Violin Scales Tutorial (Volume 1, Volume 2)

Author: Zhao Weijian
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-05-28
Features: This is a scale tutorial arranged according to the difficulty of learning the violin, specifically designed for professional and amateur violin students in middle and primary schools (amateur students can selectively practice). When it comes to daily scale practice, some students have yet to realize its importance, and as a result, often neglect it. During his visit to China, Mr. Ray Chaitkin, a violin professor at the Eastman School of Music in the United States, once told me about the time he played the violin for the master Heifetz. He said, "Heifetz asked him to play the B minor and G# minor double-stop scales." One of my classmates, Dan Podolsky, studied for two years under the renowned professor Galamian at the Juilliard School of Music. I asked him, "As a famous violinist like you, does Professor Galamian still listen to you play scales during your lessons?" He replied decisively, "Of course, not only does he listen, but he listens very carefully, from slow to fast, not missing any unsatisfactory detail." The Romanian violin educator, R. Krenk, compared scale practice to "the daily food of a instrumentalist." The discussions by violin masters and professors from around the world on the importance of scale practice could fill a thick book. Here, I have only cited a few examples. I would like to remind young violin students: persist in scale practice. With daily practice, you will surely achieve unexpected progress. When practicing scales, start by playing slowly to first master the pitch. Before pressing each note, the mind must have a preconceived auditory image of the note. Once the pitch is accurate and secure, gradually increase the speed to train finger flexibility, clarity, and strength. Additionally, practice various bowing techniques and dynamic variations to adapt to different musical expressions. This textbook is divided into two volumes. When studying, the progress between the two volumes and within each lesson should be kept appropriately consistent to ensure both volumes are completed simultaneously and to smoothly transition into learning the "Carl Flesch Scale System." Once a student develops an interest in practicing scales, it means they have entered the of music and are free to climb higher.