Barenreiter Sassmannshaus.k / Sassmannshaus.e - Fruher Anfgang Auf Der Bratsche Vol.1 - Violon

Summary of This Method

This bratschenschule (viola method) is aimed at children from 4 years old and offers a clear progression, ideal for starting the instrument step by step. It supports the student in learning the first technical and musical reflexes, with a simple goal: to make the introduction to viola playing reassuring, structured, and motivating.

The content begins with a Vorwort (foreword), then covers the essential foundations of reading and playing: Notenwerte und Zeichen (note values and signs), before moving on to work on Die leeren Saiten (open strings) and Saitenübergänge (string crossings). The student thus builds posture, coordination, and listening skills, while learning to produce a stable sound.

The left hand is introduced progressively and logically: Der 1. Finger, Der 3. Finger, Der 4. Finger, with targeted technical points such as Die Rufterz mit dem 2. Finger (interval work with the 2nd finger) and Das Greifen auf verschiedenen Saiten (placing fingers on different strings). The method also addresses Der Dreiklang (the triad), Die Vorzeichen (accidentals), and Die Tonleitern auf zwei Saiten (scales on two strings), to establish intonation, fingerboard landmarks, and tonal understanding.

Finally, the bowing and interpretation section is enriched with Weitere Übungen, Lieder und Stricharten (additional exercises, songs, and bow strokes), Neue Stricharten (new articulations), Gebundene Noten (slurred notes), and Der Portato-Strich (portato). An excellent resource for guided learning (lessons) as well as for structured practice at home, consolidating rhythm, coordination, and expressivity from the earliest years.

Technical specifications

Publication

Methods

Instrumentation	Viola	Language	German
Genre	Instrumental method	Difficulty	Beginner (children from 4 years old)