Beginning Violin: Pizzicato vs. Arco

Abstract

String teachers debate their preferred method of teaching at the very beginning of the learning process - "pizzicato" or "arco." Playing with the bow allows the child to use large-motor arm movement, which is easier for some students than the small-motor finger movement that is necessary to execute pizzicato. However, learning arco first may compromise a student's violin position and proper bowing. Pizzicato may produce a pure, ringing tone, which is considered the true sound of a vibrating string. It develops an understanding of tonal structure adding chordal accompaniment along with older students' arco melody. The physical environment of the lesson room may play a part in determining a teaching method. A teacher's choice of method book will also affect the order in which skills are taught. The age of the students and size of the group lessons must also be taken into consideration.