Beginner orchestra piece for young strings
The Tick Tock Clock
What Is This Book?
The Tick Tock Clock is an engaging beginning orchestra piece that captures the steady rhythm of a ticking clock for first-year students. Written for elementary ensembles, it blends pizzicato and bowed playing to introduce essential string techniques in a fun, musical way.
Who Is This Book For?
This book is ideal for first-year elementary orchestra students in grades 3–6.
Perfect for school orchestra programs, beginning string classes, and youth ensembles.
Useful for private teachers who want an accessible concert piece for beginners.
Great for home learners who are playing in their first group or ensemble.
What Makes This Book Easy for Kids to Learn?
The music is written with simple, easy-to-learn parts so every child can participate successfully.
Lines are carefully crafted for beginning string players, with comfortable ranges and rhythmic patterns.
Repetitive motifs reinforce learning and build confidence as students recognize musical patterns.
Clear contrasts between pizzicato and bowed sections help students focus on one new technique at a time.
What Music Does the Book Include?
The Tick Tock Clock is a single, original composition designed specifically for beginning elementary orchestra.
The piece features a playful “ticking” main theme in pizzicato and a smoother, lyrical middle section using the bow.
Carefully chosen keys keep the sound balanced and cohesive across strings and compatible wind parts.
Are There Fun Extras Included?
This book includes online MP3 play-along tracks with professional recordings that support practice, improve timing, and strengthen ensemble skills.
What’s Inside the Book?
Original beginning orchestra piece: The Tick Tock Clock
Accessible string and compatible wind parts for first-year players
Main theme written in pizzicato to introduce plucking
Middle section using the bow for smooth, lyrical playing
Beginning-friendly keys for balanced, unified ensemble sound
Full score and reproducible parts for classroom use
Permission to duplicate parts for all students in your ensemble
Structured for quick learning and a positive first concert experience
Skills Your Child Will Learn
Steady beat and basic rhythm reading
Beginning pizzicato (plucking) technique
Beginning bowing and smooth legato playing
Listening and playing together in an ensemble
Dynamic control and contrast
Confidence performing with a group
Following a conductor and watching cues
Musical expression at a beginner level
How to Use This Book
Teachers can program The Tick Tock Clock as an early concert piece for first-year orchestra, using it to introduce pizzicato and then transition into basic bowing.
In the classroom, rehearse pizzicato sections first, then add the bowed middle section once students are comfortable with the rhythm.
Private teachers can use the piece to prepare students for their first ensemble experience, practicing each part slowly along with the MP3 tracks.
At home, students can practice with the online play-along recordings to build confidence, improve timing, and learn how their part fits into the full orchestra.
Directors can take advantage of the reproducible parts to ensure every student has the music they need without extra cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Tick Tock Clock suitable for complete beginners?
Yes. It is written specifically for first-year elementary orchestra students and uses simple rhythms and ranges.
Does this piece work for mixed string and band ensembles?
Yes. The keys are chosen to be compatible for both strings and winds, allowing for a balanced beginning orchestra.
What techniques does this piece teach?
Students learn pizzicato in the main theme and basic bowing in the middle section, along with steady beat, dynamics, and ensemble playing.
Are copies of the parts allowed for students?
Yes. The arrangement includes permission to duplicate parts so every student in your ensemble can have their own copy.
Can I use this piece for concerts and school performances?
Absolutely. The Tick Tock Clock is designed as a performance-ready beginner piece that works well on school concerts and informal recitals.
Learn More
For additional music tutorials and demonstrations, visit the official Music Fun Books YouTube Channel.
Where to get it
Available now on Amazon.