Stevens Point, Wisconsin: University of Wisconsin--Stevens Point Telecommunications for the American Suzuki Talent Education Center
Summary
This is a condensation of lectures and lessons recorded at the 1976 Summer Institute at the University of WI.--Stevens Point. Dr. Suzuki discusses two basic ways of changing strings. Beginners use the hand and forearm only. Advanced students pivot the fingers. One purpose of Books 1, 2, and 3 is to teach string changes. Pre-Twinklers and Twinklers are taught the E-string level of the bow first, followed by a quick, prepared movement to the A-string level. Until it becomes a habit, students are asked to pause before each string crossing. This procedure is applied in successive pieces which include the D and G strings. In this tape, Dr. Suzuki presents two basic ways of changing strings. Beginners learn to change the level of the bow with the hand and forearm only. Advanced players are taught to pivot the fingers of the bow hand, the fourth finger pushing down while changing to a higher string and relaxing while going to a lower one. To develop flexibility in this pivot motion, Suzuki suggests the no-tone arpeggio, a silent rocking of the bow across all four strings. The elbow is another important consideration in string changes, leading the hand while going to a higher string and following the hand while changing to a lower one. It should stay low to maintain a deep tone, especially for chords.