Introducing The Positions, Volume 1 - Violin

Volume 1 - Third and Fifth Position

By Harvey S. Whistler

Very thorough and systematic approach to teach shifts. Excellent resource.

No DVD included . Not having in person lessons make this a bit difficult to know if what you think you know is actual or if you are making mistakes.

I am Learning on my own and I find this book very self explanitory. It has plenty of variety and practice.Very simple. This book will bring your student up a level.

This is still the best book out there for drilling position work. Some preliminary work should be done for the very young or those just starting position work, but then, every teacher has a few tricks up the sleeve to introduce position work. I also wish the method started on...

the A or E string, but figure that it starts with G string so that students won't neglect position reading on the lower strings. I have to admit to letting my students skip some of the later, very long etudes and many of the shifting exercises after this technique has been carried over to scales and pieces.

I wish there was a better introduction to the positions - but I can't find one. It would help to begin in the key of A, G, or even D - not C; and on the A and E strings first. Still, the presentation and sequence is logical and straightforward.