Kievman, Louis - Practicing the Viola (Mentally and Physically) - Viola solo - Kelton Publications

I really like this book, Louis Kievman’s “Practicing the Viola, Mentally—Physically”. I am a professional violist, and I just started using Mr. Kievman’s book. It is about working on the basics of playing and really focusing on the details of doing your best job. The exercises for the left hand develop left hand finger strength and dexterity using very basic routines. The exercises for the right arm give instructions for working on all the various bow strokes with precision and intention. I can highly recommend this book. I have been working from it for two weeks now, and I already see and hear a pronounced improvement in my sound. I intend to use it for warmups from hereon forth.

Louis Kievman created this book to fill a void that he perceived in conventional string training. At first glance many of the exercises may seem simplistic, but they are terribly valuable exercises. If you follow his carefully detailed instructions, you'll find that your technique steadily improves. The only reason I wouldn't give it 5 stars is that it's not readily accessible to everyone. It helps to have a teacher to guide you through it.