Serial Shifting for the Viola

Name: Serial Shifting for the Viola
SKU: CHP203
Price: 10.95 USD
Availability: InStock

$10.95

In stock

Master Shifting with a Systematic, Progressive Approach

Serial Shifting for the Viola is a progressive exercise book designed to develop confident, accurate shifting through fifth position. Using carefully organized rows and patterns, the book builds the essential skills needed for smooth, reliable position changes while strengthening left-hand agility and finger coordination within each position.

Unlike more complicated shifting studies such as Ševčík Op. 8, this book introduces the concepts in a more accessible, step-by-step manner. Each exercise focuses on a single technical challenge, allowing violists to master shifting mechanics without the added complexity of intricate patterns. The result is an excellent daily technique resource that develops secure intonation, efficient hand movement, and confidence across the fingerboard.

The first section concentrates on shifting between first, second, and third positions, establishing a solid foundation for accurate movement and comfortable finger placement. The second section expands these skills through fourth position before concluding with exercises that reach fifth position, preparing students for the shifting demands commonly found in intermediate and advanced viola repertoire.

Whether used as part of a daily technical routine or alongside etudes and repertoire, Serial Shifting for the Viola helps violists build the muscle memory and fingerboard awareness needed for fluent, effortless shifting. Its logical progression makes it an excellent exercise book for students working with a teacher as well as motivated violists seeking a structured approach to improving one of the viola’s most important technical skills.

This book could be followed by The Shifting Book for Viola.

by Cassia Harvey
edited by Myanna Harvey
45 pages CHP203
978-0615703220
©2012 C. Harvey Publications

SKU: CHP203 Categories: Intermediate Level I Viola, Intermediate Level II Viola, Viola, Viola Positions and Shifting

Additional information

Clefs Used	Mostly alto with some treble
Heterogeneous Class Use	No, cannot be used in heterogeneous classes
Level	Intermediate
Positions Used	First through fifth position

Common Questions About This Book

Who is this book for?

This book is for intermediate and advancing violists who want to develop accurate, confident shifting through fifth position. It is ideal for students beginning position work as well as those who want a systematic daily shifting routine.

What will violists learn from this book?

Violists will learn to shift smoothly and accurately between positions while improving fingerboard awareness, left-hand agility, finger patterns within each position, and overall confidence in position changes.

What is included in this book?

The book contains progressive shifting exercises organized in rows and patterns. It begins with studies in first through third positions, continues through fourth position, and concludes with exercises through fifth position.

What makes this book different from other shifting books?

Unlike more advanced shifting studies such as Ševčík Op. 8, Serial Shifting for the Viola presents a more gradual progression with less complexity in each pattern. This allows students to focus on mastering accurate shifts and left-hand coordination before tackling more demanding technical studies.