Playing Hub

Technique: Scales for violists

By 2020-05-21T02:26:00

RogerBenedict

A system specifically for the viola, which has not been adapted from violin alternatives

Scales can be a controversial topic. Many people are so wedded to the scale methods used by their teachers, and their teachers’ teachers, that they are scared to try new things. The violin scale books of Flesch and Galamian are omnipresent in teaching studios even for violists, sometimes with alternative fingerings and compromises added to make them more playable. Of course, Flesch’s and Galamian’s methods have great features and it’s important to respect and learn from all that inherited knowledge, but I’m amazed at how few dedicated books there are for the viola.

Already subscribed? Please sign in

Subscribe to continue reading…

We’re delighted that you are enjoying our website. For a limited period, you can try an online subscription to The Strad completely free of charge.

  • Free 7-day trial

    Not sure about subscribing? Sign up now to read this article in full and you’ll also receive unlimited access to premium online content, including the digital edition and online archive for 7 days.

    Free trial

    No strings attached – we won’t ask for your card details

  • Subscribe 

    No more paywalls. To enjoy the best in-depth features and analysis from The Strad’s latest and past issues, upgrade to a subscription now. You’ll also enjoy regular issues and special supplements* and access to an online archive of issues back to 2010.

    Subscribe

 

* Issues and supplements are available as both print and digital editions. Online subscribers will only receive access to the digital versions.