Why string instrument doesn't sound 'beautiful'?
Why string instrument doesn't sound 'beautiful'?
Hi parents with kids learning string instruments, appreciate your advice
My girl is learning abrsm grade 3 exam pieces right now. Her sight reading is quite good. For pieces that teacher never teach, she can self learn & play.
However, I noticed her playing is not that ideal. Does not sound 'beautiful' to me. Even for grade 2 pieces which she's familar with, somehow still doesn't sound 'beautiful'.
I'm not sure it's teacher's problem or her problem...
My girl is learning abrsm grade 3 exam pieces right now. Her sight reading is quite good. For pieces that teacher never teach, she can self learn & play.
However, I noticed her playing is not that ideal. Does not sound 'beautiful' to me. Even for grade 2 pieces which she's familar with, somehow still doesn't sound 'beautiful'.
I'm not sure it's teacher's problem or her problem...
Re: Why string instrument doesn't sound 'beautiful'?
For string instruments, the quality of the instrument and bow is extremely important. There is instrument which has richer tone and what I called as "more forgiving" (not too sensitive), so it is better for beginners compared with instument with distinctive tone and character which suits more matured player. You need to choose a suitable instrument for the player.
The technique of the player is also important, how the strength, speed of the bow is controlled and the finger at the exact placing to produce the right note.
For beginners, string instruments tend to be harder to master and sound produced may not be too ideal. With adequate practice over time, it will improve and you will find string instruments can be much more expressive.
Usually string instrument tend to play as a single fiddle (1st or 2nd fiddle) and it will sound better when accompanied by other instruments. When you hear the upper grade pieces played with accompanying piano, it can sound very good when they are in synch and in harmony.
The technique of the player is also important, how the strength, speed of the bow is controlled and the finger at the exact placing to produce the right note.
For beginners, string instruments tend to be harder to master and sound produced may not be too ideal. With adequate practice over time, it will improve and you will find string instruments can be much more expressive.
Usually string instrument tend to play as a single fiddle (1st or 2nd fiddle) and it will sound better when accompanied by other instruments. When you hear the upper grade pieces played with accompanying piano, it can sound very good when they are in synch and in harmony.
Re: Why string instrument doesn't sound 'beautiful'?
Don't know how to comment as I cannot imagine what you mean by "not beautiful".sleepy wrote:Hi parents with kids learning string instruments, appreciate your advice
My girl is learning abrsm grade 3 exam pieces right now. Her sight reading is quite good. For pieces that teacher never teach, she can self learn & play.
However, I noticed her playing is not that ideal. Does not sound 'beautiful' to me. Even for grade 2 pieces which she's familar with, somehow still doesn't sound 'beautiful'.
I'm not sure it's teacher's problem or her problem...
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Re: Why string instrument doesn't sound 'beautiful'?
Not 悦耳动听phankao wrote:Don't know how to comment as I cannot imagine what you mean by "not beautiful".
Re: Why string instrument doesn't sound 'beautiful'?
So I assume it's not technique, but the dynamics (loud/soft/slow/fast) not enough?sleepy wrote:Not 悦耳动听phankao wrote:Don't know how to comment as I cannot imagine what you mean by "not beautiful".
Re: Why string instrument doesn't sound 'beautiful'?
I think it's because for an instrument like piano, many notes can be played at the same time (esp. if you hit the sostenuto pedal), resulting in a richer, fuller tone. But for string instruments, there're only limited notes that can be played simultaneously.
As I'm typing this, I'm listening to Yiruma's 'Kiss the Rain.' To top it up, my neighbour who's a piano teacher is practising Scarlatti these few nights. So wonderful.
As I'm typing this, I'm listening to Yiruma's 'Kiss the Rain.' To top it up, my neighbour who's a piano teacher is practising Scarlatti these few nights. So wonderful.
Re: Why string instrument doesn't sound 'beautiful'?
I watched yo-yo-ma and some other cellists solo performance. Everyone played so beautifully, really soothing to the ears.
My dd is only playing 1/2 a page kind of relatively simple notes. Even if no where as good as the professionals, theoretically still shouldn't sound unpleasant, right?
She practises 3 to 4 times a week for 30 minutes each time. Not super hardworking but at least consistent practice. Her chords sound better than exam pieces though.
I really can't pin point what's the problem. Teacher doesn't know how to coach? But how to identify a good teacher?
Quite clueless when come to strings teacher. What are the attributes to look out for in a good strings teacher?
My dd is only playing 1/2 a page kind of relatively simple notes. Even if no where as good as the professionals, theoretically still shouldn't sound unpleasant, right?
She practises 3 to 4 times a week for 30 minutes each time. Not super hardworking but at least consistent practice. Her chords sound better than exam pieces though.
I really can't pin point what's the problem. Teacher doesn't know how to coach? But how to identify a good teacher?
Quite clueless when come to strings teacher. What are the attributes to look out for in a good strings teacher?
Re: Why string instrument doesn't sound 'beautiful'?
Is she using a half-size cello?sleepy wrote:I watched yo-yo-ma and some other cellists solo performance. Everyone played so beautifully, really soothing to the ears.
My dd is only playing 1/2 a page kind of relatively simple notes. Even if no where as good as the professionals, theoretically still shouldn't sound unpleasant, right?
She practises 3 to 4 times a week for 30 minutes each time. Not super hardworking but at least consistent practice. Her chords sound better than exam pieces though.
I really can't pin point what's the problem. Teacher doesn't know how to coach? But how to identify a good teacher?
Quite clueless when come to strings teacher. What are the attributes to look out for in a good strings teacher?
Re: Why string instrument doesn't sound 'beautiful'?
3/4 sizephankao wrote:Is she using a half-size cello?