Bowing Factors, “PAWS”

A recent post by MB Miller on School Orchestra and String Teachers, v2 Facebook Page using the word “PAWS” to describe the factors of bowing inspired me to post my version.

Note: I did not choose to use “angle” of the bow because I was teaching middle school when I created this.  Area of the bow seemed like it might be more useful than the angle of the bow hair on the string.  For high school, you will want to talk more about the angle that the bow hair contacts the string.  Angle is especially important for subtle changes in dynamics and when performing certain bow strokes, such as spiccato.

Download PDF – Bowing Factors – PAWS