Bunch of violas

Bas Egberts, ARCO, European String Teachers Association

What I like about this book is that apart form the 'melodic' improvisations, attention has gone into other sorts of improvisations. For example the atmospheric improvisation in the third duet. Effects such as  tremolo, ponticello and glissandi are used to create a winter landscape. And from these cold and misty sounds the rest of the duet emerges.

The sixth duet is on the other hand a very rythmic piece. 'Grate' sounds and col legno are used to achieve a more  'funky' character. With a bit of imagination the 'grate' notes could sound like the 'scratching' used by DJs and rappers.

The improvisations can be be as difficult as the imagination and technique of the student(s) will allow. The composed parts of duets are suitable for pupils who command the first position well and for those who have made a start on the third position. Some knowledge of keys is handy but for most of the improvisations is not strictly necessary.

All in all this book is very suitable for the viola lesson. Not only do students learn to improvise in a playful way, they also get an insight into keys, the structure of pieces and into creating atmospheres by using certain effects. And above all, 'A Bunch of violas' is just a really nice duet book!

Various articles
written by Sarah Stiles

The Strad
'In your Own Time'

News & Views
'Is practise really necessary?'

Music Teacher International
Unleashed Passion in Free Improvisation'

Primary Music Today
'Creative Music for Everybody'

Piano Bulletin
'Playing safe?'

News & Views
Free improvisation in string teaching

ARCO, European String Teachers Association
'Is studeren echt noodzakelijk?'

Het Orgel
'Improvisatie'

ARCO, European String Teachers Association
'Vrije improvisatie in het strijkersonderwijs' '

Het parool
Interview with Erik Voermans