Uploaded September 2020 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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Today we are looking at one of my favorite exercises for fundamental violin technique - the almost unknown Dounis Op.23
This short and simple book is in 3 parts, and I will be going over it in detail. We'll work on finger independence, balance, clarity, stretching ability, as well as string crossings. It's one of those exercises that is as challenging as you are aware. Make sure you download the PDFs so that you can follow along.

Dounis Op.23 + Kurganov Variations PDF ►
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Timestamps:

00:00 Welcome!
01:00 Selling my bow
02:06 DOUNIS Background / Approach
05:51 Op.23 Overview
06:34 == PART 1 DEMONSTRATION ==
09:56 Part 1 Practice Tips:
10:00 Finger Articulation
11:05 Relaxing thumb, wrist, fingers
11:24 Adding Vibrato
12:39 Articulation + Rhythm
13:33 Continuous sound
14:00 Double the Rhythm
14:29 Less is More
15:30 Repeating / Building a Routine
16:14 My Interval Variations (check pdf!)
21:01 == PART 2 DEMONSTRATION ==
23:09 Part 2 Practice Tips:
23:22 Grouping / Reflexes
23:59 == PART 3 DEMONSTRATION ==
26:36 Part 3 Practice Tips:
26:50 Role of Wrist / Forearm and Minimal Motion
27:20 Separate Stroke and String Crossing
27:31 String Crossings - Frog vs Tip
28:15 Using Double Stops
29:22 String Crossing vs Sound Production
29:44 IN ACTION - BACH D MINOR PARTITA
31:41 Wrap-up

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EXERCISE OUTLINE

I. BALANCE / CLARITY OF LEFT HAND FINGERS
- 6 Sequences
**Use my "Interval Variations" PDF to create a more robust exercise. These 6 sequences can be practiced using any of the interval patterns (You'll see 17 total in 6 groups). Not only that, but you can mix and match interval patterns. For example, you can run through all 6 sequences alternating H - W - M3 and M3 - H - H. The possibilities are endless, and it allows you to focus on what is most challenging for YOU in a very robust way.
**Add vibrato to the long notes, and try playing all 16ths as 32nds for an extra challenge.

II. INDEPENDENCE OF FINGERS THROUGH LATERAL MOTION
- 7 Sequences

III. SMOOTHNESS AND EVENNESS OF TONE IN STRING-CROSSINGS
- 4 Sequences
- 4 Bowing variations

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