Making 2nd Position Easy Violin Exercises
Are you searching for second position violin exercises, study guide and free training videos?
Look no further because you have just landed on the second position exercise gold mine!
Where is Second Position on the Violin?
Second position is when the left hand’s home starts with the first finger playing where the second finger normally plays in first position.
Why Learn Second Position?
Second position is an excellent position to have under your fingers for concerto work and orchestral playing. It is first introduced in the intermediate repertoire – Fiocco Allegro, Vivaldi Concerto in a minor and Bach Concerto in a minor.
The keys most comfortable in second position are B Flat, B, C, F, C Sharp and F Sharp.
When is a Good Time to Learn Second Position?
Traditionally second position is taught (if taught at all) after fifth position. Many teachers and violinists truly overlook the importance of teaching and studying second position. It is almost an oversight like, oh yeah that piece has a bit of second position…and that is it. Here at Online Violin Education you will find the most EXTENSIVE studies; books and course found online and in traditional material.
How to Learn Second Position on the Violin?
Traditionally second position is taught, if taught at all as a section of a traditional position book…perhaps 30 pages of exercises are devoted to this position. Many violinists don’t spend enough time learning second position and therefore really struggle reading the notes in second position. Note reading and fluency only improves with practice.
The best way to learn any position is to devote solid practice time to that position so that when the position pops up in your pieces or in orchestral work, you will be ready to go.
Really knowing your positions is the key to devising the best fingerings for your pieces and orchestral work.
Always know and think note names while studying positions, never fingers first….this is where violinists find themselves extremely confused.
Looking for an excellent method book series devoted specifically to second position exercises for the violin? Be sure to check out Heather’s Master Second Position with Finger Patterns 100% immediately downloadable position exercise book. Perfect second position practice companion for all violinists.
Happy Magical Practices,
Heather is a classically trained concert violinist residing in Bulgaria. She received her BM violin performance degree from CU-Boulder, studied with top teachers including Rachel Barton Pine. Heather has held leadership positions with multiple orchestras in the Greater Chicago-Milwaukee area. She has instructed millions of violinists globally via Youtube videos, online academies, group coaching and one on one sessions. Heather’s students have won multiple awards, concerto competitions, held concertmaster positions in orchestras and even performed in Carnegie Hall. Heather is an advocate of a holistic violin lifestyle – putting one’s mind, body and spirit as a violin journey priority.
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