Practice Materials



Violin Beginner

Violin Beginners - Print now:


Equipment Care


First 5 pages of Hrimaly 
(Note, this means pages 3-7 of the actual book)

Violin Beginner Pieces:


 Print:  Bach: Ten Little Classics

Buy: ABRSM violin exam pieces books 1 and 2

Violin Beginner Studies

Use these for daily sightreading practice.  Print and learn some in detail as requested:

Kayser Progressive Studies Op. 20

Dont Op. 37




Violin Intermediate

Violin Intermediate Print now:


Yost - Exercises for Changing of Position - print pages 3 and 4

Volin IntermediateStudies:

Use these for daily sightreading practice.  Print and learn some in detail as requested:


Violin Intermediate Pieces:

Buy: ABRSM violin exam pieces books 3 and 4

Sassmannshaus Early Start on the Violin, Volume 4 
 You can buy it here and have it delivered:



Violin Intermediate Pieces without shifts:  

Print as instructed.  Look for legible  piano and violin transciptions if it is orchestral.



Rieding Concertino Op. 21, 34, 35
Seitz Student Concerto 2 and 5




Violin Intermediate Pieces including shifts: 

Print as instructed.  Look for legible  piano and violin transciptions if it is orchestral.

Accolay No.1 in A minor
Bach Violin Concerto in A minor 1st movement
Handel Violin Sonatas
Haydn Violin Concerto in A Major 
Mlyrnarski Mazurka
Vivaldi Violin Concerto in A minor 


Violin Advanced 


Print Now:

All pages from page 10 of Hrimaly 
(Note, this means page 12 to the end of the actual book)



Violin Advanced Studies

Use these for daily sightreading practice.  Print and learn some in detail as requested.  For Kreutzer and Dont it is best to buy a copy.

Kreutzer Studies 
Dont Op. 35 
Fiorillo Studies
Rode Studies



Violin Advanced Pieces 


Buy ABRSM violin exam pieces, grades 5 and 6



Print these as instructed.  Look for legible  piano and violin transciptions if it is orchestral:



Handel Violin Sonata in D
Kreisler Praeludium und Allegro
Mozart Violin Concerto in G
Viotti Concerto No. 23


More Advanced



Buy ABRSM violin exam pieces, grades 7 and 8

Print these as instructed.  Look for legible  piano and violin transciptions if it is orchestral.

Vitali Chaconne



Viola

Viola Beginners - Print Now:


Intermediate Practice Routine for Viola

One Octave scales

Viola Beginner Pieces


Buy: ABRSM violin exam pieces books 1 and 2



Intermediate 


Viola Intermediate Studies
Use these for daily sightreading practice.  Print and learn some in detail as requested:
Cavallini Book 1
Weber


Viola Intermediate Pieces


Print as instructed.  Look for legible  piano and viola transciptions if it is orchestral.
Bach Cello Suites (viola transcription)
Mozart 2 Duos for viola and violin
Cambini Duos Viola and Violin
Breval duos viola and violin
Veracini Sonata No.8 e minor (viola transcription)
Bach Violin Concerto in A minor (viola transcription)
Vivaldi Violin Concerto in A minor  (viola transcription)


Start reading the viola parts of Mozart string quartets (start with his early quartets)  from imslp.  First, listen to them online while reading along, then pluck and then play.

Explore orchestral parts of symphonies available free online at 
imslp OM parts.  
Read and then play along while listening to the pieces.




Viola Advanced 


Viola Advanced Studies
Use these for daily sightreading practice.  Print and learn some in detail as requested:

Sitt

Mazas Viola Transcriptions
Kreutzer Studies viola transcription
Rode Studies viola transcription

Viola Pieces with advanced techniques

  Print as instructed.  Look for legible  piano and viola transciptions.



Monti Czardas viola transcription
Vitali Chaconne viola transcription

Explore the 
 imslp.org viola solo pieces

Start reading other string quartet and symphony parts available at 
imslp OM parts, including this collection of excerpts.




Daily Sight Reading is essential



Choose a variety of keys and rhythms from the material below.
Print out or play sitting or standing in front of the screen.
Even plucking a few of these each day is helpful.

Apply these Sight Reading Skills:
  1. Know the key and its sequence of finger patterns
  2. Say or clap any difficult rhythms before starting.
  3. Feel the beat (at a realistic speed) before starting and keep it going
  4. Read ahead.
  5. Read by interval.
  6. Keep playing, no repetitions.  Sight reading is not for fixing mistakes. If you want to play the piece better, work on it after the initial sight reading.




More Sight Reading Material (Violin)

First Position Pieces


A Website with many tunes

 Wohlfahrt Op.38
 Wohlfahrt Op.45 Book 1
 Hersey



Intermediate

Rhythmic challenges: Irish Music


Including Shifts: Maia Bang Part II (study 129 onwards)


Including Shifts: Sitt 20 Etudes, Book 3



Bowing Challenges: Wohlfahrt Op.74

Grade 4 Sightreading Material

Explore string quartets and orchestral parts of symphonies available free online at imslp.org.  
Read and then play along while listening to the pieces.



Second and third postion Studies: 


Maia Bang Part III

Wohlfahrt Op.74 (from Study 26)
Wohlfahrt  Op.45 Book 2
Sitt 20 Etudes  Book 2




Fourth Position and above:



Sitt 20 Etudes Book 2 (from study 31)
Maia Bang Violin Method Part 4


Intermediate Chamber Music to Play with other Violinists


Violin Duos

Very Easy
Dancla Op. 23

Easy
Bartok 44 Duos for 2 Violins
Dancla Op. 33
Lorenziti 6 Duos
Collection
Chedeville Amusements Champetres

First and Third Position
Cervetto 6 Duos
Dancla Op. 34
Kreutzer 2 Duos
Mozart Contredanse collection
Mussini 3 Duos
Viotti 6 Duos
Vivaldi A minor concerto for 2 violins  Print solo violin I and II parts typeset by Matthieu.

More Advanced

Bach Concerto for 2 Violins in D minor  (print Sauret transcription for 2 violins and piano )
Krommer Duos
Leclair 6 Duos for 2 Violins Op.3

Violin Trios

Bloch: Easy Trios for 3 violins

 Violin-Terzette, Volume 3  (look at several, but No.3 and No.7 aren't too fast)

Pachelbel's Canon in D, for 4 violins  The harmony B and harmony C parts are easy, the others more advanced.

Violin and Viola

Mozart 2 Duos for Violin and Viola K423-424
Pleyel 6 Duos, B. 501-506
Pleyel  6 Duos, B. 544-549

Violin and Cello

Advanced Violin Part
Battista 6 Sonatas for Violin and Cello



Viola and Cello 

Mozart 2 Duos for Violin and Viola K423-424 (transcribed for viola and cello)

Violin, Viola and Cello: Intermediate

Tartini 2 Trio Sonatas
Find the viola part under 'Arrangements and Transcriptions'.  V1 includes shifting.  

Wichtl Leichte Trios Op. 13
Shifting and some complex rhythms 
G major, V2 is also written for viola



Two Violins and Cello: Easy

Beethoven Laendler (country dances)
Choose the Publisher Violinistamateur
Very little shifting

Various Famous Pieces Arranged for Two Violins and Cello
Very little shifting

Two Violins and Cello: Intermediate 

Boccherini 6 String Trios G.83-88 (Op.4)
Open 'Parts' and choose the version by Publisher: Le Concert 2011
V1 parts include shifting

Haydn, London Trios
V1 and V2 both require shifting.
Have a look at the score, but you need only print your part (displayed after the score)

Mozart W.A. 12 Minuets
V1: some shifting 

Pleyel Trios for two Violins and Cello
Choose the Publisher Mainz: Schott, n.d. (ca.1789). 
Trios number 1 and number 3 for intermediate players:
V1 includes shifting, V2 very limited shifting


Stamitz Trio in G Major for 2 Flutes
Flute music generally goes quite high, so this includes a lot of shifting.

Tartini 2 Trio Sonatas
V1 includes shifting.  

Wichtl Leichte Trios Op. 13
Shifting and some complex rhythms 
G major or F major 















Performance News


Auckland Violinist Susan Davis: Performances

Some lovely events performed at by Susan Davis violin with Ambiance Strings.





Ambiance Strings: Devonport Arts Festival

During the Wynyard St Street Festival we entertained guests with great composers such as Mozart, Haydn and Massenet, providing both classical and romantic pieces.



Susan Davis, Ben King, Judith Gust and Maxine Cunliffe at the Devonport Arts Festival


Officers Mess Narrow Neck: Wedding

This venue is absolutely beautiful and has excellent acoustics.  It is amazing to have such a venue with fabulous views so close to town.  We loved playing here for the gorgeous couple.



The Pohutukawa Trio: Concert in Devonport Depot Artspace


Three of us, Susan Davis, Maxine Cunliffe and Emily Allen have formed a concert string trio to perform to audiences throughout the region.  

Beethoven's Op. 3: String Trio No. 1 in E-flat major (1794).


Beethoven was 24 at the time he wrote this, and this piece is an ambitious six-movement work, full of Beethoven's contrasts including exciting, dramatic, melodious and romantic themes and harmonies.


Susan Davis Solo: Wedding at Bucklands Beach Golf Course

This venue has fabulous views over the Hauraki Gulf and beautiful music had been chosen.


Ambiance Strings: Quartet at Abbeville Estate Wedding

This venue has old-fashioned charm while being conveniently close to the airport. Playing for 3 hours gave us a great opportunity to fit in longer, complex quartets such as Mozart's K 387 and Haydn's 'Lark'.


Susan Davis Solo: Knighthood Investiture for Sir Peter Williams QC.

It was a great honour to provide music at this event in which Sir Peter Williams QC received his knighthood from Governor-General Jerry Mateparae. Attendees included Paul Henry, John Banks and Winston Peters.


Susan Davis Solo: Wedding at Formosa Golf Course

This venue provided a beautiful setting with fabulous views and the couple had made charming choices for their special pieces.


Susan Davis Solo: Wedding at Ambers, Silverdale

This lovely house had a perfect garden for the arrival of guests and ceremony. I was happy to play some of my most exciting repertoire for the appreciative guests.


Ambiance Strings: Duo at a Devonport Wedding

At this beautiful wedding at St Francis de Sales, Devonport we enjoyed playing pieces chosen by the couple and some duets written specifically for violin and cello.


Ambiance Strings: Quartet at a Special Event

We played at a beautiful rural home in Waitoku, providing string quartet music by Mozart, Haydn, Schumann and other composers. Playing for a solid 2 hours gave us a great opportunity to fit in longer quartets such as Haydn's 'Lark'.


Violin and Piano: Sonata Concert

My friend and pianist Dianne and I played again at the Poynton, Takapuna. The venue has good acoustics, and we enjoyed playing the Beethoven 'Spring' sonata and the first movement of the Brahms G major sonata.


Susan Davis Solo: Wedding at Devonport Yacht Club

I felt honoured to play at this beautiful wedding in my own community. The lovely venue, warm, charming people and happy atmosphere made this a wonderful day.


Ambiance Strings: Trio at Wilson Home Wedding

We enjoyed playing on this lovely day in the excellent acoustics of the Wilson Home chapel. Both the famous wedding pieces were chosen by the couple: Wagner and Mendelssohn.


Ambiance Strings: Quartet at a Business Open Day

On a beautiful afternoon we played Haydn, Schumann, Mozart and also the third Bach Brandenburg concerto, while guests enjoyed the warm weather and lovely catering.


Susan Davis Solo: Wedding at Northridge Country Lodge

This beautiful wedding included the couple's choice of Elgar's beautiful 'Salut d’Amour'. Many guests kindly complimented the light classical music and relaxed fun jazz, and I enjoyed playing for them.


Violin and Piano: Short Recital

Many thanks to pianist David, and to the concert organiser and piano and recorder teacher Colleen, asking us to play at Waiake again. We played the first movement of Schubert's Sonatina in D major.


Susan Davis Solo: Wedding at Brookgreen Park, Coatesville

This wonderful venue has perfect lawns, a charming lake with a 'Monet' type bridge and plenty of shady trees. I entertained the guests with relaxed classical music before the ceremony and more lively classical and jazz afterwards.


Ambiance Strings: Trio at Bridgewater Estate



Despite cyclone Lusi, everyone stayed dry and the wedding was absolutely beautiful. We were happy to present classical and jazz music, including Mozart, Schumann and some popular jazz standards.


Ambiance Strings: Duo at Private Vineyard

This Matakana area vineyard overlooked fields and the sea. The beautiful wedding included a rose-strewn bridal walk, phenomenal views and the romantic music chosen by the couple, such as Haendel's 'Largo' and Massenet's 'Meditation'.


Ambiance Strings: Quartet at Hurstmere House, Matakana

This fabulous setting was perfect for a wedding and for sound production: we sat under a verandah in front of a wall, which acted as a 'sound shell', while the guests enjoyed the garden in front. We presented Mozart, Haydn, Bach and the bride's chosen aisle piece: Pachelbel.


Ambiance Strings: Duo at Gracehill Vineyard


Our violin and cello duo were happy to present a wide variety of composers on this special day in this very beautiful setting.


Ambiance Strings: Quartet at Wilson Home

In glorious weather we loved playing in these delightful gardens, including that special piece chosen by the bride and groom for her entrance through the rose walk.


Susan Davis Solo: Wedding in a Private Garden

I enjoyed providing solo music for a beautiful wedding in a private Kumeu garden. Solo playing is a great opportunity to present some very romantic pieces by Beethoven and Kreisler.


2013


Violin and Piano: Concert Evening


My friend David and I enjoyed bringing Schubert's Sonatina in D major and Kreisler's 'Liebesleid' to an appreciative audience at a lovely music evening in Milford.


Ambiance Strings: Quartet in Remuera

Here we played in a beautiful private home for a glamorous wedding function, presenting some of the more sophisticated Mozart and Haydn quartets.


Ambiance Strings: Duo at Gracehill Vineyard

Despite the weather, this wedding was charming and we presented Beethoven, Mozart and many other composers. Their duets are not as well known as their larger works, but are very lovely.


Violin and Piano: Short Recital


Many thanks to my friend and pianist David, and to the concert organiser and piano and recorder teacher Colleen, who invited us to play at the Trinity Church, Waiake. David and I presented the romantic 'Meditation' from Massenet's opera 'Thais'.


Susan Davis: Violin Solo at the Domain

At this charming nook for a wedding at the Watson Bequest area of the Domain, the organisers had set everything up beautifully. Gentle string music seemed just right for this dreamy setting.


Ambiance Strings: Trio at Chelsea Reserve Wedding

This reserve is another lovely setting I hadn't played at before. There was a great view over the inner harbour and a large reserve with old trees and historic small brick houses to add a special touch.



Ambiance Strings: Quartet at Art Gallery

This was a beautiful venue: The Auckland Art Gallery's Mackelvie Gallery. In these great acoustics we played for a BNZ board dinner at the gallery, including some of the more demanding Haydn string quartets. The special treat for us was seeing some of the fabulous art, including Art Nouveau paintings.


Ambiance Strings: Trio at Mantell's

Three of us played for a beautiful wedding at Mantell's, Mt Eden. It gave us the opportunity to provide some of our favourite music to an appreciative audience.


2012


Ambiance Strings: Violin and Cello Duo at Howick Wedding

The Presbyterian Church in Howick was the venue for this wedding. It was a perfect day, and the cellist and I enjoyed playing in the acoustics of this beautiful wooden church.


Ambiance Strings: Two Violin Duo at Westfield

We took this opportunity to present some less familiar European Christmas carols and Christmas concerti by Manfredini and Corelli, as well as the English carols that everyone knows and loves.


Susan Davis Solo: Wedding at Botanical Gardens

This wedding at the Botanical Gardens gave me a chance to see this well-designed venue for the first time. A remarkable amount of planning has gone into these gardens, and the lovely background contributed greatly to the wedding.


Susan Davis Solo: Wedding at Cotter House

I played at a beautiful wedding yesterday, 4 hours solo at the lovely Cotter House in the charming ballroom mainly playing, but a bit of jazzy singing as well towards the end. A very kind couple and guests. Wedding gigs are so nice, full of happiness and love in beautiful settings :)


Ambiance Strings: Quartet in Cornwall Park

At a lovely wedding on Saturday in Cornwall Park the quartet played some of Haydn's 'Lark' and Mozart KV 387. We had a room with good acoustics and enjoyed playing these complex quartets in which the voices interact and each instrument is fully valued by the composer.


Violin and Piano: Sonata Concert

My friend and pianist Dianne and I played Mozart and Beethoven sonatas (K 301 and 'Spring) at our recital. The venue has a good piano in a nice large space, and the atmosphere was relaxed. It went very well - I think we projected plenty of energy in addition to the hard work we'd put into the detailed passages paying off.


I definitely had that 'flow' experience of time just disappearing - the 40 minute recital felt like 5 minutes.


Ambiance Strings: Quartet at Wilson Home

At the charming Wilson Home, under the shady pergola, we played for a beautiful wedding, covering pieces from Mozart, Bach, Pachelbel and many others. A lovely atmosphere, surrounded by roses in bloom :)



Ambiance Strings: Trio at Bridgewater Wedding

Bridgewater, Kaukapakapa is a stunning venue with a large garden and pond, where we played for gorgeous outdoor wedding.


Ambiance Strings: Trio at Mantell's

Mantell's is a great city venue with an atrium, where this lovely wedding was held. The trio had the opportunity to play a large range of our repertoire in this venue with good acoustics.


Violin and Piano: Sonata Recital

Thanks to my friend and pianist David, and to the organiser Colleen, who invited us to play for her pupils at the Trinity Church, Waiake. We played a Mozart sonata (KV 301) and enjoyed the friendly and enthusiastic atmosphere. It is particularly nice to play for young people who want to be playing these pieces one day :)


Earlier Highlights: corporate events and weddings, Ambiance String Quartet Auckland, Ambiance other ensembles and Susan Davis solo:


St Mark's, Remuera

Cornwall Park Band Rotunda

New Zealander of the Year Awards Dinners

Auckland Town Hall

Hyatt/Pullman Hotel and Resort

Waitakere Estate

Brigham Creek

Waipuna Hotel

Hopetown Alpha

PWC Tower Quay St

Wilson Trust Gardens

Floating Pavilion

Settlers Lodge Waimuku

Auckland City Art Lounge

Alberton House

Mantell's Mt Eden

Rydges

Navy Wardroom Summer Ball