Instrument Exploration: Violin

ENGAGE students

ASK. “What do you know about the violin? What do you wonder about the violin?”

EXPLORE sounds

EXPLAIN. “The violin is the smallest member of the string family. Instruments in the string family make their sound when a string is plucked or pulled by a bow.”

WATCH. Watch violinist Huldah explain her instrument.

LISTEN. This piece of music is for violin and stomping foot! It is performed by a young violinist named Anais Feller.

REFLECT. “Tell a neighbor (or write down) three things you noticed about the piece, the performer, or the violin.”

EXTEND learning

Choose one or more of the following activities to extend learning.

CREATE. Make your own box violin! Learn about instrument construction and the violin by creating your own. Here’s a tutorial to help you.

WATCH. Listen to violinist Erika explain how she changes pitch on her instrument.

LEARN. Learn the difference between the Baroque violin and the modern violin.

LISTEN. Listen to Estonian Lullaby, performed by Anais Feller.