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Scales: Scales and Scale Studies for the Viola: Viola Studies & Tutors

$44.95 USD
$44.95 USD
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Scales: Scales and Scale Studies for the Viola Cover Image
Scales: Scales and Scale Studies for the Viola: Viola Studies & Tutors

Scales: Scales and Scale Studies for the Viola: Viola Studies & Tutors

By Simon Fischer

Item: 98-EP72544
$44.95
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Description

This is a scale book of unprecedented scope. Simon Fischer has developed an entirely new method in which, using the traditional ways of practising scales only as a point of departure, he focuses on numerous often-neglected aspects of the violist’s technique. For every element he has designed exercises that sensitize the ear, stimulate the mind and build the playing apparatus of the violist.

The many outstanding features of this book include:

  • How to structure intonation around perfect intervals and leading notes
  • A new approach to learning how to time shifts
  • Extensive notation for preparing and holding down fingers
  • One-, two-, three- and four-octave scales and arpeggios
  • Two-octave scales and arpeggios on one string
  • New sequences for single-finger scales

Many well-known Fischer classics are also incorporated, including practice methods for intonation, smooth bowing, string crossing, fast fingers, fourth-finger extensions and placing fingers in blocks. The innovative and wide-ranging material in Scales keeps the player turning the pages, discovering yet more exciting ways to approach scales. The wealth of thought-provoking exercises encourages violists to re-evaluate their practice – developing the playing skills of violists at all levels from intermediate to professional.

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Additional Details
Series: Edition Peters
Publisher: Edition Peters
ISBN10: 1-84-367058-5
ISBN13: 978-1-84-367058-2
SKU: 98-EP72544

More about this title

About the Composer: Simon Fischer

Simon Fischer is a violist and pedagogue whose practice methodologies have fundamentally shaped how string players approach technical development. His work begins from the conviction that scales need not be tedious, and that thoughtful exercise design can transform fundamental technique into genuine musicality.

Why we love this

Fischer refuses the one-size-fits-all scale book. Instead of endless repetition, he isolates specific technical challenges, intonation frameworks, shift timing, finger placement blocks, single-finger scales, and builds targeted exercises around each one. Violists at any level will find their weak spots directly addressed, which means practice time spent here translates immediately to repertoire.

What to expect

Purposeful and clarifying. Rather than the mechanical repetition that scales can feel like, working through Fischer's sequences feels like someone finally explaining why your fingers are placed where they are and what your ear should be listening for. The scope and variety keep your mind engaged.

Who it's for

Intermediate to advanced violists who want to move beyond mechanical scale playing and diagnose specific technical gaps. Studio teachers will find this invaluable for addressing individual student needs, while ensemble directors can assign targeted sections to strengthen intonation and shifting across their section.

How to get the most out of it

  • Structure intonation practice around the perfect intervals and leading notes Fischer outlines rather than treating all intervals equally; this ear training becomes the foundation for secure high positions.
  • Work the two-octave single-string scales slowly at first to build finger independence and hand position security without shifting.
  • Apply the shift preparation notation directly to your current repertoire; identify passages with similar intervallic patterns and use Fischer's timing methods there.
  • Alternate between the one-, two-, three-, and four-octave versions of the same scale to develop endurance and consistency across the full range.

How to use it

Use this as your foundational scale and technical study text throughout the year; unlike traditional scale books, its depth means students remain engaged across multiple months. Pull specific exercises to address section-wide intonation issues or to prepare for technically demanding repertoire.

Skills your students will build

  • Intonation grounded in perfect intervals and harmonic relationships
  • Timing and execution of position shifts across the fingerboard
  • Finger placement accuracy using block placement methods
  • Smooth string crossings and bow control across multiple registers
  • Single-finger scale technique for finger independence
  • Four-finger extensions in upper positions
  • Multi-octave scale navigation (one through four octaves)
  • Two-octave scale fluency on a single string

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