Author: acousticlub

  • Arangement for each

    Arangement for each

    This orchestra is now entering its third year. With members of varying ages, careers, and individual growth rates, it’s challenging for everyone to perform the same things on the same stage. However, since it’s an ensemble, we’re experimenting with ways to achieve good results by arranging parts to suit each child, whether in melody or background performance.

    When trying to have them play violin, children who are pushed beyond their capabilities feel stressed, and I in turn feel anxious when not seeing progress. At such times, I want to remember that “the children are never at fault, no matter what happens.”

    I prepared simple accompaniment arrangements, avoiding standard musical notation in favor of simple symbols for them to memorize, and created patterns with simple repetitions. While I wanted them to try this approach, having them actually play would put too much pressure on them. So instead, I decided to first have them learn the piece and follow the score by having them count beats and measures while pointing along as they listen to the music. The aim is to then have them play along while looking at numbers and symbols.

    Young children enjoy feeling rhythm, so they became absorbed in counting. Watching them, it seems they’ve memorized the melody. Once they become more comfortable, I hope they’ll be able to hold their violins and play together.

    We will be performing at the Kitamae Community Center market on Sun., Feb. 16! Join us!

  • To a new event with a new style

    To a new event with a new style

    I’m delighted to hear that one of our members received an invitation to perform from the neighboring community association. It shows that we’re gradually building our reputation.

    As it happens, I’ll be away on a business trip that day. This is an unexpected opportunity! Usually, I help keep the rhythm with guitar and piano for them to play along with, but for this upcoming performance, that won’t be possible… In other words, the children will have to perform entirely on their own.

    When we tried a practice session, the tempo was indeed uneven, as expected. When I asked them “What do you think?”, they seemed aware of it themselves, and with each practice round, everyone’s focus started coming together!

    Even when resuming practice after breaks, I didn’t start them off – instead, I let the children take the lead. It seems that when children are entrusted with responsibility, their motivation increases. The older children were actively speaking up and trying to move things forward.

    When children gather to do something, if even one adult is present, activities tend to become adult-centered, and children tend to look to adults for leadership. However, to truly master music, being proactive is absolutely essential.

    Actually, there was a time before when I caught the flu right before a performance and had to withdraw. At that time, we hadn’t prepared for the children to perform on their own, so we had no choice. But this can be an opportunity for the group to grow into one where children take the leading role.

    It’s been almost two years since we established the Kitamae Orchestra, and I’m excited to see how we’ll evolve from here!

  • Can read music!

    Can read music!

    This article is based on thoughts gained from observing Japanese children, and children in countries with different living environments and learning content may show different tendencies.

    Children develop at different rates, and there are individual differences in how quickly they become proficient with musical instruments. The same applies to reading musical notes and converting them into instrumental performance.

    However, I’ve observed that on average, around the third grade of elementary school, or around 9 years old, children develop the ability to read musical notation and play instruments accordingly. They naturally acquire these skills as they develop, without the need for forced practice.

    Therefore, for preschool children and younger, we don’t make them read musical notes. Instead, we have them learn by listening and imitating, or by watching hand movements.

    After the Kitamae Festival ended, as we began moving toward the next step with new material, some children who previously relied on finger numbers suddenly started playing just by reading the notes. Sure enough, these were third-grade students.

    We emphasize letting them develop naturally without putting too much pressure on them, focusing on making the learning process as effortless as possible.

  • Performance at the local festival 2024

    Performance at the local festival 2024

    On October 13, 2024, we performed at the Kitamae Ward Citizen Festival in Chatan Town! This will be our third performance.

    After the performance, the neighborhood association chairman and many others compliment us, saying "The difficult pieces keep increasing with each performance!"

    We try to add at least one new piece every time. This time too, everyone worked hard to learn two new pieces in a short period. It seems quite rare to have children performing violin at local festivals, and people appear to enjoy it.

    In our ensemble's activities, we emphasize "making decisions together" and respecting the members' opinions as much as possible.
    So when adding new pieces, we always ask for their preferences. The first suggestion that came up was Pikmin's "Song of Seeds." Perhaps they feel familiar with its simple melody. After I gave them the sheet music, everyone practiced diligently.

    We also discuss costumes together each time, but for this festival, wearing yukatas has become a tradition. Though new members couldn't get ready in time, anyone can participate if they want to, even if they've just joined.

    After the performance, of course, we enjoy food around the venue! Since we receive food tickets from the neighborhood association as a reward, everyone enjoys the festival by eating meals, shaved ice, sweets, and more.

    Well, even if food is their motivation, I'm happy as long as everyone enjoys performing together.
    W
    e're already receiving offers for the next event performance! We're looking for new members to join us! Looking forward to your continued support!
  • Piano vs. Violin: Another Perspective on Instrument Choice

    Introduction

    As a piano tuner with over 20 years of experience, I have recently begun recommending the violin to children. While the piano undoubtedly remains an indispensable instrument in music education, I have come to believe that the violin may be more suitable for early childhood music education.

    In this article, I will compare the piano and violin from three perspectives to explain why I recommend the violin:

    1. Characteristics as instruments
    2. Musical aspects
    3. Historical background

    1. Characteristics as Instruments

    Size Diversity

    Violins come in seven different sizes, ranging from 1/16 to 4/4 (full size), allowing children to change instruments as they grow. In contrast, pianos generally come in only one size.

    Ease of Handling Range

    With a violin, one can play a two-octave scale within the span of a hand. On a piano, covering the same range requires moving across a distance equivalent to two adult hand spans.

    Sound Accuracy and Training

    While a piano produces accurate notes simply by pressing keys, a violin requires training to produce accurate sounds. Through this process, violinists tend to develop better ear training.

    Instrument Understanding

    Violinists often have more opportunities to maintain and adjust their instruments, leading to a deeper understanding of the instrument itself.

    2. Musical Aspects

    Ensemble Experience

    The violin offers more opportunities for ensemble playing, allowing musicians to gain experience playing with other instruments. This tends to cultivate the ability to listen to music as a whole.

    Expressive Diversity

    Violins offer expressive techniques not available on the piano, such as vibrato and gradual volume increases. Familiarity with these techniques can change how one listens to and understands music.

    Sheet Music Readability

    Violin sheet music typically uses a single staff, containing less information compared to piano sheet music with its two staves. This can be less overwhelming for beginners.

    3. Historical Background

    Shifting Perceptions of Instrument Value

    Historically, pianos were considered expensive instruments, while violins were more accessible to the general public. However, this perception has reversed since the post-war economic growth led to the widespread adoption of pianos.

    Changes in Music Education

    After World War II, music schools operated by instrument manufacturers became a catalyst for piano popularization. Subsequently, the introduction of electronic pianos made them even more accessible.

    Conclusion

    Considering the instrument characteristics, musical aspects, and historical background, the violin appears to be well-suited for early childhood music education. However, the piano remains essential for in-depth musical study. Starting with the violin may allow children to develop a deeper musical understanding before approaching the piano, potentially leading to a greater appreciation of the piano’s value.

    As an approach to music education, we might consider starting with the violin before progressing to the piano. This could enable children to develop a more multifaceted understanding and enjoyment of music.

    We hope that you will find this new perspective helpful when considering your child’s music education.

  • Music with Children and Parents

    Music with Children and Parents

    As the end of summer vacation approaches, we resumed our practice sessions at the community center after a two-week break.

    Although there were fewer participants due to some members being away visiting their hometowns or having conflicting schedules, we still played music together and practiced towards new goals.

    During break times, the children played tag and other games, while the parents, feeling a bit idle, would sometimes pick up a violin. Seeing this, we suggested, “Shall we prepare violins for adults? Would you like to try playing together?” As a result, seven of the parents among our current group of about a dozen children obtained adult-sized violins and are now playing along with us.

    Learning an instrument is not easy, so there’s no doubt that having parents and children working together, supporting each other and enjoying the process, is very encouraging for the children. It makes me happy to see violins of different sizes lined up, as shown in the photo.

    We have an event scheduled in October. We look forward to taking the next step forward while having fun.

  • The Benefits of the Violin that the Piano Doesn’t Have

    The Benefits of the Violin that the Piano Doesn’t Have

    Making Music Together

    The Kitamae Orchestra was started to help piano students experience a different way of engaging with music that they wouldn’t find with the piano. Surprisingly, many parents have shown interest in the violin, often asking, “What does playing the violin feel like?” As a result, we’ve been encouraging them, saying, “Why not try it together?” Slowly but surely, a few have responded with, “Is it really okay? 😃” as they try it for the first time.

    Watching others practice, they become curious, wondering, “What makes it challenging?” and feel the urge to try it themselves. Moving forward, we want to emphasize the slogan, “Let’s make music together as a family!” We also aim to develop a variety of methods so that adults can participate in the events we’ve been involved in so far.

    Play Anywhere

    I’d like to share a heartwarming story amidst everyone’s various approaches. One of the students, who had only recently joined the orchestra, tended to focus on simpler pieces rather than more difficult ones. But one day, they played a fairly challenging piece, and when I praised them, saying, “That’s amazing!!”, they explained that they had been practicing in the car while waiting for their sibling at their lesson!

    When I first started playing the violin, I realized, “I can bring this with me on business trips.” I was delighted to be able to play in my spare time at my accommodation, and now, I can’t imagine going on a trip without my violin.

    Having spent years playing only the piano, I started the violin out of a longing to be able to carry my own instrument around. Seeing others make full use of their violins gives me a sense of fulfillment as well.

    The Kitamae Orchestra is still in its early days, with lots of potential for growth.
    I hope that 2024 will be a year of even greater achievements!