Scales for Strings, Book I: Viola Book

Applebaum's scale work sits at the sweet spot between pure technique and actual musicianship. Rather than grinding through abstract patterns, violists encounter scales in contexts that make them sound and feel musical, which means students stay invested while building the muscle memory and intonation control that orchestral playing demands.

These scales sit comfortably in the viola's natural register and move logically from simpler to more challenging patterns. The work feels purposeful rather than drill-like; there is momentum and clarity in the progression that keeps students engaged even through repetitive material.

This book serves viola students working alongside any standard string class method, from intermediate players solidifying their foundation to advancing ensemblists who need targeted scale work. It also works as independent supplementary material for private studio instruction or small group coaching.

• Focus on consistent tone production across the range of the viola rather than rushing through note names. A clean, even sound at moderate tempo accomplishes far more than speed.
• Use the recorded accompaniment (if available) as a reference for staying locked into tempo and finding a stylistically appropriate approach to phrasing.
• Mark fingerings and position shifts clearly in pencil before the first run-through so students can concentrate on tone and intonation rather than problem-solving.
• Rotate through different bowings and articulation patterns for the same scale passage to build variety and prevent mechanical repetition.

Assign scales from Book I as standing homework throughout the fall and winter rehearsal seasons, pairing them with orchestra excerpts that use those same fingering patterns and positions. This approach makes technique transfer visible and immediate, showing students why scale work matters to their performance in actual repertoire.

• Major and minor scale patterns across multiple positions
• Consistent intonation and tone production across the viola's range
• Finger dexterity and muscle memory for standard fingering configurations
• Reading and executing articulation and bowing changes
• Left-hand position shifts and bow control in scalar motion