The first thing to fix in your m ind before you begin playing this scale study is the signature, and the best way to impress it upon your memory is to name the intervals of the scale viz: C-D-Eb-F-D-A natural-B natural-C, ascending, and C-Bb-Ab-G-F-Eb-D-C, descending. Learn to pronounce and play the letters as written and do not say C-D-E-F-G-A-B-C, but say Eb, not E, etc. If you always name them correctly you will play them correctly.

No. 1 being a scale study in common time with 4 groups of 16th notes in a measure, should first be practiced by slurring groups of 4 with whole bow, then groups of 8 and finally groups of 16.

No. 2 is a bowing exercise in arpeggios introducing 2 styles of bowing. The upper slur binds 3 notes together, begriming with the 2nd 16th note, slurring 2nd, 3rd and 4th notes, then new slur binds 5th, 6th and 1st, and so on.

No. 3 is a staccato study in 3rds, therefore should be played as though written in 32nd notes followed by 32nd rests, hence with very short strokes of the bow.

No. 4 is in 3/4 time and is to be played legato.

No. 5 is a fingering and bowing study to be played in 3 ways as shown by sample measures written in small notes above. Begin by playing as shown in the 1st measure of sample; then play as shown in 2nd measure of sample. Notice that the 16th is dotted and is therefore to be cut very short as though followed by a 32nd rest; and last of all play as per 3d sample measure. Where both notes have dots over them and are to be played with 2 distinct strokes of the bow going in one direction (2 down and 2 up) with distinct rests between each and every note, this will require much patient practice.

N.B. When writing always mention instrument. Confine your questions to ONE LESSON ONLY. Give name of lesson, number of staff, number of measure, and be brief. Give full name and address.

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© 2003 R. Fingerson
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