Keith Cook

Violin Scales and Positions Keith Cook

This book combines some of the most important elements found in separate scale methods, position etudes and introductory theory studies. Scales are arranged by key, and focus on the customary arpeggios and double stops; but also include position study particularly relevant to that key. For example, when playing in the key of C, second position can eliminate unnecessary shifting and string crossing. In similar fashion, third position is helpful when playing in the key of D. This book allows for flexibility in fingering. Teachers can customize the exercises to meet specific needs, even as those needs change for the student. Minor scales are contained in a separate section, and have the unique feature of modulating to the relative major. Pages with blank staff are included to allow for additional exercises. Players of jazz and other contemporary music can use this space to write in riffs or chord progressions to use in improvisation. Shifting exercises can also be entered. This book pays particular attention to keys with six and seven accidentals. The en-harmonic exercises and pieces provided help to reinforce understanding of positions in a way that is effective, and also fun.