The ViolA
Bow Hold (Beginner)
Learn how to hold your bow correctly with Miss Chappell
Copycats
A fun 'call and response' exercise
Left Hand Technique
Some top tips for left hand work
Posture and Playing Position
Establishing the correct posture is an important every time you play. Follow Miss Chappell's video and you'll get it right every time
Setting Up
Miss Chappell shows you how to set up your violin or viola properly so you're ready to play
D Major Scale
Learn the D major scale for violin and viola with Miss Chappell
String Skills
String Skills offers a whole range of resources for string players. You can download a range of well-known tunes to have a go at. The pieces vary in difficulty, starting with the easier ones and getting progressively more challenging. Be careful of the use of low/squashy 2s in some of the later ones, and Go Down, Moses should only be attempted by those working towards Grade 2 due to the use of flats.
There are backing tracks available to download for you to play along with (most have an introduction – have a quick listen first before you try playing along).
String Skills Resources Grade 3
Use the worksheet to navigate the String Skills website. The worksheet identifies useful activities for grade 3 ability.
Bow Hold (Intermediate/Advanced)
Two videos of exercises for intermediate and advanced players to help develop a relaxed and flexible blow hold. 1 of 2.
Bow Hold (Intermediate/Advanced)
Two videos of exercises for intermediate and advanced players to help develop a relaxed and flexible blow hold. 2 of 2.
Vibrato Masterclass
Mr Simons demonstrates exercises to help develop your vibrato
String Skills
Use the worksheet to navigate the String Skills website. The worksheet identifies useful activities for grade 4-5 ability.
Advanced Bowing Techniques
Part 1: Sautille
Recommended tutorials from David LePage covering a number of specific bowing techniques.
Remember that in order to effectively develop these techniques, it is vital that a relaxed and flexible bow hold is established first.
Advanced Bowing Techniques
Part 2: Spiccato
Recommended tutorials from David LePage covering a number of specific bowing techniques.
Remember that in order to effectively develop these techniques, it is vital that a relaxed and flexible bow hold is established first.
Advanced Bowing Techniques
Part 3: Ricochet
Recommended tutorials from David LePage covering a number of specific bowing techniques.
Remember that in order to effectively develop these techniques, it is vital that a relaxed and flexible bow hold is established first.
Strings - Tuning a violin or viola
A simple PDF guide for tuning a violin or viola. The video shows tuning a violin.
Vibrato with Maxim Vengerov
How to produce and change vibrato
Recommended tutorials from Classic FM’s Artist in Residence, Maxim Vengerov.
Triple Stop with Maxim Vengerov
How to play triple stops
Recommended tutorials from Classic FM’s Artist in Residence, Maxim Vengerov
String Skills
Use the worksheet to navigate the String Skills website. The worksheet identifies useful activities for grade 6-8 ability.
Reward Chart
Record your practice by colouring in this chart. How will you celebrate when you've filled it all in?
How to Tune a Violin or Viola
To make the most of your playing, make sure your violin or viola is in tune. You can learn to tune them yourself using this guide.
