Hey, I have a grade 2 in violin and would really like to start playing agin and do further exams. I havn't played for a few years but started recently. Is there much differenct between grades 3 and 4 in terms of difficulty, as I have a making the grade book for grade 3, but one of its pieces is on the grade 4 sylabus. When is the latest you can use this sylabus's pieces, I gather from the sight that it was May but this seems rather late.
Thanks for any advice

Hi!

I sat Grade 3 in 2004 and Grade 5 last year, without doing Grade 4. I did, however play all of the grade 4 pieces. The main difference that I found was that you are expected to extend the range of positions you use to second and third, rather than just sticking to first position wherever possible! It is most often possible to play all of the pieces in first position, but I think they're looking for improved tone quality and this is often improved, for example, by not playing on the E string, but playing in 3rd position on the A.

I'm not sure about how long you can play the pieces for...Don't quote me on this, but I think I remember my teacher saying that if you had the 2005-06 book, you could use it for an exam in the first set of exams (in March I think?) of the next year, 2007.

Sorry if that doesn't make sense!

Is this true of viola too, with the D and A strings? I've noticed that the A string notes often sound strained in comparison to the D ones. Maybe it's just my poor playing and maybe I'd like a brighter sounding A string when time come for re-stringing. Who knows??

I don't really know too much about playing the viola, but I'd imagine so. Try out different positions and see if you hear an improvement. I'm sure it's not your poor playing! Also, investing in some good quality strings can make a huge difference, although you might not notice straight away - you'll need to use them for a couple of months to 'break them in' a bit.

Thanks
I've been trying to teach myself 3rd position and its going ok. Haven't had anyone to varify this thought:) I've never done 2nd position though, I really wanted to do Yesterday in an exam which is why I was thinking towards grade 4, but I don't think I'd be ready in time.

If you a picking it up again after a break it would be best to get a teacher if you possibly can, even if it's just for a while. Grade 2 isn't really far enough on through learning to be able to come back to it and be sure you don't re-learn with bad habits and get problems later. Also shifting positions needs to be done correctly and you need a teacher to explain it and to watch over your technique.

yeah I know, but its difficult to find a teacher nearby. I did email one, but I can only really afford a lesson every few weeks as it was 25 pounds an hour, when I said this I received no reply. I do have the numbers for a few others though

The E string on the violin is especially bright, so I don't think the same 'avoidance' needs to be taken on the viola A string.

The key thing about keeping tone quality is to keep it similar in a phrase of notes, where you may choose to play the phrase all on the same string if possible.

There is also a certain timbre about the G string that is sometimes required to add to a piece tonally (the famous 'Air' for example), and of course viola players will similarly wax lyrical about their C string which can be particulalrly cello-like in a good instrument. Composers will write 'sul G' if they want the section all played on the G string for this effect.

And also of course it may have nothing to do with tone, but can be really helpful in avoiding nasty string crossings.

Isn't it wonderful to have a choice about where to play a note. Many instruments don't have that.

I think it's more usual to use open strings generally on viola than violin.

I sometimes avoid my A string on viola but it's not nearly as evil as the E string can be.....

Yes open E is a definate no no...(unless asked for specifically, or you can claim it is Baroque music and therefore open strings are a pre-requisite for 'authentic style'. )

It does have a certain sound all of its own

The rest you can get away with (unless of course you need vibrato... not worked out how to do that on an open string...unless of course you can use your free hand (which would be the left, not being required to hold down a string) to reach over and press the string gently at the back of the bridge for a similar effect...hmm must try this and see if it works )

Try vibrating on a string with a note that's the same or an octave away (ie to get vibrato on open G you can vibrate on G 3rd finger on the D string, or you could use 2nd finger on A in 3rd position for E)

Note - I have never been able to make this work effectively, largely because my vibrato sucks, so I don't know if it really works, but the 3rd finger on G I definitely remember learning at some stage and I don't THINK I'm talking nonsense about the E string

Not sure I explained it very well though happy trying-it-out

I agree, but in addition, for the viola in particular, the position used also affects the projection of the sound. When using very high positions on viola the sound does not project as well as when using low positions, and the sound also becomes more muted, with a different quality. This is to do with the shorter vibrating string length in high positions combined with the thicker strings (compared to violin strings). When doing a solo on viola I would only use extremely high positions on CG and D strings if the accompaniment were very soft, I wanted that particular tonal quality and I wanted to draw the listener in.

Of course, yes this is what you do...sympathetic wobbling.

(but my method is just so much more dramatic don't you think?)

Much

PV - Ahh didn't know that - interesting - thanks

eek simulposting!!!

Great minds?

It makes sense and it also works, not as effectively on the A and D but makes the open G sound lovely...

Be careful with your adjectives. 'Wobbling' can mean a random motion from side to side, up and down, or a combination of both. Vibrato is far more complicated than that.

If you've not played your violin for a while it might be worth taking it to a luthier (specialist violin shop) to get the setup checked and maybe treat yourself to a fresh set of strings. While there, ask about lessons - often someone there may also teach but all good shops will know who the good local teachers are and should be able to help you with contact details.