Scales

[Banzai]

Ok everyone.  You talked me into Fischer's Basics.  I got

that, and I'm enjoying it so far.  Now I have a far simpler

query.

I'm looking for a good little collection of scales and arpeggios.

 I'm well aware of the Flesch scale system, but I don't know

that that is what I want.  It's just so...huge!  (I know,

I know...it's the last scale book I would EVER need...)

I'm looking for a tidy collection that's a good look at my scales

and arpeggios.  Just something basic, something not 142

pages...you know, so it won't tip over my music stand.  Just a

little practice companion.  I would also like it to come

recommended by the resident experts here.

I've been living off of some copied scales from my former

teacher...but my collection is incomplete.  I generally don't

need a lot of scale work for major scales (those come naturally,

and are easy to hear) but I need to start doing a lot more minor

scale drilling.

Anyhow, you guys have steered me right so far.  As always,

your words and comments are appreciated.

[gabi]

"Esentials for Strings"

[thom]

I have Nadaud's Gammes Pratiques (Bozza ed.). You used to be able to get it at sheetmusicplus.com. My current and previous teacher thought it was better than any of the ones traditionally used in this country.

[Omobono]

Scales can be a very individual thing depending on your history with former teachers, etc.

Here is one standard ( I'm not saying it's the best or the only option)

http://www.sheetmusicplus.com/...d=186635&item=3144018

I have used or adapted material from this and others over the years for violin and viola.

[Banzai]

It's possible that the best thing may be to get the mammoth Flesch

system.  My argument against is this; (and I may be

wrong...)

If I'm doing scales, I want to work on perfect intonation with even

bow strokes.  Whatever bow stroke I'm practicing, I want it to

be steady and consistent while I drill intonation.

If I want to work on more complex rhythms and bowings in, say,

Dm...I'll just work on the Gigue from the Dm Partita, perhaps.

I'll look into the suggestions you guys posted.  Thank you as

always for the replies.

[4strings]

"Scales for Advanced Violinists," by Barbara Barber. Rather like a condensed Flesch and Galamian, and not too expensive.

Also available for viola.

[Banzai]

Thanks for that one 4strings.

I saw that on Sheet music plus...but there were no reviews and

scant info.  I may still break down and get the massive Flesch

system, but if you have anything more about Barber's book, I'd

appreciate it.

[Stephen Fine]

You might also want to look into getting D.C. Dounis' book if it's in print: The Artist's Technique of Violin Playing. It's not just scales, but if you want some sick etudes, this is the book.

Lately, for just regular scales I've been using Ellen Rose's Extreme Viola: A 12-Week Guided Course in Scales, Arpeggios, and Double-Stops. I don't even know if the book is available commercially, mine is just spiral bound... I bought it years ago.

[Banzai]

Lymond...

I'll look into that as well.

I am amused that you described etudes as "sick".

[outside]

I like the Barber book. You are wrong about the Flesch scales, there aren't rhythms, the Galamian books have those more. The Flesch scales just have all these variations in one key and then go onto the next key. The Galamian has it divided into arpeggios, one string, 3-ocatave, with different keys in each set. I think having everything in one key altogether is sort of nice. Barber has much less stuff but is organized like Flesch. Barber actually has a suggestion in the scales book to do the rhythms and slurs.

If you want "tidy", a preview of scales and arpeggios, I would go with Barbara Barber Scales for Advanced Violinists.