Viola Standards
Four Year Progression for Viola
The Methods/Etudes and Solo sections of this document are samples of materials that are appropriate at the various levels. Note that there is some overlap of material between the years. Etude books are often used over several years, and solos can be appropriate at more than one level. Other material at the appropriate level can also be substituted by the instructor. The tables below describe minimum requirements.
| Year, Semester |
MUAP 1200/3200 (Performance Track) |
MUAP 1100/3100 (BA General, BME, BMT) |
Fresh 1 |
Review of fundamental technique 3-octave scales and arpeggios Grade 1 and 2 studies (2) and Grade 2 repertoire (1 mvt.) |
Review of fundamental technique 3-octave C scale and arpeggios Grade 1 studies (1) and repertoire (1 mvt.) |
Fresh 2 |
3-oct. scales, arpeggios, 7ths Grade 2 and 3 studies (2) and repertoire (1 mvt.) |
Review of fundamental technique 3-octave scales and arpeggios Grade 1 and 2 studies (2) and repertoire (1 mvt.) |
Soph 1 |
3-oct. scales, arpeggios, 7ths Simple double stops Grade 3 studies (1) and repertoire (1 mvt.) |
3-oct. scales, arpeggios, 7ths Grade 1 and 2 studies (2) and repertoire (1 mvt.) |
Soph 2 |
3-oct. scales, arpeggios, 7ths Simple double stops Grade 3 and 4 studies (1) and repertoire (1 mvt.) |
3-octave scales, arpeggios, 7ths Grade 2 studies (2) and repertoire (1 mvt.) |
Junior 1 |
3- or 4-oct. scales, arpeggios, 7ths Double stops Grade 3 and 4 studies (1) and repertoire (2 mvts.) |
3-octave scales, arpeggios, 7ths Grade 2 and 3 studies (2) and repertoire (1 mvt.) |
Junior 2 |
3- or 4-oct. scales, arpeggios, 7ths Double stops Grade 4 and 5 studies (1) and repertoire (2 mvts.) Junior recital (30 minutes. Includes concerto movement or concert piece) |
3-octave scales, arpeggios, 7ths Grade 2 and 3 studies and repertoire |
Senior Year |
Preparation for senior recital/auditions. Technical studies as appropriate. Three movements from Grade 4-5 repertoire performed at senior recital (50 minutes. Includes concerto movement performed from memory). |
1st semester: 3- or 4-oct. (C) scales, arpeggios, 7ths, simple double stops. Grade 3 and 4 studies and repertoire (2 mvts) 2nd semester: 3- or 4-oct. (C, Db, D) scales, arpeggios, 7ths, simple double stops. Grade 3 and 4 studies and repertoire (2 mvts.) Optional junior recital (30 minutes). |
Sample Graded Methods/Etudes and Solos
Grade 1 Repertoire Marcello, Sonata in E Doktor, First Solos for the Viola Player Eccles, Sonata in G |
Grade 1 Technical Literature Hoffman, Viola Studies, op. 86 Kreutzer, 42 Etudes, no. 2 Schradieck, School of Viola Technics, vol. 1, no. 1 Whistler, Introducing the Positions v. 1 Wohlfahrt, Foundation Studies |
Grade 2 Repertoire Bruch, Kol Nidrei Handel, Sonatas Liszt, Romance Oubliee Seitz, Student Concerto no. 3 Telemann, Concerto in G Vivaldi, Concerto in D, Op. 3/6 |
Grade 2 Technical Literature Dont, 24 Preparatory Studies, Op. 37 Kreutzer, 42 Etudes, nos. 9, 11, 13 Mazas, Etudes Speciales, Op. 36, vol. 1 Schradieck, School of Viola Technics, vol. 1 Whistler, Introducing the Positions, v. 1-2 |
Grade 3 Repertoire Bach, J.C. (Casadesus) Concerto in C Benda, Concerto in F Bloch, Meditation and Processional Faure, Elegy Handel (Casadesus), Concerto in B Hindemith, Trauermusik Sitt, Romance |
Grade 3 Technical literature Kreutzer, 42 Etudes Mazas, Etudes Brillantes, Op. 36, vol. 2 Sevcik, School of Technique, Op. 1, part 2-3 Schradieck, School of Viola Technique, vol. 1-3 Sitt, 15 Etudes, Op. 116 |
Grade 4 Repertoire Bach, J. S. Six Cello Suites (selected mvts.) Bloch, Suite Hebraique Brahms, Sonatas Op. 120, nos. 1-2 Britten, Lachrymae Hoffmeister, Concerto in D Schumann, Marchenbilder, Op. 113 Vanhal, Concerto in F Weber, Andante e Rondo Ongarese |
Grade 4 Technical Literature Bruni, 25 Studies Campagnoli, 41 Caprices Kreutzer, 42 Etudes Rode, 24 Caprices |
Grade 5 Repertoire Bach, J. S. Six Cello Suites Clarke, Sonata Hindemith, Der Schawanendreher Mozart, Symphonie Concertante in Eb Walton, Concerto |
Grade 5 Technical Literature Dont, 24 Etudes and Caprices, Op. 35 Rode, 24 Caprices |
