# The Speaking Bow, Violin

Martelé, staccato, collé, and spiccato

The bow is the violinist's voice. Each stroke, hammered, pinched, or lifted, is a different word. This module gives you the full vocabulary of on-string and early off-string strokes that professional playing demands.

Intermediate · 5 lessons · approximately 100 minutes of material (not a mastery deadline).

## Before this module
- [The Moment It Becomes Music](/learn/violin/moment-music), Phrasing, shaping, and musical intention

## What this module covers
1. **Martelé**, A prepared, ringing consonant at the start of each stroke (20 min)
2. **On-the-String Staccato**, Clear separated notes with a resilient hand (20 min)
3. **Collé**, Finger-led bow starts that clarify every articulation (20 min)
4. **Introduction to Spiccato**, Finding the bow’s natural bounce without forcing it (20 min)
5. **Combining Bow Strokes**, Changing articulation while preserving pulse and tone (20 min)

## Practise with a free reference
- [Free metronome](/tools/metronome), Use a steady pulse while you count or repeat a short phrase.
- [Violin first-position chart](/charts/violin), A lower-position reference only; it does not show every accidental, extension or shift in this module.

## What comes next
- [One Step Higher](/learn/violin/one-step-higher), Second and third position

## Where should I start with the speaking bow?
The curriculum places The Moment It Becomes Music before this module. Review those topics if they are unfamiliar. The first lesson is “Martelé”: A prepared, ringing consonant at the start of each stroke. The order is a study guide, not proof that every learner needs the same pace.

## How long is the the speaking bow module?
The 5 listed lessons total approximately 100 minutes of material. That estimate describes lesson content, not the practice time needed to become comfortable with martelé, staccato, collé, and spiccato. Revisit one task at a time and use feedback from a teacher where physical technique is involved.

## What can I try here without an account?
The the speaking bow description, lesson sequence and prerequisite links are public. There is no full worked lesson sample for this module yet. The linked public tools and references are free. A free account includes the complete five-lesson foundation module in each instrument and five lessons in music theory, with saved progress and no expiry. Later lessons require the relevant paid package.

## Continue in Arco
The complete five-lesson foundation module in each instrument and five music theory lessons are free with an account, including saved progress and no time limit. Later lessons require the relevant paid package. Public samples do not assess your physical technique or certify exam readiness.

[See packages and pricing](/pricing) · [Back to the violin curriculum](/learn/violin)

Canonical source: https://arcosounds.com/learn/violin/speaking-bow