Curated OER
Exploring Instruments
Orchestral instruments are the focus of this introductory presentation. Learners identify individual instruments on slide two and then read about the characteristics of six other instruments typically used in orchestral pieces.
Curated OER
The Violin and Its Masters
Students research the manufacture and history of the violin. They also examine the lives of a famous violin player. They write in response to a piece of music they heard earlier in the lesson.
Curated OER
Meet the Instrument Families
Fourth graders listen to a recording of a string quartet and ask questions about what kinds of instrument they think they are listening to and describe what they think the instruments look like. Then they discuss musical ideas such as...
Curated OER
Tally Marks
In this tally marks learning exercise, students identify and complete 10 different boxes by identifying various objects. First, they count the number of each object illustrate on the right. Then, they write the tally marks for the number...
Curated OER
Mozart
In this music worksheet, students read a brief excerpt about Mozart's music and life. They respond to 11 questions in complete sentences related to the excerpt on Mozart.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12 Exploration Series: Simulations: Physics: Violin
[Free Registration/Login Required] Learn about wave harmonics on a string by looking closely at the sound produced by a violin. Test string tension with harmonic number on violin strings in a simulated practice. Understand sound waves...
University of Wisconsin
The Why Files: Fiddle Physics
A fascinating investigation into the physics underlying the peculiarities of violin tone production. Quite interesting for anyone who enjoys violins.
The Orchestra
The Orchestra: A User's Manual Violins
A wonderful resource covering many aspects of the violin. Most explanations are made with video and audio clips of members of the Philharmonic Orchestra. Be sure to check out the players tips and tricks section.
Other
David Gusset, Violin Maker
In addition to describing the work of violin maker David Gusset, this attractive site offers sections on instrument design, history, construction, materials, appraisal, and more.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids
This interactive site offers students resource for learning about composers, their works, the logistics of orchestra seating, the functions of different instruments, and the like.
University of St. Andrews (UK)
University of St. Andrews: Albert Einstein
A truly complete biography of the great man. Some adequate discussion of his theoretical and scientific work, but the accent here is on his personal life. Many anecdotes, many quotes from him, many references and hotlinks to other...
Other
Violin online.com
Learn to play violin online. A complete beginning instructional course by a string educator. The resource would also be useful as a home tutor.
Google Cultural Institute
Google Cultural Institute: Horn Violin
Pictorial narrative of the history of the Horn Violin and its usuage today primarily in the Bihor region of Rumania.
Library of Congress
Loc: Performing Arts Encyclopedia: Stringed Instruments
Access the collection of stringed musical instruments housed at the Library of Congress. Photographs, construction details, recordings, articles, and related resources.
Library of Congress
Loc: Performing Arts Encyclopedia: Stringed Instruments: Violin
Recordings, photographs, and articles about rare and equisitely crafted violins by by Stradivari, Amati, Guarneri, and Vuillaume.
Text Project
Text Project: Fyi for Kids: Vol. 3, Issue 12: Stringing Along [Pdf]
Read this magazine article to learn about string instruments such as the violin including how it is made, how it is played, and how it works.
Smithsonian Institution
Encyclopedia Smithsonian: Stradivarius Violins
An entry on the famous Stradivarius violins (and other stringed instruments) from the Smithsonian Institution.
PBS
Classics for Kids: Musical Instruments
An A-to-Z directory of all the instruments and tools of the orchestra. Each entry includes a description, a picture, and a sound sample.
Other
The Viola Web Site
This site provides information for those who are professionals, teachers, or students of the viola.
Other
Peter Prier and Sons: Violins
Information on The Violin Making School of America, making violins and bows, appraising and repairing violins, and more. Great tips on choosing a student violin and caring for it.
Other
Pay the Piper: The Violin & the Viola
This informative article on the violin and viola includes the advantages and disadvantages of choosing to play one of these instruments. This website includes information on playing, maintaining, and repairing the violin and viola....
Other
Pay the Piper
A resource for children who want to play a musical instrument, and their parents, this website includes answers to such questions as "Where do you get lessons?" and "How much will a new instrument cost?" Also included are informational...
Other
Johnson String Instrument: Violin Basics
This resource is for beginning violinists to learn how to take care of their new instrument. Includes a labeled diagram of a violin and advice on maintenance.
Other
Johnson String Instruments: Common Repair Problems
This website lists common problems that violin players might have with the major parts of their instrument: the soundpost, bridge, strings and tailgut. Read tips on how to resolve many of these problems and how to keep your violin in...