Hello everyone!
Here is a list of resources that my guests and I have used over this last month. I love it that I’ve learned some new warmup exercises contemporary sources.
One-Position Finger Pattern Scales for Viola, by Melissa Matson
If you can, buy this and other Bornoff books from The Foundation for the Advancement of String Education (FASE), a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that promotes the philosophy and pedagogy of Dr. George Bornoff by providing financial support for the development of string education and teacher training. Buying from them is win-win!
Exteme Viola, by Ellen Rose.
This is an encyclopedia book of scales, arpeggios and double stops.
18+3 Etudes for Solo Viola, Jorge Variego
Find the PDF version here.
A Notebook for Viola Players, by Ivo-Jan van der Werft
Warming Up, by Simon Fischer
This book, which looks great, is currently unavailable, it seems. However, there are many other books on offer, so take a look here.
Viola Scales and Arpeggios, published by Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM). This book has the best section on chromatic scales that I’ve seen.
Superior Finger Exercises, Emanual Ondricek
a compilation of finger patterns in all positions
The Dounis Collection, by Demetrius Constantine Dounis.
The eleven books that make up this anthology are the most comprehensive collection ever published of his works.
Scale and Arpeggio Studies, by Samuel Lifschey
The first “American born viola virtuoso”, according to wikipedia. We owe a lot to Mr. Lifschey. He was one fo the first violists to arrange and transcribe violin technique books for the viola. (Such as Schradiek and Ševčík.) He wrote many technique books in the late 20’s and 30’s, They seem to be out of print, but you can interlibrary loan them if your interest is peaked.
30 Studies for Double Stops, by Enrico Polo
This is on imslp, but beware of copyright issues. It all depends on what part of the world you live. It’s definitely ok for Canadians to download this. EU folks….I don’t think it’s in the Public Domain yet.
Exercises for Changing Position, Yost, transcribed by Rafael Videira
Every combination and permutation for changing positions
Practizma, by Susanna Klein
This is a wonderful practice journal that just came out this year (available in both hard copy and digital form.) This journal is all about the feeling of empowerment, efficiency, and joy associated with practicing music. I wish I had had this when I was a music student!
Performance Success, by Don Greene
Check out his website, Winning on Stage which is an educational community where performers at all levels can learn to master their performance skills under pressure. This is where you can find the centering process we did in the warmup. You can also take some assessments to learn what areas you might focus on. The book includes the assessment as well. It’s all fascinating!