SCALES.

STUDY GUIDE
Matías Mayordomo Marín – matiasmayor.com

Scales and arpeggios are the basis of music: most melodies and accompaniments
are derived from them. Therefore, they must be an element to work every day.

The conscientious study of scales, without any doubt, will improve our
technique and is, at the same time, a natural mechanism to check whether or not
it is accurate. They also help us not to develop bad habits.

For a correct study of the scales, we need two elements that always accompany
us: a mirror and a metronome.

My proposal is to study with the metronome at 52. 1 bow = 4 beats.

With the metronome at 52, we always play four beats per bow. We
can start by first making one note and then play two notes in a bow,
four (quarter notes), notes, sixteenth notes, and up to twenty-four
notes in a bow!!

Note: It is also possible to divide the arc into 2 or 3 beats.

Once the number of notes per bow has been increased, another good use that we
can give to the scales is to practice alternating different rhythms and bow
strokes.

The mirror is essential in the daily study. It will help us correct

our posture and, above all, correct the direction of our bow, which
must be parallel to the bridge.

To be effective, I propose that each time we work in front of the

mirror, we focus on one aspect. It is not easy to focus on two
things at the same time.

We should look at the following LEFT arm / hand things:

- Tuning, position changes, articulation, left elbow when changing strings

and in high positions, violin position.

We must pay attention to the following RIGHT arm / hand things:

- Contact point, arc speed and distribution, arc pressure, sound quality,
position of hand on tip and heel, arm at chord changes, do not raise the
shoulder.

Source: The Violin Channel (https://theviolinchannel.com) - Interview with Kurt

Sassmannshaus, professor of violin at the Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati
(USA).

© Matías Mayordomo Marín – matiasmayor.com