Practice Tips – Thoughts on how to learn a new piece of viola music – By Vanessa Gaidoni

"Keep Life Sweet"Sarah Graham Do you have a new piece to learn? Swiss artist Paul Klee (1879-1940) said about the word 'line' "​A line is a dot that went for a walk." As musicians we are always taking dots for a walk, and lifting them right off the page! Learning a new piece can be...

Feeling worried about performing?

Many thanks to Professional Performance Coach Amy Littlewood for sharing some great advice on what to do if you are feeling nervous about an upcoming performance, audition or exam.   Feeling worried about performing? If you feel nervous about performing do not worry, you are not alone. There are so many people that have these...

Vaughan Williams and the viola: a short introduction – By Martin Outram

A huge thank you to Martin Outram, viola soloist and violist of the Maggini Quartet, for this contribution to our British Viola Society Young Violists page. Click on the links to listen to some beautifully played viola music, written by Vaughan Williams. Vaughan Williams and the viola: a short introduction Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) took up the...

VIOLA TRIO – Are you looking for a little something for your end of term concert? FREE Sheet Music…

Here is a viola arrangement of a Rondeau written by  Marin Marais (31 May 1656 – 15 August 1728) a French composer and celebrated virtuoso of the viola da gamba. Click Here for free score and parts - Rondeau - Marais - 3 violas Listen to it being performed on original instruments... https://youtu.be/l09Xc0gxnqo   The markings are as close to...

Revising for Exams?! Good Luck!

The secret to surviving revision is GOOD MUSIC!   Here is a small selection, with no lyrics to distract you. Do you have any suggestions or any music that works well for you? Tell us and we will add it to the playlist. Before you know it....... they will all be over and you can spend the...

Apply Today! OPERA NORTH ORCHESTRA ACADEMY

For outstanding young musicians age 14 - 19 The Opera North Orchestra Academy summer residential course provides a world-class orchestral training experience with the Orchestra of Opera North in an inspirational and supportive environment. While meeting like-minded young musicians you will take your performance skills to the next level and be a part of thrilling...

Matthew Jones shares selected Yoga exercises and warm-ups for Violists

A big thank you to Matthew Jones, for sharing some of his warm-up exercises. Matthew is Senior Tutor of String Chamber Music and Professor of Viola at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London and director of the Pro Corda International Chamber Music Academy Intermediate Course. Selected Yoga exercises and warm-ups for Violists...

Pedal Exercitium – For Viola

This piece comes with a bit of a health warning - it can get addictive!  FREE SHEET MUSIC - Click Here I arranged Pedal Exercitium for Ella, one of my wonderful viola pupils who also plays the organ. It has proved to be popular amongst many of my other pupils too, so I am sharing...

Happy New Year! A little Viola fun to get the new year started – from the Absolute Zero Viola Quartet

Many thanks to Ross Cohen for supplying us with a quiz or two to get the year off to a good start.  Quiz No. 1 - violarama 2015 quiz (questions) Quiz No. 2 - rcc_sample_exam_paper Ross Cohen Article - violarama 2011 review Absolute Zero Viola Quartet - Check out their website, lots of fun to be had...

We Wish You a Merry Christmas…

The British Viola Society Young Violists would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Here is a quick, easy arrangement of 'We Wish You a Merry Christmas' for four violas. Link for the FREE sheet music: We Wish You A VIOLATASTIC Christmas - 4 Violas 4 of our...

On the eve of 45th International Viola Congress in Rotterdam, a look back to Cecil Aronowitz Viola Extravaganza 2017.

This time last year the Cecil Aronowitz Viola Competition & Festival in Birmingham was well underway. A perfect time to look back on at what a fantastic week it was. Many violists are heading towards Rotterdam this week for the 45th International Viola Congress. Some in very unconventional style!   https://www.classicfm.com/music-news/cycle-180-miles-dressed-as-viola-and-toilet/ Please do support Alistair and Anthony in their...

Are you preparing for an audition? Do you wish you could find out from the panel what they are looking for?

Violist Matthew Jones, Head of Chamber Music at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, gives help and advice on how to prepare for an audition, and what you can expect on the day. We are very grateful to Matthew for sharing his knowledge and expertise! It does not seem long ago that I was...