Our Year 5 violin lessons are blossoming beautifully as pupils begin to explore the expressive power of the bow. After weeks of plucking and posture practice, the transition to bowing has opened a whole new world of sound and technique. Alongside learning how to hold and use the bow, we’ve introduced the importance of caring for it—tightening and loosening the hair, applying rosin, and storing it safely. We’ve been listening closely to the orchestra, identifying the rich tones of the viola and comparing its voice to the violin’s brighter timbre. It’s wonderful to see the children not only playing but also developing an ear for the character of different instruments—building both skill and musical curiosity.