Scherzino by Judith Bailey
Meet Malachy Robinson! He's the Principal Double Bassist with the Irish Chamber Orchestra, teaches on the MA Classical String Performance at the University of Limerick and is a member of the string faculty at the Royal Irish Academy of Music.

In this resource, Malachy shares some of his teaching tips, bringing to life Judith Bailey's Scherzino from our Grade 6 syllabus.

This fun piece is primarily in a declamatory style, like a brassy fanfare, requiring a bow-stroke that is robust and concentrated with very positive contact. The B section (beginning in bar 14) is more lyrical and affords an opportunity to use a softer contact and a little swifter bow speed. The metre shifts effortlessly between 3/4 and 4/4, and in the suggested moderate tempo a very strong crotchet pulse should be felt and asserted. It might be useful for the student to listen to trumpets playing a fanfare.

 

Malachy shares some of his lesson ideas and activities to help pupils to develop their performance of this Scherzino. Download his ideas to use in your teaching.

Download Lesson Ideas and Activities

 

Now it's your turn!

Add your lesson ideas to the padlet below.

Last modified: Friday, 4 July 2025, 10:19 AM