5 Must-Know Études for Intermediate Violinists

If you're an intermediate violinist, you probably know that études are a big part of improving technique. They might not always be the most exciting pieces to play, but they’re super effective for building skills like bow control, shifting, and finger agility.

Here are five great études that can seriously level up your playing!

5 Essential Études for Intermediate Violinists

Études may not be the flashiest pieces, but they’re the secret to improving technique and control on the violin. If you’re an intermediate player looking to step up your game, here are five études that will help with everything from shifting to bowing precision.

1. Wohlfahrt – Op. 45, No. 37

Why it’s great:

This étude is all about bow control and smooth détaché strokes. It’s a fantastic workout for keeping your sound even and your hand relaxed, which is key to avoiding tension.

Practice tips:

• Keep your bow strokes short and controlled.

• Focus on consistent intonation—don’t let notes get sloppy!

• Try different parts of the bow to see how it affects your sound.

  
  

2. Mazas – Op. 36, No. 6

Why it’s great:

This étude introduces more expressive playing while reinforcing left-hand agility. It’s great for phrasing and articulation, making it feel more like a real piece rather than just an exercise.

Practice tips:

• Experiment with dynamics to make it more musical.

• Use vibrato on sustained notes for extra expressiveness.

• Keep your left-hand fingers close to the fingerboard for faster, cleaner playing.

  
  

3. Mazas – Op. 36, No. 20

Why it’s great:

This étude focuses on double stops, which are crucial for strengthening finger independence and improving intonation. If you’re aiming for more control and precision, this one is a must.

Practice tips:

• Tune each double stop carefully—intonation is everything!

• Apply even bow pressure to keep both notes ringing clearly.

• Practice slowly and break down tricky sections before speeding up.

  
  

4. Kayser – Op. 20, No. 13

Why it’s great:

This étude is great for shifting and finger dexterity. It’s a fantastic exercise for making shifts smoother and more reliable, which is essential for intermediate violinists.

Practice tips:

• Focus on clean, precise shifts—no sliding around!

• Keep a relaxed left-hand position to avoid tension.

• Play with a metronome to keep everything steady.

• 
  

5. Bériot – Op. 102, No. 35 (Méthode de Violon)

Why it’s great:

Taken from Méthode de Violon, this étude is a fantastic study in bowing articulation and left-hand coordination. It’s a great stepping stone to a more advanced repertoire, helping you refine both technique and expression.

Practice tips:

• Pay attention to bowing details—precision is key!

• Work on even bow distribution for a balanced tone.

• Gradually increase speed while keeping clarity in articulation.

Études might not be the most thrilling pieces, but they’re essential for improving your technique. Try mixing these into your practice routine and see how much progress you make!

Which études have helped you the most? Drop a comment and let’s chat!