The daily practice of scales builds technique, solidifies intonation, and presents the opportunity to assess many aspects of viola playing. To encourage the development of a left hand which is equally prepared for any finger pattern (beyond the two diatonic (step-wise) patterns of traditional scales), this book presents all twenty-four finger-patterns in a simple, quickly-learned format. When combined with other factors such as key signatures, rhythmic patterns and bowings, the possibilities are infinite - bringing endless variety to the daily practice session! Keep track of your progress with the One-Position Finger Pattern Guide sheet. You will receive one with the book. When you need a fresh page, download it here.

Melissa Matson is the former Principal Violist of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (1999-2019) and spent many years teaching the Viola Orchestral Repertoire course at the Eastman School of Music. Always looking for ways to keep practice sessions engaging and productive, her penchant for solving specific challenges with improvised, pertinent etudes led her to develop this infinitely-variable approach to left-hand versatility.

A native of Chico, CA, Melissa received Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from the Eastman School of Music (studying with Martha Katz), where she was also awarded the coveted Performer’s Certificate. Additional studies were with Heidi Castleman and Karen Tuttle. An avid chamber musician, Melissa was a founding member of both the prize-winning Chester String Quartet and the Rochester-based Amenda Quartet, with whom she performed the Beethoven string quartets. She performs regularly with the Society for Chamber Music in Rochester (NY) and the Skaneateles Festival, and was the founding Artistic Director of First Muse Chamber Music (Rochester NY).