Quick Answer
Open string articulation exercises help violists develop cleaner bow changes, sharper articulation, smoother string crossings, and greater right-hand control without the distraction of left-hand technique. Practicing articulation patterns on open strings allows violists to focus completely on bow speed, bow placement, rhythm, and coordination.
Open string articulation workouts can help violists:
- improve bow clarity and control
- strengthen articulation consistency
- develop smoother string crossings
- improve rhythmic precision
- reduce tension in the bow arm
- create a clearer, more focused tone
Because articulation patterns appear constantly in viola repertoire, focused open string practice can improve overall bow technique surprisingly quickly.
A Second Book of Open String Bow Workouts for Viola
About a month after I wrote Open String Bow Workouts for the Viola, Book One, back at the end of 2019, I got the first email asking for Book Two. As more and more people started asking for Book Two, I realized that I’d like a Book Two as well and I started mapping out what a second volume would look like. And of course we would offer a companion mini book of free bowing workouts for viola here on the blog!
It’s taken a little bit longer than I’d planned (apologies to everyone who got a January 2020 estimated release date!) but Open String Workouts for the Viola, Book Two is finally here!
The Free Mini Workouts
Want a PDF of these? See below!
To celebrate, here is a second volume of free Mini Open String Bowing Workouts for Viola!
These mini viola bowing workouts below are all-new and are not included in the book!
Free Mini Viola Bowing Workout No. 1
Free Mini Viola Bowing Workout No. 2
Because Open String Bow Workouts for Viola, Book Two focuses on articulation and bow control, these free studies work on some of the same skills that the book does: staccato, dynamics, double stop staccato, and spiccato.
Free Mini Viola Bowing Workout No. 3
Free Mini Viola Bowing Workout No. 4
Double stop staccato is a great way to get the strings ringing right away – which leads to better tone overall!
Free Mini Viola Bowing Workout No. 5
Free Mini Viola Bowing Workout No. 6
Free Mini Viola Bowing Workout No. 7
Free Mini Viola Bowing Workout No. 8
And finally, here are a couple of open string viola exercises on spiccato:
Free Mini Viola Bowing Workout No. 9
Free Mini Viola Bowing Workout No. 10
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should violists practice articulation exercises on open strings?
Open string articulation exercises allow violists to focus entirely on the bow arm without worrying about left-hand notes or intonation. Many teachers use open string workouts to strengthen bow control, articulation clarity, rhythm, string crossings, and tone production.
How do open string exercises improve viola bow control?
Open string practice helps violists concentrate on bow speed, contact point, bow distribution, and articulation consistency. Without left-hand distractions, players can develop steadier bow motion, cleaner attacks, smoother string crossings, and more controlled tone production across all strings.
What technical skills can articulation workouts improve?
Open string articulation workouts can help violists strengthen:
- articulation clarity
- bow control
- rhythmic precision
- string crossings
- bow distribution
- coordination between arm and wrist
- tone consistency
These foundational bowing skills transfer directly into scales, etudes, and viola repertoire.