Educational Helps For the Suzuki #5 level

August 24, 2008 at 06:05 PM · Many Suzuki teachers teach only a modest amount of material outside what is in the Suzuki volumes. You should be sure you know the Tonalizations from past volumes,and review them regularly. Check Book 5 (and 6) for the keys used, and learn their two-octave major, relative minor and parallel minor scales, plus the 3-octave G major and g minor scales. As to position work, you will be doing more in 4th and 5th position. Sort through common method books for help there. The book on 3rd & 5th position in the String Builder series might be suitable. Don't fuss too much about other etudes if you are dedicated to a Suzuki regimen, otherwise, ask your teacher for more input. Sue

August 24, 2008 at 06:21 PM · The Flesch System is the standard--and very helpful--be advised though it is very antiseptic, in that you need to supply all the clever practicing techniques yourself. As far as etudes, ask your teacher. Almost all etude/caprice books are not in ANY order or progression of difficulty--the publishers are kind enough to just through them in a book and print them.

All that said, Sue's advice is best.

August 24, 2008 at 08:37 PM · Thanks for the suggestions!

August 27, 2008 at 07:59 PM · I like to use the Hrimly scale book.

At the end of Suzuki Book 4, I try to get my students to "romanticize" their playing somewhat by assigning the Massegnet Meditation and the Monti Czardas. These also help with position expansion and with spiccato development. And both are life-long enjoyable pieces that many people enjoy hearing.

Andy

March 28, 2009 at 07:58 AM ·

"The Complete Scale Book" is a great resource which includes all the essential traditional conservatory fingerings for 3- and 4-octave scales, chromatic scales, arpeggios, and double stop scales but excludes the myriad of variants and "extra stuff."  While practice variations can be helpful, I prefer something digestible that I can memorize.  Because of this book (and its extensive "tips for use") I practice ALL scales, etc. (memorized) every other day. You can find it here : www.violinvirtuosity.com/store/4 .

March 28, 2009 at 12:08 PM ·

Doflein Book 3 is really excellent for comprehensive development of shifting to 2nd & 3rd position.  It has lots of duets and a variety of styles as well.  If you have completed the second volume of Wohlfart, then you may be ready for Mazas Etudes, Op. 36, Book 1.

Barbara Barber's Young Violinist Series has many of the other pieces that are also taught at this level.

March 28, 2009 at 01:56 PM ·

Maybe Mazas is a little bit too hard, still.

You could try also Pracht études op. 15 vol. 3 (2nd and 3rd pos.), études by Hans Sitt, or Dancla op. 68, these are nice, because of the accompaniment part for your violin teacher.

March 28, 2009 at 03:55 PM ·

 I've found that Susan Brown's book of Two Octave Scales is good for this intermediate level when you should be learning scales but aren't yet ready for the Flesch 3-octave marathon.

March 28, 2009 at 04:55 PM ·

I second Doflein Book 3, it's nice and progressive; you'll really solidify your 2nd and 3rd position.  Also Galamian 3-octave scales.