A Major Scale & Arpeggio

Two octaves in first position

This scale of A Major for Grade 1 violin students covers two octaves over the four strings.

It is to be played entirely in the first position.

At first, the violin student should practice the suggested rhythm patterns on each note of the scale and arpeggio.

These rhythm patterns should be played starting in the middle of the bow, in the square position.

Then, the violin student can play the scale and arpeggio in détaché and with two-note slurs, first in the upper half of the bow, and then with the whole bow.

At all times, the violin student should pay attention to these very important points :

• Precise intonation
• Beautiful and resonant tone
• Good posture and bow hold
• First finger on the string
• Straight bow
• Constant bow speed and pressure

It is a good idea to practice in front of a mirror, with the strings of the violin parallel to the mirror.

Duration : 00:53

Source : Marie-Andrée Caux, Scales and Arpeggios for Violin (2013).