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What are études? Should you be playing them? Where do they fit into your practice routine, especially also considering a scale and arpeggio practice? Which ones should you start with, and should you always go in book order?

If you've ever considered some of these questions, or you're a student, a teacher, or someone hoping to keep your playing chops in top condition, this episode is for you! Host Laurel Thomsen answers common questions and gives her recommendations for études to check out for beginners, intermediates, and more advanced players.

Show Notes:

Études for beginners:
Sevcik op 1 (first 10)
Fiddle Magic by Sally O'Reilly
Cassia Harvey Open String Bow Workouts (among others), see https://charveypublications.com/
Dancla op 84
Laoureux - a practical method for violin part 1

Études for advancing beginners/intermediates:
Wohlfahrt op 45
Sitt op 32 books 1 & 2
Kayser op 20

Études for intermediates:
Mazas op 36 - 3 progressive volumes
Dont op 37 - preparatory to Kreutzer and Rode
Laoureux - a practical method for violin part 2 supplement
Cohen - Technique Takes Off (and other volumes)
Amy Barlow - 12 Etude Caprices in the Styles of the Great Composers

Études for advancing players:
Kreutzer op 42
Fiorillo 36 Études
Rode 24 Caprices

Études for advanced players:
Gavinies 24 Caprices
Dont op 35
Weiniaski l’ecole moderne
Paganini 24 caprices

Double Stop Études:
Trott Melodious Double Stops books 1 & 2 (intermediate)
Polo 30 double stop etudes (intermediate)
Schradieck School of Violin Technics book 2 (intermediate to advanced)

Études written just for Viola:
Palaschko op 55 - 12 studies for viola (intermediate level)
Lillian Fuchs - 15 Characteristic Studies and 16 Fantasy Etudes (intermediate to advanced)

Shifting: Harvey Whistler - shifting (2 volumes) and double stop compilations (intermediate)
Schradieck School of Violin Technics book 1 (beginning to advanced)

Bowing: Sevcik op 2 (beginning to intermediate)
Schradieck School of Violin Technics book 3 (intermediate to advanced)

Compilations:
Harvey Whistler - shifting (2 volumes) and double stop compilations (intermediate)

Modern Technique: Dawson - 24 Etudes for the Modern Violinist (or violist), see https://www.sleepypuppypress.com

Thursday December 19th, 2024
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Please email me at laurel@laurelthomsen.com if you have a violin, viola, fiddle, music biz, or practice related question you’d like answered in the blog or on a podcast, have a story or insight to share, or if you’d like to inquire about violin, viola, or fiddle lessons with me, in-person or online via Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom.

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Laurel Thomsen

Violin, Viola, Vocals
Performance, Instruction, Recording

Based in Santa Cruz, California

Site by Laurel Thomsen
Photography by Michelle Magdalena

laurel@laurelthomsen.com
831-224-0913
Skype: laurelthomsen

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