Violin Finger Number Vending Machine

I created the violin finger number vending machine worksheet for a little student who is just starting to place fingers on the fingerboard. The finger number vending machine works for viola and cello as well since they use the same finger numbers! I wanted a fun activity to help this budding violinist remember the number for each left hand finger. By seeing the number on the page and then touching the finger and thumb to an object I hope it helps remember the finger number.

I also wanted to have a tactile experience of picking up an object between the thumb and finger and not squeezing. So the finger number vending machine worksheet will help young beginners go to extremes. It seems like they are squeezing the life out of the neck of their violin, or their fingers hardly hold the string down. As listeners we hear the light finger, because it makes this whistling sound when the bow plays. As observers we see the white knuckle on the thumb as it squeezes. We can use the words soft thumb, jello thumb. But the fact is the thumb has to have some muscle tenacity in it. But how much? That’s where this activity can help. They have to pick up the Pom-Pom and not squeeze it, but also not drop it. You also could use foam ear plugs instead of Pom-Poms. (Obviously unused ear plugs. 😆) If you squish the ear plug between your fingers, it will keep its squished form even after released.