Henry Schradieck (1846-1918) – Exercises on One String
Arranged for Violin with Samba-Style Rhythm Accompaniment by Fiona Vilnite
These exercises form the first chapter of H. Schradiek’s “The School of Violin Technics” Book 1. The book is organised into seperate chapters of exercises that introduce playing and shifting between different positions. However, it is these first-position exercises that have, for many – beginners and professionals alike – become a mainstay of the daily warm-up routine. The exercises can help to develop agility and an awareness of the processes involved in the individual movements of the fingers of the left hand. For new or novice violinists, and perhaps especially those who have small hands, it is nice that the exercises start from the open string in the major key – since the 2nd finger is in the high (#) placement. This makes it easier for players to obtain (or “reach”) the correct pitches with the 4th finger and correlates with the 2nd finger placement advocated in other methods, such as the Suzuki School. Because of this, the Schradieck exercises can also be learnt/practised in parallel to the repertoire presented in these methods. Also, because these exercises are short, they can be memorised easily and/or learnt by ear.
These videos (see below) include a samba-style rhythm accompaniment and are designed to assist with warming-up and developing a great left-hand technique. Each video can be repeated or played consecutively, depending on the feeling in the left hand. Remember keep an awareness of the feeling in the left hand, play with a relaxed left hand and rest between exercises.
Exercise number 1 played on all four strings
This exercise is great even for beginning violinists. Play along and learn from memory!
Exercises 2 and 3 on the A string:
Exercises 4 and 5 on the A string:
Exercises 5 and 6 on the A string:
Practice Tips:
Play along with the videos!
- Remember that practising these exercises in small doses every day – as a warm-up, for example – may be more beneficial than playing many exercises one after the other – especially for more novice players who are still developing a relaxed left-hand posture.
- Make sure that the left hand thumb is not unnessesarily squeezing the neck of the violin (this would be one cause of tension in the left hand)
- Find a comfortable position for the thumb, and check that it is not horizantal or beneath the neck of the violin. The thumb should be pointing upwards and approximately opposite the second finger. This will assist the fourth finger to reach to the correct note (E natural on the A string) and allow the hand to move in a more natural trajectory.
- Schradieck notes that during exercises, the hand should be kept “completely quiet, letting the fingers fall strongly and raising them with elasticity.” Indeed, the hand should be relaxed. Grabbing or pinching the violin will not allow the fingers to fall onto the string naturally and their lifting movements will also be inhibited.
- Try Practising the exercises on different strings, remembering to adjust the position of the elbow under the violin when needed.
Happy Practising!
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