Octave practice strategy. Here’s an effective way to practice octaves using the natural flexibility of the hand! Swipe left for each stage: 1) Play top notes only 2) Play top notes while fingering bottom notes 3) Top, bottom, together 4) Simultaneous octaves The first finger is more flexible and has greater ability to adjust than the pinky, so I practice the top notes first. Place the pinky comfortably ensuring the pinky side of the hand is always higher than the 1st finger side of the hand. (Look at the base knuckles - pinky base knuckle is highest). The 1st finger side is so low that the first finger touches the string on its side when placed (not the way you would place a first finger for a single note). Going from top to bottom exploits the first finger’s ability to reach back and adjust effortlessly and avoids the painful pinky stretch often associated with octaves, especially on viola. I practice slurring one note to the next to encourage smooth shifting. #viola #violão #violaclassica #violateacher #bratsche #octaves #practiceroom #violapractice #violintechnique #violapower #violanation #violaworld #violinteacher #violinpedagogy #violintips #violinpractice #violinscales #musiceducation #violalove #violist #violistsofinstagram #practicemusic #onlinelessons #violinmasterclass #practicediaries #strings #stringsattached #orchestra #suzukiteacher (at Washington D.C.) https://www.instagram.com/p/CFHhTv5g58H/?igshid=vqn7c9n3nd9c
