We enjoyed writing lyrics to our pieces, but what function do they have in a beginner string book?
· Saying the lyrics out loud together can help the student to grasp the rhythm of the notes.
· Singing the lyrics can help with pitching the notes and with musicality.
· The lyrics can help the student to keep their place in the music.
· We decided against using dynamics in the string parts, so as to avoid overloading the student with too much information. However, many of the lyrics tell a story or create an atmosphere, giving the teacher and student the opportunity to be creative in the sounds that they are making. For example, Buffalo country contains lyrics about the thundering hooves of a herd of buffalo and the dust settling after they have passed.
· Several of the pieces have lyrics that help the student to play the piece correctly. For instance, In the air has lyrics about lifting the bow and Retake reel specifies the part of the bow to be used (Down bow starts us off at the balance point…).
· Other lyrics are motivational, such as (in Rock with Spot): Rock with Spot, it’s such fun, every day, don’t miss one! You’ll soon find with practice, you can play. So keep on rockin’ and a-rollin’ all day long!
· Some of the lyrics are fun for kids, young and old! Saying woof, woof in Dotty Dog dance, or pretending to have eaten too many biscuits in Chocolate chip cookie.
Use the lyrics creatively and even encourage the student to make up their own words. Anything that adds to the quality of the experience of learning to play can only be a good thing. We hope that you enjoy the lyrics and that some of them may move you, make you think, inspire you, or make you laugh!