Broadening musical horizons for young people learning the violin by introducing them to different genres (Blues, Pop, Contemporary, Folk, Jazz)
After a two day Summer School last July for violinists at grade 5 or above, supported by Yamaha, East Sussex Music Service have started a weekly electric violin course. The course is aimed at teenagers from Y7-Y12 and its aims are as follows:
To broaden musical horizons for young people learning the violin by introducing them to different genres (Blues, Pop, Contemporary, Folk, Jazz)
2. To introduce young violinists to improvisation and composition techniques in modern music (understanding jazz chord symbols, looping, using effects such as reverb and delay)
An added aim not made clear to the players themselves is to increase motivation to continue playing and at what can be a difficult time in their school careers with pressure from outside sources. I suppose it also shows them that playing the violin does not need to stop them being in a band with their friends or playing jazz (socialising through music is a big motivator for teenagers). Unbeknownst to many, the violin was actually one of the first jazz instruments and there are many players today.
We have found that some of the least technically able students have really come into their own when improvising. This helps their confidence hugely.
Learning to improvise can also help students to perform written classical pieces as they gain an understanding of what was inside the writing (phrasing, harmony etc) and how effects are achieved. It can also help them to focus on the sound they are making and the musical sense of the piece, rather than becoming frustrated with technical barriers. This in turn releases them technically! A good performance of any piece should sound as if it has been improvised.
The course is growing week on week and we have our first concert scheduled in March. For the future, we are planning another summer school this year, with loan of instruments and also an artist from Yamaha. Eventually, I would like the players to be able to team up with guitarists and drummers to form bands. Perhaps next year?
Alex Dalton ~ East Sussex Music Service
