Viola Grade 1, Hurray! I have a viola student! Options

[violincjj]

Been teaching violin for ever and a day...

Bit of a shock that poor violists have to buy LOTS of different books for exam pieces (IMG:style_emoticons/default/huh.gif)

So I wondered if anyone had any particular recommendations for pieces? We are already enjoying Viola Time Joggers and there are a couple of options from there...

Is the Elgar Andante in C like the violin version does anyone know??

[primrose]

Bit of a shock that poor violists have to buy LOTS of different books for exam pieces (IMG:style_emoticons/default/huh.gif)

Indeed. We are a persecuted minority.

Is the Elgar Andante in C like the violin version does anyone know??

Do you mean no. 1 from Six Very Easy Pieces? If so, I believe it's identical to the violin version, but transposed from C to F.

[2childmum]

[
Bit of a shock that poor violists have to buy LOTS of different books for exam pieces (IMG:style_emoticons/default/huh.gif)

I know exactly what you mean! I've just paid out £30 for exam music for my son's grade 3 trumpet - add that to the exam fee and I'm looking at £70 - and he isn't even that bothered about exams!

As for the grade 1 viola, I don't have huge experience, but I do have the 'Time Pieces for Viola book 1', which is quite good value as it has more than one piece for grades 1, 2 and 3 all in the same book.

Having said that, I'm not over keen on the grade one pieces - from list A the Bach isn't bad, and the Purcell I found straightforward but a bit boring. From list 2 I found the Dvorak boring - it's rather repetative(sp?). From list 2 I quite like 'Viola Joke' (well, it's grown on me) but I do think it's a bit tricky.

I also have 'First Repetoire for Viola book 1' From that I liked the Morley from list A, from list B I really enjoyed the Bruckner, and the list C 'March' is nice to play too. The 3 pieces make a nice contrast.

Apart from those I've only looked at the 'Joggers' and 'Runners' stuff which you have looked at already.

If I was taking the exam I would do the three from ' First Repetoire', which only requires one book, Please bear in mind that I say all this from the lofty heights of just starting to look at Grade 2 stuff!

Hope that helps a bit - and I also hope others can help you out with the other pieces on the list.

[elisabeth_rb]

I also have 'First Repetoire for Viola book 1' From that I liked the Morley from list A, from list B I really enjoyed the Bruckner, and the list C 'March' is nice to play too. The 3 pieces make a nice contrast.
...
If I was taking the exam I would do the three from ' First Repetoire', which only requires one book, Please bear in mind that I say all this from the lofty heights of just starting to look at Grade 2 stuff!

Yes, exactly. You can do up to about G5 viola with just one book each time and can probably do G1-3 with just 'Time Pieces' vol 1! Just need to be picky with the syllabus and prepared to do maybe the only piece from that book if you're really pinched for £$£. Can be a pain and quite resrictive, but it is possible. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Matt Molloy]

Bit of a shock that poor violists have to buy LOTS of different books for exam pieces (IMG:style_emoticons/default/huh.gif)

Indeed. We are a persecuted minority.

Guitarists too. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

Other exam boards manage to do a guitarists book (and other instruments) but not our beloved AB.

Maybe in future.

Cheers,

Matt.

[lottie]

For grade 3 I think you can get one choice from each list in the Time pieces book.

I didn't like them so I'm using three books but my teacher has two of them and I managed to get the other on ebay for a few pounds (just by chance).

[Nicia-Clarinet-Flute]

Well done on youe viola pupil (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I don't think it's too bad (the amount of books for viola) can remember first learning clarinet I liked a different piece on the list out of a different book everytime so I ended up with absolutely loads of books for gd. 1, 2 and 3!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) For viola I've stuck with Time, as I really like the pieces (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Nicia (IMG:style_emoticons/default/clarinet.gif)

[violincjj]

Well done on youe viola pupil (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I don't think it's too bad (the amount of books for viola) can remember first learning clarinet I liked a different piece on the list out of a different book everytime so I ended up with absolutely loads of books for gd. 1, 2 and 3!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) For viola I've stuck with Time, as I really like the pieces (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Nicia (IMG:style_emoticons/default/clarinet.gif)

Thanks, I do feel very happy to have her, I have had 2 other viola students before and sent them onto a more expert viola teacher after Grade 4 but I do LOVE the sound of the instrument and am happy teaching the early grades. I like Time pieces too, enjoyed using the flute series with my youngest son (recall that a particular piece was written in the year when margarine was invented, very useful to know (except I can't now remember the year))

[ilovemycello]

Bit of a shock that poor violists have to buy LOTS of different books for exam pieces (IMG:style_emoticons/default/huh.gif)

Same with cello. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)
There is an upside- you have a chance to try lots of different pieces instead of sticking to the 3 in the book. If you borrow books or play from photocopies whilst trying them out, you can pick out a piece which you like- and will therefore play better (hopefully). (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)