VIDEO LIBRARY

PLAYTHROUGHS & TUTORIALS

Welcome to the Alameda String Academy YouTube Channel!

This is a collection of tutorials, practice play-through videos, and accompaniments for pieces I often use in my teaching. Just a note -- my purpose here is not to represent any specific methodologies. I apply a variety of approaches in my teaching.

My recommendation is always to find something that works for the student and their strengths and personal musicality.

My suggested approach to using these videos:
  1. Listen to the playthroughs first and often!
  2. Watch the tutorials for a particular piece or section you're learning (teachers may assign specific videos).
  3. Practice!
  4. When you're feeling comfy and ready, play along with the playthroughs without & with accompaniment; then play with "accompaniment only" tracks.
  5. Have fun!

I sincerely hope teachers and students will find these videos helpful. Those interested in learning more about me (Erica Ward) and my background/qualifications may visit the lessons page or www.ericaward.com. ​
Channel Highlights:
  • Suzuki Books 1 & 2 -  Tutorials and Playthroughs (accompanied and unaccompanied)
  • Evelyn Avsharian Songs for Little Players - Tutorials & Playthroughs
  • Solos for Young Violinists - Selected Tutorials & Playthroughs
  • Various scales & bowing techniques focused on the early- to early-intermediate player

OTHER RESOURCES -- SCALE BACKING TRACKS

There are a ton out there - this list will get you started. You'll see that multiple instruments and styles are represented in this list. It's fun to mix instruments and genres, and to try scale tones over different chord combinations. Get experimenting and find some that YOU like!

C Major G Major A Major A Minor