborating with experienced engineers and business people to produce a first violin that serves as a low-stress testing ground for basic "pre-twinkle" technique.
Aaron has communicated to me that there are several markets that might be interested in this training instrument:
Many violinists begin their music lives with the gift of a toy violin, or cardboard box violin. In most cases, those objects serve a very limited purpose. They don't feel like real violins. They don't look at all like real violins. And in most cases, the thought that you might be able to teach effective basic bowing technique on a box violin is laughable.
Aaron has been collaborating with experienced engineers and business people to produce a first violin that serves as a low-stress testing ground for basic "pre-twinkle" technique.
Aaron has communicated to me that there are several markets that might be interested in this training instrument:
"For absolute beginners, the Show-Bow can be used in place of the cardboard box violins that we often find in violin classes for young children (e.g., Suzuki Pre-Twinkle Classes). Unlike cardboard boxes, the Show-Bow teaches students to draw a straight bow and hold a real violin from the very beginning. I have heard from teachers who teach in public schools, community music schools, and private studios who are looking forward to using the Show-Bow in this way.
One nice thing about the Show-Bow is that it is useful even after students graduate to a real violin. It is helpful for students who need to work on changing between string levels and drawing straight bow strokes. The Show-Bow is a simplified model of a violin that allows students to isolate just these right-hand issues without being distracted by the left hand. I have recently uploaded pictures and videos that demonstrate this use on my website, and I am thrilled to be able to share them.
One of my colleagues is involved in a music education program where it is not feasible to send violins home with students. This presents a problem, since students need to practice their instruments if they are going to improve. When I showed him a Show-Bow, he was thrilled; it is an inexpensive model of a violin that can easily be transported in a student's backpack and practiced silently. In short, it solves a major difficulty for him and his students."
-Aaron Yarmel
One nice thing about the Show-Bow is that it is useful even after students graduate to a real violin. It is helpful for students who need to work on changing between string levels and drawing straight bow strokes. The Show-Bow is a simplified model of a violin that allows students to isolate just these right-hand issues without being distracted by the left hand. I have recently uploaded pictures and videos that demonstrate this use on my website, and I am thrilled to be able to share them.
One of my colleagues is involved in a music education program where it is not feasible to send violins home with students. This presents a problem, since students need to practice their instruments if they are going to improve. When I showed him a Show-Bow, he was thrilled; it is an inexpensive model of a violin that can easily be transported in a student's backpack and practiced silently. In short, it solves a major difficulty for him and his students."
-Aaron Yarmel
At least in San Antonio, TX, many of my students are late-starters. They've started in the 5th or 6th grade, usually without a private teacher carefully developing their individual progress until the 7th or 8th grade. Without exception, there are deeply ingrained misconceptions and anxieties about tension, posture, and bow holds. I can definitely see that the availability of a full-sized Show Bow could aid in the serious reprogramming some of those students must go through.
"Can I buy one?" You might be thinking. Soon, Aaron will be taking preorders for the show bow. In the meantime, be sure to check out http://www.theshowbow.com for more info.
Join the Show Bow Facebook group.
https://www.facebook.com/theshowbow
"Can I buy one?" You might be thinking. Soon, Aaron will be taking preorders for the show bow. In the meantime, be sure to check out http://www.theshowbow.com for more info.
Join the Show Bow Facebook group.
https://www.facebook.com/theshowbow
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