“There’s too many things to remember!” Kids often whinge when they’re learning violin. I think that there’s really two major points that fix a lot of elementary violin problems:

• A “mouse-hole” (a circle of space between the thumb and first finger of the left hand) ensures the left hand is in the right position and is relaxed enough for the fingers to fall in a natural way.
• Making sure the pinky is bent in the bow hold; it should sit on top of the flat part of the bow. This enables the bow to be straight, for there to be smooth changes and greater relaxation and control .

This week I’ve asked all the kids to memorise a little ditty I invented. I am going to be completely annoying and recite it to them every time they pick up the violin to play. Because for good habits to be installed a system check is in order!

Here’s the poem:

Violin up

Swing your elbow

Place your fingers

So they’re ready to go

Check your mouse-hole

Park your bow

Tap your pinky

And you’re ready to go!