Scales are made up of organised ascending and descending patterns of notes. They might be thought of as musical ladders, and there are many different types. Sometimes scales are not our favourite things to play, but if you can find a way to think of them positively you will quickly realise how much they can enhance your playing and put you in the fast lane.
The importance of scale practice cannot be overestimated: the reasons are well-known and well-documented elsewhere. In terms of examination requirements, the following points are crucial: security of intonation and rhythm; legato in both the bow and the left hand; smooth and controlled timing of string crossings and position changes.
This is a PDF version of the discontinued printed hardcopy edition, which is no longer available for purchase.
