Using a Scale and Variations to Build Viola Technique
In this post, we will use an F major scale to work on viola third position and different bowing techniques. Take your technical prowess to the next level by using exercises in your practice! Technical studies give you the most efficient way to improve in the shortest amount of time. And finally, variations are the way to keep things interesting!
The Viola Third Position Method Books
The scale itself is a wonderful way to use third position. Our students learn third position with this book:
For work on playing across strings in viola third position, students can use this book:
Free Exercises to Go Along with the Third Position Method Books
This free viola sheet music will grow your technique and can help make practicing or teaching more interesting. Click on each image to view a larger version. A PDF version is avaiable at the bottom of the page for download or printing.
Be sure to check out our page of free viola music and the rest of the blog posts for more music that will help you improve!
Viola Scale Study No. 1: Let’s Learn the Scale!
In a two-octave F major scale on viola, we have a B-flat in the key signature. You will shift into third position on the D string. Stay in third position until the scale starts to come back down and then shift back to first position on the D string.
Viola Scale Study No. 2: Smooth, Detached Bows
Play this variation using the smoothest bows you can. Relax your fingers on the bow to help create bow changes that an audience wouldn’t notice. Pay attention to any tension in the rest of your body that might be finding its way into your bow arm.
Viola Scale Study No. 3: Bow Rhythms
This exercise is a good warm-up for both hands. Your brain will kick into a higher gear as the rhythms change, which can help develop sight-reading skills.
Viola Scale Study No. 4: Double Stops for Intonation
To play double stops well, make sure both fingers are in tune. Stop each string completely with the (curved!) finger that is on it. Play this exercise at an mp dynamic level so that you can hear the notes better.
Viola Scale Study No. 5: Slow Up-Bows
This exercise teaches you to slow down on up-bows. Very often, violists play slow down-bows and quick up-bows, which can result in incorrect rhythms. Having control over your up-bow speed is an essential viola technique!
Viola Scale Study No. 6: Slurs Across Strings
Keep your bow moving as you cross strings to make a continuous sound. Balance your arm across the two strings that you are crossing. Make sure your arm motion is not too large; use flexible fingers and wrist to help cross the strings.
Triplets
Triplets are typically indicated by a 3 in italics. Because of this, the triplet marking can get mixed up with finger numbers.
In Scale Study No. 8, each triplet is notated with a 3, giving you opportunities to be mindful and aware when you read each one.
Remind yourself that the mark is for a triplet and not a finger number.
Viola Scale Study No. 7: Slurs on the Shifts
Next, we tackle shifting during a slur. Keeping your fingers curved while shifting to help you make the cleanest shifts.
Viola Scale Study No. 8: Triplets
This exercise has a lot of triplets marked! Now, you can practice reading triplet markings. Be careful; they’re not finger numbers!
Viola Scale Study No. 9: Bow Speed Study
Bow speed often needs to change for longer or shorter notes. However, it can be difficult to regulate the actual speed of the bow. In this exercise, be mindful of the way your bow slows down for the measures that follow the eighth notes. Then, feel the difference in speed when the eighth notes happen again.
Viola Scale Study No. 10: Bow Distribution
This study continues to work on the right hand with a focus on where you are playing on the bow. A long bow take you to the tip, where you will stay to play a measure. Then, another long bow takes you back to the frog, where you will again stay to play a measure. This type of exercise builds great bow control!
Viola Scale Study No. 11: More Bow Distribution
Similar to the last exercise, this study adds string crossing for more complex bow training.
Viola Scale Study No. 12: Staccato
Staccato helps you develop the bow skill of articulation. In addition, staccato is the absolute best method for working on string crossing!
Viola Scale Study No. 13: Spiccato
Spiccato is a bouncing bow movement where the bow leaves the string (ever so slightly.) Stay close to the string and keep your wrist and fingers relaxed for the best spiccato.
Viola Scale Study No. 14: Rhythmic Bowing
Finally, we end with a study on speed and rhythmic bowing. The quarter notes allow your brain to rest in between the sixteenth note speed sections.
