CHAPTER 1: STRAIGHT BOWING EXERCISES
This chapter contains 9 progressive playlist to practice straight bowing, string changes and basic rhythms. It finishes with slurring across strings and double stopping.
The first six exercises were composed by Nicolas Laoureux. The last one was originally written by Charles de Beriot and edited by me
Before you begin
Basics of bow hold
Exercise 1: Introduction exercises on Straight Bowing
Exercise 2: Smooth Bow Changes
Exercise 3: The Quarter note
Exercise 4: The 1/8th note
Exercise 5: The 1/8th note and complex string crossings
Exercise 6:Â The Legato
Exercise 7:Â Double Stopping
CHAPTER 2: INTRODUCING BASIC FINGER PATTERNS
Here I offer 6 playlists where I slowly introduce each of the basic finger patterns one note at a time. The last finger pattern comes with two different versions. One starting with a low first finger and one with the normal first finger.
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These exercises are a development of an exercise from Méthode de violon, Op. 102 by Charles de Beriot. They have been adapted to cover the four basic finger patterns:
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Preparatory exercises
Introducing the First Finger Pattern
Tone – Semi-tone – Tone
Introducing the Second Finger Pattern
Semi-tone – Tone – Tone
Introducing the Third Finger Pattern
Tone – Tone – Semi-tone
Introducing the Fourth Finger Pattern
Tone – Tone – Tone
CHAPTER 3: SCALES IN FIRST POSITION
Charles de Beriot wrote 18 duets for student and teacher to help his students with their scales. He limited himself to the most common Major and Melodic Minor scales up to 4 sharps and 4 flats.
The duo parts make it easier to improve intonation and it develops musicianship at the same time in a more relaxed way. Now scales are no longer so boring!
CHAPTER 4: THE INTERVALS
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Until now all exercises went step-wise up or down. All you had to worry about was if the distance is a tone or a semi tone.
Here I present 8 progressive playlists that will teach you how to play larger intervals. Two little pieces by Nicolas Laoureux have been included to see how your new skills allow you to make beautiful music.
Once you master this chapter, you are well prepared to finally begin your first real pieces! Enjoy!