Breaking down a piece of music to improve coordination, especially for a string instrument like the violin, is a valuable practice.

It’s particularly helpful to do this when learning a new piece of music, to avoid becoming overwhelmed by all the different pieces of information that you need to process simultaneously.

Here's a more detailed breakdown of the steps:

Step One: Master Individual Elements

1. Rhythms: Start by clapping the rhythms of the piece to internalize the timing and feel of the music. Sing or say the rhythms out loud as you clap (e.g. “long” or “short”; “quick” or “slow”)
2. Bowings: Practise the bow directions in the air (‘air bow’), but without the violin. Imagine you're holding the violin bow, then simulate the bowing motions whilst singing or saying the direction of the bow (“up” or “down”)
3. Fingers: Visualise the left hand finger placements whilst singing or saying the finger numbers (“0, 1, 2, 3, 4”). You can bring the left hand into playing position in front of you, then use the back of your right hand in place of the fingerboard, to mimic the finger placements.
4. Notes: Sing or say the notes to familiarize yourself with the pitch and melody.

Step Two: Combining Skills

1. Sing Rhythms while Simulating Bowing:

Combine clapping the rhythms with simulating bowing motions. This helps you connect the timing of your bow strokes to the music.

2. Sing Fingers while Simulating Bowing:

Simulate both finger movements and bowing at the same time, connecting the left and right hand coordination.

Step Three: Incorporating the Violin

1. Sing Rhythms while Playing with the Violin:

Sing or say the rhythms as you play!

2. Sing Bowings while Playing with the Violin:

Verbalise the bowings as you play!

3. Sing Fingers while Playing with the Violin:

Sing or say the finger numbers as you play!

4. Sing Notes while Playing with the Violin:

Sing or say the notes as you play!

Step Four: Increasing the Tempo

At each step, use a metronome to identify the fastest tempo at which you can CONSISTENTLY complete the task - in time, in tune and (when you are playing the violin) with a good sound.

Once each task is secure, you can incrementally increase the speed until you reach the tempo you wish to use for performance.

**

By following these steps, you’ll improve your coordination, making it easier to play the piece on the violin.

Remember that practice and repetition are key to mastering any musical piece!