The Bow

This chapter discusses how beginning bow balance exercises allow the mastery of the three fundamental bowings: martelé, détaché, and legato. Other related bowings that serve as an extension of these three fundamental bowings are provided as well. Preparation of the bow, the students’ path to earning their bows by demonstrating proper physical alignment and instrument posture, and games and beginning rote pieces that build strong bilateral playing motion are explained. Several activities are explored on how to develop pitch accuracy with the bow. In addition, the chapter discusses common bowing errors and offers solutions: how to maintain rhythmic precision, create a rich tone quality, and keep right-hand fingers loose and flexible.