National Strings: Xiachu (7)

My name is Xiachu. I am 7 years old. I want to let you know that I had a great time at National Strings in Norfolk. The best thing about the course was to play my violin together as a group. My favourite music piece was "Tops and Tails". And it was my first time away from home. I really enjoyed this course. Thank you!

Xiachu's mother writes:

Many thanks to the Joan Dickson Chamber Music Fund for supporting Xiachu to attend the National Strings Junior Chamber music course, held in Norfolk for two days at Easter.

On this course, Xiachu was taught to play various chamber music, working in a variety of mixed instrumental small ensembles. She learnt how to practise efficiently in order to achieve a good performance.

During this course, Xiachu has developed her listening skills, helping her to follow every detail of the music so that she knows how her part fits into the overall musical idea. She has also learnt that collaboration (teamwork) is so very important in chamber music. For example, when she played one of her pieces, she became able to respond straight away by listening, fitting her part in, and taking into account the other musicians involved. She has learnt awareness of the other musicians' parts, and that she needs to interact more sensitively with other players in a chamber music ensemble.

Xiachu could identify the characteristics of the different instruments on this course. For example, she knows that because a cello is larger in size than a violin, the notes produced by a cello are lower in pitch when compared to a violin.

Due to this course, Xiachu can now play and perform with an improved sense of rhythm. For example, her ability to keep accurately to a regular beat and synchronise with an ensemble has improved. She also learnt how to adapt to the rhythm and timing in different compositions and to keep these elements in the front of her mind.

In general, Xiachu has benefitted a lot from this Chamber Music Course. Thanks again to the Joan Dickson Chamber Music Fund. We really appreciate it !