Level I
\n<\/span><\/h2>\nCore Technical Requirements<\/strong><\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Establish correct posture, physical coordination, encouraging flexibility of the hands<\/li>\n
- Establish note-reading, including correct pitches and rhythms<\/li>\n
- Develop basic skills for correct pitch placement<\/li>\n
- Use of first position with different fingering patterns<\/li>\n
- Basic, full and partial bow strokes with correct placement at sounding point, straight path and direction: detach\u00e9, staccato, legato, slurs and string crossings<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Examples of Scale Studies<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n- Applebaum Scales for Strings<\/li>\n
- Barber Scales for Young Violinists<\/li>\n
- “First Position Scale Studies” by Cassia Harvey<\/li>\n
- Whistler Elementary Scales and Bowings<\/li>\n
- Herfurth A Tune a Day Scale Book<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Examples of Etudes\/Studies<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n- Applebaum String Builder Bk.1, 2<\/li>\n
- Applebaum First Position Etudes for Strings<\/li>\n
- Avsharian Mississippi Hot Dog Hoe Down<\/li>\n
- Avsharian Fun with Rhythm<\/li>\n
- Avsharian Fun with Basics<\/li>\n
- Bang Violin Method, vol. 1 and 2<\/li>\n
- Doflein Violin Method Bk.1<\/li>\n
- O’Reilly Fiddle Magic<\/li>\n
- Suzuki Bk. 1, 2<\/li>\n
- Whistler First Etude Album for Violin<\/li>\n
- Wohlfahrt op. 38 Easiest Elementary Method<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Examples of Musical Repertoire<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n- Applebaum Building Technics with Beautiful Music Bk. 1<\/li>\n
- Avsharian Songs for Little Players Series<\/li>\n
- Barber Solo Pieces for Young Players Bk. 1<\/li>\n
- Brown, JS Bach Ten Little Classics<\/li>\n
- Pracht Album of Easy Pieces op.12<\/li>\n
- Suzuki Bk.1,2.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Exam Requirements for Level I<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n- Scales: <\/strong>(1) One or two octave scale in a major or minor key in first position. Memorization required<\/li>\n
- Etude: <\/strong>(1) One Level 1 etude or piece. May be performed with music.<\/li>\n
- Repertoire: <\/strong>(1) Level 1 piece. Memorization required.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\nLevel II<\/span><\/h2>\nCore Technical Requirements<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n- Refinement of skills in previous level<\/li>\n
- Double stops in first position<\/li>\n
- Natural harmonics<\/li>\n
- Shifting technique from first position to third position<\/li>\n
- Varied rhythmic patterns in scales, etudes and solos<\/li>\n
- More varied and complex string crossings, adding colle, martele, and longer slurs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Examples of Scale Studies<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n- Hrimaly Scale Studies<\/li>\n
- Sitt Scale Studies<\/li>\n
- Sevcik School of Violin Technics op.1 pt.1<\/li>\n
- Schradieck School of Violin Technics Bk.1<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Examples of Etudes\/Studies<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n- Bang Violin Method, Bk. 3<\/li>\n
- Doflein Violin Method Bk.2,3<\/li>\n
- Kayser 36 Progressive Studies, op.20<\/li>\n
- Polo Double Chord Studies for Violin<\/li>\n
- Suzuki Bk.2,3<\/li>\n
- Trott Melodious Double Stops Bk.1<\/li>\n
- Wohlfahrt Foundation Studies Bk.1,2<\/li>\n
- Whistler Introducing the Positions Vol.1<\/li>\n
- Whistler Developing Double Stops<\/li>\n
- Whistler Preparing for Kreutzer Bk.1<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Examples of Musical Repertoire<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n- Applebaum Building Technics with Beautiful Music Bk.2<\/li>\n
- Applebaum String Festival Solos 1,2<\/li>\n
- Avsharian Fun with Solos<\/li>\n
- Barber Solos for Young Violinists Bk.2,3<\/li>\n
- Huber Concertino op.8<\/li>\n
- Kuchler Concertino in D op.15<\/li>\n
- Portnof Concertino op.13<\/li>\n
- Rieding Concertino op.21,34,35<\/li>\n
- Ruegger Concertante in G<\/li>\n
- Seitz No.2,5<\/li>\n
- Suzuki Bk.2,3,4<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Exam Requirements for Level II<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n- Scales: <\/strong>(1) Two- octave scale in a major or minor key fully or partially in third position. Memorization required.<\/li>\n
- Etude: <\/strong>(1) Level 2 etude or piece. May be performed with music.<\/li>\n
- Repertoire: <\/strong>(1) Level 2 piece. Memorization required.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\nLevel III<\/span><\/h2>\nCore Technical Requirements<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n- Refinement of skills from previous levels<\/li>\n
- Proficiency in first and third positions; introduction of second, fourth and fifth positions<\/li>\n
- Vibrato with coordination of arm, wrist and fingers<\/li>\n
- Dynamics with good tone quality and musical expression<\/li>\n
- Proficiency in basic bow-strokes with increased flexibility; Increased accuracy of intonation<\/li>\n
- Musical expression- use of dynamics and clear phrasing<\/li>\n
- Use of more advanced skills- chords, trills, up-bow staccato.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Examples of Scale Studies<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n- Flesch Scale System<\/li>\n
- Hrimaly Scale Studies<\/li>\n
- Sevcik School of violin Technics, op 1, Bk 1<\/li>\n
- Schradieck School of Violin Technics Bk 1<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Examples of Etudes\/Studies<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n- Bang Violin Method, vol 4<\/li>\n
- Kayser Studies op.20<\/li>\n
- Mazas Etudes Speciales Bk 1 op. 36<\/li>\n
- Polo Double Stops<\/li>\n
- Sitt Studies for Violin op 32 Pt.2<\/li>\n
- Trott Melodious Double Stops Bk 1 and Bk 2<\/li>\n
- Whistler Preparing for Kreutzer Bk 1<\/li>\n
- Whistler Introducing the Positions Volume 1 and 2<\/li>\n
- Whistler Developing Double Stops<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Examples of Musical Repertoire<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n- Barber Solos for Young Violinists Volumes 3, 4<\/li>\n
- Dancla Airs Varie, op.89<\/li>\n
- Fiocco Allegro<\/li>\n
- Handel Sonata no. 3 in f major<\/li>\n
- Mlynarski Mazurka<\/li>\n
- Portnoff op.14<\/li>\n
- Severn Polish Dance<\/li>\n
- Vivaldi Concerto in A minor<\/li>\n
- Vivaldi Concerto in G minor<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Exam Requirements for Level III<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n- Scales: <\/strong>Memorization required. Scales may share a tonic. Must partially or fully utilize a position above first position.\n
\n- (1) Two-octave, major scale<\/li>\n
- (1) Two-octave, minor scale<\/li>\n
- (2) or more pattern arpeggios.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
- Etude: <\/strong>(1) Level III etude. May be performed with music<\/li>\n
- Double -Stops: <\/strong>(beginning 2018-2019): (1) Level III Double-stop etude<\/li>\n
- Repertoire:<\/strong> (1) Level III piece. Memorization required.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\nLevel IV<\/span><\/h2>\nCore Technical Requirements<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n- Proficiency in skills of previous levels, including basic position, left hand and bow-arm techniques and use of correct dynamics.<\/li>\n
- Consistent accuracy in first five positions<\/li>\n
- Vibrato with continuity.<\/li>\n
- 3-octave scales with 7-arpeggio sequences for chosen major and minor scales with correct fingering (introduced).<\/li>\n
- 2-octave scales in double-stops (introduced).<\/li>\n
- Repertoire which utilizes primarily first through fifth positions, including extensions and half position.<\/li>\n
- Understanding and clear demonstration of printed articulations and expressive terms.<\/li>\n
- Interaction with accompanist.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Examples of Scale Studies<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n- Flesch Scale System<\/li>\n
- Galamian Scale System<\/li>\n
- Sevcik School of Violin Technics<\/li>\n
- Schradieck School of Violin Technics<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Examples of Etudes\/Studies<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n- Dont 24 Studies Preparatory to Kreutzer and Rode Studies, op. 37<\/li>\n
- Kreutzer 42 Studies<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Examples of Musical Repertoire<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n- Accolay Concerto No. 1 in A Minor<\/em><\/li>\n
- Bach, J. S, Concerto in A minor <\/em><\/li>\n
- Kreisler Sicilienne and Rigaudon <\/em><\/li>\n
- Monti Czardas <\/em><\/li>\n
- Dancla Airs Varies, op. 89 <\/em><\/li>\n
- Weber Waltz <\/em><\/li>\n
- Tartini Fugue <\/em>from Sonata in C, op. 1, no. 3 <\/em><\/li>\n
- Handel Violin Sonatas in D Major and A Major<\/em><\/li>\n
- Haydn Concerto in G Major <\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Jury Requirements for Level IV<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\nStudents striving to achieve level 4 for the first time may sign up for either an exam or jury, according to the teacher\u2019s recommendation.<\/p>\n
\n- Scales: <\/strong>Memorization required.\u00a0 Scales may share a tonic. Scales should be performed at a moderate speed with any bowing articulation\n
\n- (1) Three-octave, major scale.<\/li>\n
- (1) Three-octave, minor scale.<\/li>\n
- (7) pattern arpeggios.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
- Double Stops: <\/strong>\n
\n- (1) Etude or caprice with primarily double-stops throughout. May be performed with music.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Or<\/p>\n
\n- (1) Two- octave scale and<\/strong> (1) Two-octave minor scale in double-stops. Memorization required.<\/li>\n
- Etude: <\/strong>(1) Level 4 etude. May be performed with music.<\/li>\n
- Repertoire:<\/strong> (1) Level 4 piece. Memorization required. Piano Accompaniment required (if the piece is not just for solo violin) for a jury only.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\nLevel V<\/span><\/h2>\nCore Technical Requirements<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n- Proficiency in skills of previous levels<\/li>\n
- 3-octave scales with 7-arpeggio sequences in keys with up to 3-sharps or flats with fine intonation and ability to perform with basic variations of speed and articulation<\/li>\n
- 2-octave scales in double-stops in keys with up to 3-sharps or flats with fine intonation.<\/li>\n
- Repertoire which utilizes all seven positions, primarily in sequential or \u201cviolinistic\u201d manner. Some use of complex left-hand techniques, such as double-stops and artificial and\/or natural harmonics.<\/li>\n
- Repertoire which explores all major, minor keys and simple modality.<\/li>\n
- Addition of complex bowing techniques, such as ricochet and longer, up-bow staccato<\/li>\n
- Varied, individual artistic expression<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Examples of Scale Studies<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n- Barbara Barber Scales for Advanced Violinists<\/li>\n
- Flesch Scale System<\/li>\n
- Galamian Scale System<\/li>\n
- Sevcik School of Violin Technics<\/li>\n
- Schradieck School of Violin Technics<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Examples of Etudes\/Studies<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n- Kreutzer 42 Studies <\/em><\/li>\n
- Rode 24 Caprices <\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Examples of Musical Repertoire<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n- Bach Concerto no. 2 in E Major <\/em><\/li>\n
- (selected movements) Bach Sonatas and Partitas for Solo Violin<\/em>\n
\n- Partita No. 1 \u2013 Allemanda, Giga<\/li>\n
- Partita No. 3- Bouree, Giga<\/li>\n
- Sonata No. 1- Presto (last movement)<\/li>\n
- Sonata No. 2- Allegro (last movement)<\/li>\n
- Sonata No. 3- Allegro Assai (last movement)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
- Bartok Rumanian Folk Dances <\/em><\/li>\n
- Mozart Concerto in G Major <\/em>with a published cadenza<\/li>\n
- Kreisler Praeludium and Allegro<\/em><\/li>\n
- Kreisler Sicilienne and Rigaudon <\/em><\/li>\n
- Vivaldi Concerti \u201cThe Four Seasons: Spring\u201d \u00a0<\/em><\/li>\n
- DeBeriot Scene de Ballet <\/em><\/li>\n
- Kabalevsky Concerto in C Major <\/em><\/li>\n
- Viotti Concerto no. 23 <\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Jury Requirements for Level V<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n- Scales: <\/strong>Memorization required.\u00a0 Scales may share a tonic.\n
\n- (1) Three-octave, major scale.<\/li>\n
- (1) Three-octave, minor scale.<\/li>\n
- (7) pattern arpeggios.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The student should be prepared to play each scale with two, different speeds and a steady pulse (e.g. eighths, triplet eighths, and\/or sixteenths at M=50 or faster per quarter)\u00a0 or<\/strong>\u00a0two, different basic articulations (e.g. detache, slurs of 4 to 8 notes).<\/p>\n\n- Double Stops: <\/strong>\n
\n- (1) Etude or caprice with primarily double-stops throughout. May be performed with music.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Or<\/p>\n
\n- (1) Two- octave scale and<\/strong> (1) Two-octave minor scale in double-stops. Memorization required.<\/li>\n
- Etude: <\/strong>(1) Level 5 etude. May be performed with music<\/li>\n
- Repertoire:<\/strong> (1) Level 5 piece. Memorization and Piano Accompaniment required unless the work is written only for solo violin.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\nLevel VI<\/span><\/h2>\nCore Technical Requirements<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n- Refined proficiency in skills of previous levels.<\/li>\n
- 3-octave scales with 7-arpeggio sequences in all keys with fine intonation and ability to perform them with acceleration and advanced techniques of articulation and expression, including spiccato, martele and vibrato.<\/li>\n
- 2-octave scales in double-stops in all keys with fine intonation.<\/li>\n
- Artistic performance with sensitive, variable expression.<\/li>\n
- Understanding of musical structure and all musical markings.<\/li>\n
- Basic understanding of appropriate stylistic techniques (introduced), such as Baroque bow division, Classical transparency, Romantic portamento and varied vibrato.<\/li>\n
- Repertoire which demands facility in all positions. Use of refined, complex left-hand techniques, such as three\/four-note chords, harmonics, glissandi and left-hand pizzicato.<\/li>\n
- Repertoire which may explore any major\/minor key, atonal and\/or modal harmony.<\/li>\n
- Sensitive, responsive collaboration with pianist.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Examples of Scale Studies<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n