What’s In Each Book
Which level is right for you?
BOOK 1 – Getting Started
In Book 1 you will explore the beauty of the viol and how it works.
- plucking open strings with the left and right hands
- playing different rhythms with the bow
- fingering left-hand notes while bowing on the string
- playing fluidly in 1st position with simple note sequences
- playing on the top three strings
To get started, view the following VdGSA teaching videos :
“Sitting with the Viol” and “The Bow Hold and Basic Bowing Exercises.”
Go to this link and scroll down to find the videos.
BOOK 2 – Next Steps
In Book 2 you will explore ½ position and other skills:
- adding the 4th and 5th strings
- barring the 1st finger
- slurred to hooked bowings
- double-stops
- playing inégale (the French Baroque “swing”)
BOOK 3 – Getting to the Next Level
In Book 3 you will explore the following techniques and skills:
- frequent shifts between 1st and ½ positions
- playing in 2nd, 3rd and 4th positions
- playing scales to become fluent
- da Capo and Fine
- Baroque Trills
- chordal playing
- tenue (holding down a L.H. fingering)
- extensions in the left hand
- reading tablature