Double Bass Suzuki Method First lesson Introduction, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

 

🎻 iServalan Music School — Double Bass Lesson

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star — Suzuki Book 1

Hello double bass players! Today we’re starting Suzuki Book 1 with the classic “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.” We’ll focus on the first phrase, working pizzicato first and then bowing. This is perfect for beginners and a great refresh for intermediate players.

🎯 Lesson Goals

• Learn to support and balance the double bass comfortably, standing or sitting.
• Play the first phrase of Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star with pizzicato.
• Understand bowing basics and string crossings while keeping good posture.
• Develop awareness of left-hand preparation and smooth string transitions.

🎼 Setting Up

Your bass should almost balance by itself, resting the right-side ridge against your hip. Whether standing or sitting (on a tall stool is best), keep your feet comfortably apart. Your left hand should rest on the neck near the nut, with thumb and forefinger forming a relaxed “C” shape. Over time, you’ll develop muscle memory for note spacing.

🎵 Tuning & Open Strings

Tune carefully — apps are fine, but your ear is even better. Check open strings by playing them against the A major scale to make sure you’re in tune before placing fingers down. Correct tuning is crucial, as every fingered note depends on it.

🎸 Pizzicato Practice

Play through the first phrase using pizzicato. Use the pattern: open – 1 – 4 – 1 – open – 4 – 1 – open. Cross strings smoothly and always have your left hand ready for the next note before you pluck.

🎻 Bowing Technique

When bowing, keep your bow perpendicular to the string you’re on. Each time you cross to a different string, adjust the bow angle slightly — the base of the bow rises or lowers as you move across strings. Practice this in front of a mirror to check arm shape, bow angle, and posture. Start near the base of the fingerboard for a warmer tone, then experiment closer to the bridge for volume and brightness.

🪞 Practice Tips

• Always play near a mirror to check your arm, wrist, and bow angle.
• Prepare the next finger while playing the current note — always be one step ahead.
• Practice string crossings slowly until smooth, then add speed.
• If memorizing is difficult, focus on reading one bar ahead in your music.

🎬 Homework

• Play the first phrase with pizzicato five times slowly, focusing on hand preparation.
• Repeat the phrase with bowing, checking your posture in the mirror.
• Record yourself once and watch back — notice arm angles, bow straightness, and tone quality.

📌 Resources

All play-along tracks, PDFs, and videos are available in the member section of the Music School. Join here to get full access »

🎻 Suzuki Book 1 – Viola Lesson 1: Posture, Open Strings & First Exercise

https://iservalan.gumroad.com/l/musicschool

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🎻 Suzuki Book 1 – Viola Lesson 1: Posture, Open Strings & First Exercise

Hello musicians!
Welcome to our very first Suzuki Book 1 lesson for viola. Today we’re focusing on body positioning, open strings, and our very first A-string exercise.

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🧍‍♀️ Step 1: Finding Your Playing Stance

Let’s begin with posture:

• Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, toes slightly turned out.

• Soften your knees – no locking, no stiffness.

• Keep your back straight and shoulders relaxed.

Yes, you can sit to practice, but I recommend standing – it strengthens your core and helps you feel freer while playing.

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🎻 Step 2: Holding the Viola

Place the viola under your chin and support it gently with your left hand, cupping it between thumb and forefinger.

• Hold it near the body of the instrument.

• Move it slightly in small circles – get to know its weight and shape.

• You’re making friends with your instrument – let it feel like part of your personal space bubble.

Now, tuck your chin and try to hold the viola without your left hand – letting your chin, jaw, and shoulder do the work. This is the natural position you want whenever you play.

💡 Tip: Practice taking your hand away now and then. It reminds you that you don’t need a death grip – your head and shoulder are already doing much of the work.

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🏹 Step 3: Meet the Bow

Hold your bow vertically (tip to sky, frog to floor) and let your fingers slide gently along it. Feel the balance and flexibility.

FYI – I use a vegan bow with my electric viola. It works beautifully, but I use plenty of rosin since synthetic strings can be a little different.

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🎶 Step 4: Open Strings

Let’s play through the open strings:

• Start with your bow halfway along its length and drop it gently onto the C string.

• Pull – don’t push – and let the string ring.

• Notice the difference between forcing the sound and simply letting it sing.

Work your way across:
C → G → D → A

Notice the fingerboard’s curve – you’ll need to adjust your elbow height and bow angle to stay clean on one string without accidentally hitting another.

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📝 Step 5: First Exercise (A String Focus)

Open Suzuki Book 1 to the first exercise.
You’ll notice:

• Four short notes in quick succession (look for the two beams on the stems).

• Two slightly longer notes (single beam).

• Dots above each note – meaning play them detached.

We also see a down-bow mark – a little square bracket above the first note. This means start with a downward motion, from frog toward the tip.

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🎯 Step 6: Practice Pattern

Play slowly at first:

• Four short bows, then two slightly longer bows.

• Keep the bow perpendicular to the string, elbow in the correct place.

• Check your posture in a mirror – back straight, no leaning forward.

When you feel confident, speed it up a little – but always keep the sound smooth and controlled.

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✅ Homework

• Familiarize yourself with the four open strings.

• Practice holding the viola without your left hand.

• Play today’s exercise several times each day, slowly at first.

• Use a mirror to check elbow position and back alignment.

Remember – we’re building habits that will stay with you for life. Take it slow and get it right from the start.

See you tomorrow for the next step!

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