String Teachers' Page

Lesson-Plans for some basic music theory, playing by ear, ornamentation, harmony and Improv

After putting on some Fiddlewidget workshops for acoustic players,the material was organized into lesson plans. These lesson plans are presented here for teachers working with High School and Middle School age string players.


If you missed the concept of Fiddlewidget's mapping of the instrument, click the link below to run that short video.

Fiddle (Violin) Video

Classical teachers may not be familiar with the suppliers listed in the link at the top of this page. These companies, and more traditional suppliers like SHAR Music in Ann Arbor, Mi, don't stock these tools, but may be able to order them, and you can always contact the gentleman whose e-mail and phone number appear at the bottom of this page.

This visual aid can be incorporated into the lesson plans as suggested, or not used at all. It functions as a map, a visual aid, and a fun little interactive toy that people seem to enjoy playing with. By keeping students engaged and thinking about what it shows them, we cover up the theory with a layer of fun, and keep them "in the game" longer. If that sounds like a good idea read on:

Objectives Chord Progression
Where chords come from; the chromatic scale Where chords come from; the Major Scale
Nashville Numbers and the root major chord Dominant and Sub-Dominant chords
Navigating the Fingerboard Harmony; Identifying the Lead
Harmony--the tenor and baritone parts Harmony; Cleaning up the Rough Spots
Ornamentation What's Next?


Available from nationally known music suppliers, or call Bruce Haney at (423) 349-6715
or email at bfhaney@chartertn.net.