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tonebase Viola Course

Shifting, Vibrato, and Sound Production Fundamentals

Taught by renowned violist

Ettore Causa

The course covers critical aspects such as sound production, shifting, and vibrato, with detailed guidance on both right and left hand mechanics to ensure relaxed, efficient, and expressive playing. Causa's expert instruction offers invaluable tools to enhance your technical foundation and overall performance on the viola.

  • checkmark icon
    Difficulty: 
    all-levels
  • checkmark icon
    Duration: 
    1
     hours 
     hour

Course Syllabus

Shifting Fundamentals

Ettore Causa guides you through the fundamentals of shifting, a key aspect of viola technique. You will learn about the basics of shifting and how to incorporate glissando for expressive shifting. These concepts are essential for smooth transitions between positions and for adding emotional depth to your performance.

Vibrato Fundamentals

In this part, Causa teaches the fundamentals of vibrato, an important expressive tool for violists. He covers the basic techniques required to produce a controlled and consistent vibrato, helping you to add warmth and character to your sound. Through careful instruction, you will learn how to refine and control your vibrato for maximum musical impact.

Sound Production Fundamentals

Conclude your study of viola fundamentals with a focus on sound production. Causa explores the essential techniques needed to produce a rich, full tone on the viola. This section emphasizes the importance of sound quality and provides practical tips to help you develop a more powerful and resonant sound, rounding out your fundamental skills as a violist.

Click here to download the course workbook PDF and see the full syllabus →
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Ettore Causa
meet YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Ettore Causa

Ettore Causa, an Italian-born violist, is a professor of viola at the Yale School of Music and has won both the "P. Schidlof Prize" and the "J. Barbirolli Prize" for "the most beautiful sound" at the Lionel Tertis International Viola Competition.

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Ettore Causa
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