Shawn Boucke
  • Weddings/Events
    • Information
    • Event Testimonials
    • Music Options
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Media >
      • Audio/Video
      • Studio/Event Music
      • Gallery
  • Music Lessons
    • About
    • Online Lessons
    • Student Testimonials
    • Online Payment
    • New Student Form
    • MyMusicStaff
  • Guides
    • Buyers guide
    • String Guide
    • References >
      • Care/Maintenance
      • Definitions
      • Fingering Charts
      • Music Dice
      • Note & Rest Values
      • Parts
      • Posture/Bow Hold
    • Music Theory >
      • Circle of Fifths
      • Harmonics
      • Major vs. Minor
    • Misinformation >
      • Bow Lift Marks
      • Scratching Rosin
      • Intonation
  • Downloads
    • Sheet Music
    • Scales/Etudes
    • Charts/Dice
    • Staff Paper
  • Contact

Blog

Festival Letter, Bach Suite, and TSO

1/28/2014

0 Comments

 
After many emails I can now say that the classical music on this site is usable for Solo & Ensemble and there is a letter you may download which will show that you have the right to use the music for free.

To celebrate I have uploaded my arrangement the entire first Bach Suite (BWV 1007) to the site.  I have focused a lot on the  Anna Magdalena Bach manuscript.  I plan to do the other suites in the future.


Finally, I have gotten word that I am now on the list for musicians that are contacted when groups like the Trans-Siberian Orchestra are in town.
0 Comments

Solo & Ensemble Ready

1/27/2014

0 Comments

 
I have gotten confirmation that the music from my site can be used for Solo & Ensemble.  There are a couple things that must be done first.  The most important one is that I write a letter stating that the student has the write to perform the music.  For now I ask any student to contact me directly.  In the future I plan to have a letter available on the download page.  I am editing the music to say "For Solo Instrument" so there is no confusion.
0 Comments

Stop saying breath marks are bow lifts

1/24/2014

2 Comments

 
There comes a time with every student where I must inform them that they have been taught the incorrect meaning of a breath mark.  Beginning orchestra music as well as books like Essential Elements have only perpetuated the misinformation.  Some people may argue that it can be both, but once you reach a more advanced level breath marks are never bow lifts (or I have yet to encounter one in my almost 20 years as a musician).  

A comma written above the staff in band or choir music indicates a breath.  If you were a trumpet player you would see that marking and know that it is a time you can stop the note short to breathe.  This is also the case in the string world, but it has become common practice to say that it means "bow lift."  We need to stop saying this since it only creates confusion later in the students life.  Yes string players can breathe whenever they please a breath mark is more of a style marking to add a breath of space between two notes.

As a violinist you can usually tell if the bow should be reset even without a breath mark written.
Picture
example a
Picture
example b
Picture
example c
Picture
example d
In the first three examples (a, b, and c) there are rests between the notes which give you time to reset your bow.  In the fourth example (d) there are no rests but it would only make sense to lift and reset the bow for each note.

Picture
example e
Picture
example f
Picture
example g
In the first example (e) of this line you can see how a breath mark is utilized for a bow lift purpose.  What we need to realize is that the down bow marking is what tells us to lift the bow.  The breath mark just gives us a "breath" of time to lift the bow.  This can be very confusing for students when they encounter exempts f  and g if they have been taught that a breath mark IS a bow lift.  Both of those examples just want you to pause as if you were a wind player taking a breath.  
For the first few years of a student's musical career I cross out many unnecessary breath marks in music that are placed over rests.  After a few years they never occur in that instance because there is no need for a breath mark over a rest.  I will often write in my own bow lift symbol which looks like a "power" symbol you would see on a computer.  I say that it mean reset (for reset the bow) and is almost a literal interpretation of "circle-bow." 
Picture
My bow lift mark
For students who are reading this just remember that a breath mark is not a bow lift.  Down bow markings and using good judgement while playing are what lets you know to reset the bow.  The better we explain musical concepts early in a students education the easier it will be later on.
2 Comments

New media

1/13/2014

0 Comments

 
I have finally added a CD to the album section.  Only physical copies are available at the moment.

I have also added my performance of the Forsyth Viola Concerto in the Audio/Video section.
0 Comments
    View my profile on LinkedIn

    RSS Feed


    Archives

    December 2016
    October 2016
    May 2016
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012

  • Weddings/Events
    • Information
    • Event Testimonials
    • Music Options
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Media >
      • Audio/Video
      • Studio/Event Music
      • Gallery
  • Music Lessons
    • About
    • Online Lessons
    • Student Testimonials
    • Online Payment
    • New Student Form
    • MyMusicStaff
  • Guides
    • Buyers guide
    • String Guide
    • References >
      • Care/Maintenance
      • Definitions
      • Fingering Charts
      • Music Dice
      • Note & Rest Values
      • Parts
      • Posture/Bow Hold
    • Music Theory >
      • Circle of Fifths
      • Harmonics
      • Major vs. Minor
    • Misinformation >
      • Bow Lift Marks
      • Scratching Rosin
      • Intonation
  • Downloads
    • Sheet Music
    • Scales/Etudes
    • Charts/Dice
    • Staff Paper
  • Contact