Violin and viola 2A

What is the course about?

This course develops your playing technique, reading of music notation, basic music theory and tuning your instrument. You will be working at around Grade 1 standard and above. This course continues with Violin and viola 2B.

What will we cover?

- Good posture and movement
- Good left hand position and correct finger placement
- Good bowhold and control
- Rhythm, reading and writing music
- Improving your tone quality and intonation
- Major and minor keys and scales in up to 1 sharps/1 flat.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- Play with some confidence with a pleasant tone and good bow control
- Tune your instrument using an aid (e.g. tuner, piano)
- Play with the group and on your own
- Hold an independent line of music in rounds and songs
- Play selected major and minor scales and arpeggios
- Play music in the keys of your scales
- Read and improvise simple tunes and rhythms.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This course is for those who have been learning the instrument for at least a year. You should be able to play major scale note patterns starting on each open string in first position, and play and read simple tunes at approximately Grade 1 standard.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Classes comprise tutor explanation and demonstration, group playing and individual practice. Sessions will also include class discussion, aural skills and music theory relevant to violin/viola playing.
To make progress you will need to practise regularly outside class (ideally at least 20 minutes on least 4 days per week).

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Please bring your own violin or viola kit (including bow, rosin and shoulder rest), plus pen, pencil, eraser and notepad. You will need to purchase some music (which will be used throughout level 2 ABC). Other materials will be provided by the tutor via Google Classroom, including notation in treble clef for viola music / alto clef for violin books
Violin/Viola Samuel Appelbaum, Belwin String Builder Book 2, for violin / viola
Violin ABRSM Violin Grade 2 Pieces & ABRSM Grade 2 Violin Scales & arpeggios
Viola ABRSM More Time Pieces for Viola vol.1 (Grades 1-3) & ABRSM Viola Scales & arpeggios Grades 1-5,
See our guide on Where to buy music and instruments. A decent student violin/viola costs at least £80; quality will increase greatly with price, and the better your instrument the easier you will find it to play. You can also hire instruments from some stores.
See our guide on Where to buy music and instruments. A decent student violin/viola costs at least £80; quality will increase greatly with price, and the better your instrument the easier you will find it to play. You can also hire instruments from some stores.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

This course leads to Violin and viola 2B next term.
You may wish to support your learning through a focus on reading, writing and hearing music and musical patterns. For details please visit our post onMusicianship and music theory at City Lit.