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Materials

Selecting an Instrument

 

One of the great things about the bowed string instruments and the harp is that they are available in fractional sizes to fit any person. This allows students to start playing a string instrument at a young age! Perfect to begin in String Project!

 

The instruments available to learn in the Texas Tech University String Project are:

 

Violin

The violin is the smallest and highest sounding instrument in the string family.

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Videos featuring violin artists:

Hilary Hahn: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpnIrE7_1YA

Joshua Bell: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laGT9IB2bFo

Sarah Chang: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpS_u5RvMpM

Itzhak Perlman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTE08SS8fNk

Kelly Hall-Tompkins: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7zWJ4E4fIE 

 

Viola

The viola looks and plays like a violin, but is slightly larger with a warmer, deeper, and a more mellow tone.

 

Videos featuring viola artists:

Kim Kashkashian: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f812BcDblsA

Yuri Bashmet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlMQsGVpTqM

Lawrence Power: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3ngHLgnvc8

Nobuko Imai: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcvZTaRWOeI

Roberto Diaz: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhsOS5xGqPw&t=329s 

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Cello

The cello is played sitting down. It has a wide range with a tone that most resembles a human voice.

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Videos featuring cello artists:

Yo Yo Ma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qrKjywjo7Q

Alisa Weilerstein: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4e89e_QhNs

Jacqueline Du Pre: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUgdbqt2ON0

Mstislav Rostropovich: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ml14kGHCBg0

Amit Peled: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ff1vU6J0hA 

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Double Bass

The double bass is the largest of the stringed instruments and is either played from a standing or a sitting position on a stool. The double bass is the lowest sounding instrument in the string family.

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Videos featuring double bass artists:

Francois Rabbath: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWzG-pVuZK0

Gary Karr: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMFPUkCcuA0

Edgar Meyer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-3VwW9SMA4

Diana Gannett: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyTsWBM1TX0

Hal Robinson & Joseph Conyers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uW-c5W6Zm9o&t=250s 

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Harp

The harp is a stringed musical instrument that has a number of individual strings running at an angle to its soundboard; the strings are plucked with the fingers.

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Videos featuring harp artists:

Yolando Kondonassis (Classical Harp): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYiygUWxiY0

Kim Robertson (Celtic Harp): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuwSd4m1u6I

Lara Somogyi (Electric Harp): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8GKkJUfFY4

Elizaveta Buchueva (Harp with Orchestra): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUrvEOeNp1I

 

Strings in many different types of music

Videos featuring string instruments in performing popular/alternative/eclectic styles:

Black Violin (violin/viola duet): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEIVzWCRSg8

Lindsey Stirling (violin): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHjpOzsQ9YI

Mark Wood (violin): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igIWNc8dYUI

2Cellos (cello duet): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mx0xCI1jaUM

The Piano Guys (piano/cello/vocals): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZjFMj7OHTw

Turtle Island String Quartet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fhd0YVDttaQ

Vitamin String Quartet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shDoW0cDlDk

Dallas String Quartet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QPrRXMF6x4

Mariachi Divas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6H37VYtM_g

Jean-Luc Ponty (electric violin): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pxzjZMwj40

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Learn more about violin, viola, cello, and double bass by watching this video: https://youtu.be/JShnG6aZ-7U

 

Learn more about harp by watching this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qe96TWxerhc

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Where to Get Needed Materials to Participate in the TTUSP

 

Lubbock and West Texas String Instrument Vendors

 

George Robinson Violins, Inc.

3602 Slide Road, No. B-11

Lubbock, Texas 79414

(800) 851-5778 (toll free)

(806) 792-9752

Rental Information: http://www.robinsonviolins.com/index.php?id=6

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Tarpley Music

3737 50th Street

Lubbock Texas 79413

(800) 600-5833 (toll free)

(806) 600-5833

http://www.tarpleymusic.com/

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Music & Arts (formerly Jent's House of Music)

10901 S. University Ave.

Lubbock, Texas 79423

(806) 795-5579

http://www.jents.com/

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Kruno's Violin Shop

8271 SW 81st Ave.

Amarillo, Texas 79119

(806) 206-2089

Rental Information: http://www.krunoviolins.com/rentals/rentals.html

 

PLEASE DO NOT PURCHASE AN INSTRUMENT FROM AN ONLINE AUCTION SITE, CRAIGSLIST, A DEPARTMENT STORE, ETC. WITHOUT CONSULTING US.

Poor quality instruments frustrate students and negatively impact a student’s progress.

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A limited number of double basses are available from the TTU String Project. Please contact Dr. Williams for more information.

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Additionally, a limited number of instruments are available from the TTU String Project based on need. Please contact Dr. Williams for more information.

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Other Materials Needed to Learn Your NEW INSTRUMENT!

Required class materials include:

  • Appropriately-sized instrument (including bow)

  • Rosin

  • Cloth

  • Shoulder rest (violin/viola)

  • Rock Stop or Chair Strap (cello/bass)

  • Folding Music Stand

  • Pencil (several!)

  • Essential Elements for Strings, Book 1 and/or TTUSP Binder

 

Methods Book

ALL TTUSP students:

Essential Elements for Strings, Book 1 (Allen, Gillespie, Hayes)

**SEE IMAGE IN RIGHT COLUMN**

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Practice Expectations

All students should practice daily for at least 15-30 minutes. Students will have class assignments and expectations. Consistent practice and listening is important for the student’s success.

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Behavior

Students are expected to:

 

--Demonstrate respect for teachers and other students

Students will use respectful language with both their teachers and classmates, and will behave in such a manner that neither puts them or their property in danger or disrupts from their learning and teaching.

 

--Be prepared

Students will practice their music for lessons and classes so that they and their ensembles can make progress. Students will complete assignments made by teachers, will bring proper equipment and materials, and will have such assignments, equipment, and materials ready for the beginning of the class or lesson. Students will not bring inappropriate materials, equipment, toys, etc. to class.

 

--Demonstrate respect for the TTU School of Music and Texas Tech University

These institutions are our sponsors and hosts. Students will talk and behave in a manner that does not damage or interfere with the people, property, or facilities of the TTU School of Music. This includes being quiet and orderly in the halls at all times and not jumping off the walls onto the sidewalks at the outdoor entrance to the building.

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Expectations

 

1. Attendance: Students must be present at ALL scheduled classes, lessons, and performances.

 

2. Absences: If it is necessary for a student to miss a class, lesson, or performance, the parents should telephone or email the director (class or performance) or individual teacher (lesson) before the scheduled time. If a teacher cancels a private lesson, he/she is required to notify the parent in advance and to make up the lesson at a mutually convenient time. Teachers are not required to make up a private lesson that a student misses. If a teacher should miss a private lesson without having informed the student, the director should be notified immediately.

 

3. Valid Excuses: The only valid excuses for absences are: 1) illness, 2) a death in the immediate family, or 3) a school conflict. In order for the student to continue to make progress with their class, there is a limit of two unexcused absences per semester.  

 

4. Promptness: Students are expected to be prompt at all scheduled classes and lessons. Teachers will also be vigilant about the time and release students promptly.

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5. Concert Attendance: Periodically, students will present what they have been learning in their classes during an Informance Concert! During the Informance Concerts, Teachers and Students will share about the skills that they have been working on and perform pieces that they have practiced. Typically, there will be an Informance Concert at the end of each semester.

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Additionally, there may be other performance opportunities that the students will be asked to participate in. Annually, the Texas Tech University Symphony Orchestra presents a Halloween family concert that features the TTUSP students performing a haunted story complete with sound effects and pieces. Students dress up in costumes and then are treated to FRONT ROW seats for the USO performance that features many of their teachers!

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Students are expected to participate in all performances as learning to perform on their instrument is an important skill.

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Other Policies

 

Check-In

Each class day, students will check-in at the String Project desk in the front lobby of the School of Music before going to their individual classes. Here, a TTUSP staff member will mark the student as present, distribute any notifications to the student to take home, and have the student retrieve their TTUSP name tag. 

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PRIZES MAY BE AWARDED AT THE END OF THE SEMESTER FOR STUDENTS WITH PERFECT ATTENDANCE!

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Dress Code

Classes: Attire for classes and lessons should be in compliance with each student’s school dress code.

Concerts: Specific attire requirements will be given for each type of event.

 

Parent Volunteers

Parent assistance in this program is vital. We will have several opportunities and time increments for you to help us continue to make this a quality program. Please indicate on your student’s semester registration form if you would like to be contacted to volunteer when cases arise. Thank you for considering!

 

Parking

Visitor parking is available in the parking lot directly in front of the School of Music. There are PARK AND PAY machines located in the lot. The charge for these spaces is $1.50/hour. The machines accept bills, coins, and credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, Discover, and American Express).

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You can also opt to register your vehicle with TTU Parking Services through the link sent out at the beginning of each semester by the Director. TTU Parking Services works with the TTUSP to offer a discounted rate.

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You may drop your student off at the front entrance of the School of Music. TTUSP staff will be at the check-in table just inside the door.

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You are ALWAYS welcome to attend classes to observe your students! Just make sure you have paid for your parking! :)

 

T-shirts and other products

Official TTU String Project T-shirts will be made available annually. Original purchases will be made in the Fall semester. At that time, other Official attire will be available for purchase as well.

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Contact Information

The Student Registration Form includes family contact information. This information may be more important than you realize. TTU String Project updates including but not limited to weekly announcements, cancellations, reminders, Informance and other concert information, and private lesson scheduling are sent to this e-mail address. Receiving this information could save you time and frustration. If you are not receiving e-mail notices, please let us know by e-mailing the String Project (music.stringproject@ttu.edu) or the Director (blair.williams@ttu.edu). Any inquiries via e-mail will be answered by staff members as quickly as possible.

 

Please check your e-mail, the TTU String Project website (http://musicstringproject.wixsite.com/texastech), and the TTU String Project Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TTUStringProject) weekly for updates.

 

Photo Consent

Parents will complete the photo consent as part of the Student Registration Form each semester to keep on file with the TTUSP. It is a part of the online registration form.

 

Questions

Address all questions to the Director, Dr. Blair Williams. (blair.williams@ttu.edu)

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Parental Involvement

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CONGRATULATIONS!!

Your decision to provide your child with a quality education in music is an investment in your child’s future. In making it possible for your child to play a musical instrument, you are providing the opportunity for self-expression, creativity and achievement. Numerous research studies indicate that parental attitude, support and involvement are important factors in a child’s ability to successfully learn to play and enjoy music. Like any skill, interest counts far more than talent. With strong support from you, playing music will become a natural part of your child’s life.

 

1. BENEFITS

For the student, music participation enhances: Problem solving, Goal-Setting, Physical Coordination, Self-confidence and esteem, Poise, Teamwork, Self-expression, Memory skills, Concentration, and much more!

 

For the family, music participation offers opportunities for shared family experiences, including: musical event attendance, family music making, performing for, and with, family and friends, learning about the lives of composers and the cultural heritage of many civilizations, a sense of accomplishment and pride for the entire family.

 

2. HOW YOU FIT IN

Always keep in mind that your support is an essential element in your child’s success with music study.

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Schedule Practice Times: Achievement in music requires effort over a period of time. The time in string project class rehearsal is limited. New concepts learned at school need daily personal practice time by your child at home in order for these new skills to be developed. You can help your child by:

  • Providing a quiet place in which to practice

  • Remaining nearby during practice times as often as possible

  • Scheduling a consistent daily time for practice

  • Praising your child’s efforts and achievements.

 

3. TO MAINTAIN YOUR CHILD’S INTEREST

  • Talk with your child if his or her interest begins to decline

  • Increase your enthusiasm and involvement in your child’s playing

 

4. WHAT TO DO

To give your child the best possible support, you should:

  • Remind your child to bring instrument, accessories, and music to string project class

  • When you can, come observe and support your student in class

  • Encourage your child to play for family and friends

  • Offer compliments and encouragement regularly

  • Expose your child to a wide variety of music, including concerts and recitals

  • Encourage your child to talk with you about classes

  • Make sure your child’s instrument is always well maintained

  • Listen to your child practice, and acknowledge improvement

  • Help your child build a personal music library

  • Make certain that your child is on time for all school rehearsals and performances

  • Encourage your child to make a commitment to his or her music studies

  • If at all possible, obtain private lessons with a qualified instructor

  • Get to know your child’s teacher

 

5. WHAT TO AVOID

  • Using practice as a punishment

  • Insisting your child play for others when he/she doesn’t want to

  • Ridiculing or making fun of mistakes or less-than-perfect playing

 

Should you ever have questions about your child’s progress, please do not hesitate to discuss your concerns with his or her teacher.

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