Learn to Play the Musical Saw

That's right - a saw!

Highest Rated

Created byCaroline McCaskey

Last updated 7/2021

English

What you'll learn

Musical Saw

Course content

7 sections • 33 lectures • 1h 22m total length

Choosing a Saw2:21
In this lecture, students will learn some differences between a hardware store saw and a musical saw, and what features make a saw a good choice for playing music.
Other Equipment3:21
In this lecture, students will learn what other equipment they will need, or might find handy, to help them play their saw.
Maintenance3:10
In this lecture, students will learn how to care for their saw and bow.
The Physics of Saw1:26
In this lecture, students will learn how a saw makes sound. They will also see a demonstration of how a saw creates sound waves.

How to Hold the Saw and Make a Sound with a Mallet5:18
In this lecture, students will learn how to hold the saw, and how to makes notes on the saw using a mallet.
Your Questions Answered: Leg Positioning on the Saw5:34
Position your legs and feet for precise sawing with a knee-height bench or forward-tilting cushion, and use the ball of the foot to vary pitch for high and low notes.
Troubleshooting1:36
In this lecture, students will learn what to do if they are having trouble getting the saw to make music.
Ear Training with the Mallet2:50
In this lecture, students will participate in an ear training exercise, in which they will try to match their notes with the instructor's.
Mary Had a Little Lamb4:15
In this lecture, students will learn how to play "Mary Had a Little Lamb" on the musical saw. Sheet music and a play-along track accompany this lecture.

How to Make a Sound With a Bow3:14
In this lecture, students will learn how to play the saw using a bow.
Stopping the Sound/Repeated Notes1:59
In this lecture, students will learn how to start and stop the sound their saw is making, as well as how to repeat the same note multiple times.
Ear Training with the Bow1:15
In this lecture, students will participate in an ear training exercise, in which they will try to match their notes with the instructor's.
Learning Aid: About Marking the Saw1:14
In this lecture, students will learn a way to make finding notes with the bow easier.
Learning Aid: How to Mark the Saw6:59
Learn to mark the musical saw score by using a sustained reference pitch, mark bowing spots, and reverse engineer notes, with dry erase markers for easy cleanup.

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star5:13
In this lecture, students will learn how to play "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" on the musical saw. Sheet music and a play-along track accompany this lecture.
Tuning, and Playing with a Drone Pitch2:19
In this lecture, students will learn how to better play in tune.
Vibrato2:21
In this lecture, students will learn several methods for adding vibrato to their notes.
Twinkle, Twinkle with Vibrato1:23
In this lecture, students will try adding vibrato to "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star."
Tone Quality: Reducing Bow Noise1:27
In this lecture, students will learn how to improve their sound quality by reducing bow noise.

Introduction0:24
Watch a live performance of common, fun saw-friendly songs, then match the starting pitch and follow along as the instructor slows the piece and keeps it ringing for enjoyment.
Happy Birthday1:26
In this lecture, students will learn how to play "Happy Birthday" on the musical saw. Sheet music and a play-along track accompany this lecture.
Auld Lang Syne2:16
In this lecture, students will learn how to play "Auld Lang Syne" on the musical saw. Sheet music and a play-along track accompany this lecture.
Amazing Grace1:57
In this lecture, students will learn how to play "Amazing Grace" on the musical saw. Sheet music and a play-along track accompany this lecture.
Hark, the Herald Angels Sing!2:51
In this lecture, students will learn how to play "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing!" on the musical saw. Sheet music and a play-along track accompany this lecture.

Introduction0:14
Build expressiveness by moving from simpler to more expressive and challenging songs on the score, showing that the sky's the limit for your playing skills.
America the Beautiful2:37
In this lecture, students will learn how to play "America the Beautiful" on the musical saw. Sheet music and a play-along track accompany this lecture.
Star-Spangled Banner3:35
In this lecture, students will learn how to play "The Star-Spangled Banner" on the musical saw. Sheet music and a play-along track accompany this lecture.
Frere Jacques1:37
In this lecture, students will learn how to play "Frere Jacques" on the musical saw. Sheet music and a play-along track accompany this lecture.
Oh, Danny Boy!3:34
In this lecture, students will learn how to play "Oh, Danny Boy!" on the musical saw. Sheet music and a play-along track accompany this lecture.

Sound Effects1:39
In this lecture, students will learn how to create two different comical sound effects using the saw.
Advanced Technique: Multiphonics1:10
In this lecture, students will learn how to create more than one pitch at once on the saw.
Continue the Journey: Exercises and Tips for Becoming a Better Musician2:02
In this lecture, students will learn how to continue to improve their musical saw skills following the end of this course. Sheet music for the demonstrated exercise accompanies this video.
Conclusion - Congratulations!0:21

Requirements

Students will need: a handsaw
a rubber mallet (the handle of something is fine, or a bouncy ball on a dowel)
a bow for a violin, viola, cello or bass

Description

Learn to make music with a handsaw! Two-time world champion of the musical saw Caroline McCaskey will show you how to create beautiful melodies on the saw, even if you don't play any other instrument! Get out to the garage, dust off the saw, and let's make some music! (Oh, and please be careful; it's sharp.)

Who this course is for:

Anyone who is curious about the musical saw and wants to give it a try!

Learn to Play the Musical Saw

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Introduction4 lectures • 10min

Playing with a Mallet5 lectures • 20min

Playing with a Bow5 lectures • 15min

Playing Songs with the Bow5 lectures • 13min

More Saw-Friendly Songs5 lectures • 9min

More Advanced Songs5 lectures • 12min

Continue the Journey4 lectures • 5min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: