LibGuides: Viola: Technique

Recommended Resources

Technique Books in the Allen Library (selections)

36 Studies for Viola Solo. Op. 43 by Kayser
Call Number: MT285 K23 [Allen shelves]

Publication Date: 1947

36 technique studies for a violist.
Accidentals Happen! A Compilation of Scales for Viola by William H. Somach
Call Number: MT285 S65 A [Allen shelves]

Publication Date: 2008

Includes major & minor modes, dominant 7th, pentatonic, ethnic, diminished, augmented, whole tone, jazz & blues, chromatic, and more.
The Galamian Scale System: Adapted For Viola by enlarged, arranged, and edited by Karen Olson
Call Number: MT282 G14 O37 [Allen shelves]

Publication Date: 1997

Daily scale/technique book for a violist.
School Of Viola Technique by Henry Schradieck
Call Number: MT282 S37 [Allen shelves]

Publication Date: 1955

Daily technique for a viola player.
Speed-Reading for Viola by John Bauer
Call Number: MT291 B38 S6 [Allen shelves]

Publication Date: 2009

Drill in all possible finger patterns including half steps, whole steps, augmented seconds, and brief repetitions to improve mental focus, physical eye focus, and quick fingers.

Discover More

Browse the Catalog

Browse by subject in the catalog, for example:

Viola > Instruction and study
Viola > Methods
Viola > Orchestral excerpts
Viola > Studies and exercises

String instruments > Instruction and Study

Browse the Shelves

There are many more technique books available in the library! Use these call numbers to find more:

Call Number	Topic
MT259	String technique (general)
MT280	Viola technique (general)
MT282	Systems and methods
MT285	Studies and exercises (general)
MT286	Orchestral studies
MT287	Bowing
MT288	Positions
MT289	Chords
MT290	Harmonics
MT291	Other studies (fingering, tone, etc.)
MT292	Studies for 2 violas
MT295-MT298	Instructive editions

Browse Professional Journals

Professional journals are a great place to learn from experts about the most recent developments in your field.
Search articles online or browse the Allen Library current periodicals (near the Allen entrance). See especially:

International Musician by American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada
Available in print (last two years on current periodicals shelf) and online (2003 - present).
Journal of the American Viola Society by American Viola Society
The Strad
Most recent issues available online only.
Strings
Most recent issues available online only.
Symphony by American Symphony Orchestra League
Summer–Fall 2021 available free online. Other issues available in print only (Current Periodicals or Bound Periodicals, ML1 S98).

Suggest a Resource

Know of a resource you think should be added to this guide? Let us know!

Want to suggest we purchase something new? Contact Tracey Rudnick (rudnick@hartford.edu).