1. Sheet Music & Repertoire

Where to find violin and viola sheet music & Repertoire ideas no matter your playing level.

• IMSLP – The largest open-source, free classical sheet music library. An absolute treasure trove of music, however due to the volume of the library, it’s easiest if you have an idea of what you are looking for.
• ABRSM Syllabi – Even if you are not taking the ABRSM graded exams, their syllabi offer repertoire ideas for most levels. If you are an advanced violinist or violist, check out their Diploma syllabi.
• Tuning in Fifths Repertoire Articles – Deep-dives into sourcing repertoire as an amateur right here on this site.

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2. Practice & Technique Tools

Tools to improve your technique, rhythm, sight-reading, and daily practice habits.

• Sight Reading Factory – A subscription (trial option available) with graded sight reading exercises.
• Tonal Energy – My favorite tuner/metronome app.
• SpeakBeat – A unique metronome app for iOS or Android that counts out loud.
• MyPianist – An AI Piano accompaniment app with a growing library of great repertoire. It is great for learning ensemble skills and practicing for performance.
• YouTube – Use the speed settings to slow down recordings to help with learning new repertoire. I like to play along with string quartet performances to help me prepare chamber music.
• Practizma Practice Journal – A guided 16 week practice journal with prompts to help make practice more efficient, and more fun.

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3. Instrument & Equipment Resources

Guides, stores, and tips for purchasing, maintaining, and caring for your violin or viola.

• Shar Music – One of the largest online string shops. Keep an eye out for seasonal coupons to stock up on new strings.
• Tuning in Fifths Gear Articles – Maintenance guides: strings, bows, rosin, shoulder rests, etc. right here on this site.
• Jay Haide – Well respected workshop instruments including baroque violins and violas (I have one of their modern and one of their baroque violas).
• Johnson String Instrument – Another large online string shop that offers seasonal coupons.
• Southwest Strings – This shop often has competitive prices for sheet music.
• Sheet Music Plus – A good place to source more difficult to find repertoire including contemporary compositions.
• Frisch & Denig Chin Rests – Semi-custom chin rests.
• The Wave Chin Rest – Unique chin rests offered in multiple shapes and heights from ultra-low to extra-tall.

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4. Learning Communities & Forums

Connect with other adult learners and string players through online groups and communities.

• r/Violinist (Reddit) – The most active reddit sub for violinistis.
• r/Viola (Reddit) – A Reddit sub for violists.
• Violinist.com – Articles and discussion boards about all things violin (and sometimes viola).
• All Types of Violinists (Discord) – A Discord community for violinists from student, to amateur, to professional. Violists are also active in the community.
• Future Primrose Winners (Discord) – A Discord community for violists. Many active members are advanced high school/college/conservatory students but some amateurs are also active in the community. 
• ACMP – An organization promoting chamber music playing around the world. Includes listings for chamber music workshops and a directory of chamber musicians. 
• Early Music America – A membership organization promoting Early Music in the US and Canada. Has resources, workshops, and concert listings. 

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5. Inspiration & Educational Content

YouTube channels, podcasts, and blogs that provide tutorials, masterclasses, and inspiration for string players.

• Nathan Cole (YouTube) – Technique advice and tutorials from an orchestral violinist and educator.
• Carol Rodland (YouTube) – Check out the Juilliard viola professor’s In The Studio series for valuable viola setup and technique tips.
• Molly Gebrian (YouTube) – Practice and performance tips from a violist who specializes in cognitive neuroscience.
• Musician Centric Podcast – A podcast by two freelance violists often featuring guests who discuss practice strategies and more.
• Bulletproof Musician– Podcast, blog, and website focused on the psychology of practice and performance.

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6. Books & Music Theory Resources

Recommended reading to improve technique, theory, and general knowledge about violin, viola, and classical music.

Technique & Practice

• Simon Fischer – Basics
  An invaluable resource covering all aspects of violin technique with over 300 exercises. This book is beneficial for all levels of player and addresses tone, intonation, shifting, vibrato, and more.
• Ivo-Jan van der Werff – A Notebook for Viola Players
  A clear and practical book on viola technique featuring exercises and warm-ups, covering topics such as tone production, shifting, vibrato, and relaxation.
• Robert Starer – Rhythmic Training
  A book of progressive exercises to develop rhythm, pulse, and sight-reading skills, suitable for all instrumentalists.
• Molly Gebrian – Learn Faster, Perform Better: A Musician’s Guide to the Neuroscience of Practicing
  An excellent book about how to practice more efficiently and the science behind why these practice strategies work.

Scales & Technical Systems

• Barbara Barber – Scales for Advanced Violinists and Scales for Young Violinists
  Straightforward, practical scale books available for both violin and viola. Scales for Young Violinists focuses on two-octave scales, while Scales for Advanced Violinists introduces three-octave scales. Both include rhythmic and bowing variations. They are more accessible than the Carl Flesch system.
• Carl Flesch – Scale System
  One of the most popular intermediate-to-advanced violin and viola scale methods. Comprehensive and demanding scale exercises.

Baroque & Historical Performance

• Judy Tarling – Baroque String Playing for Ingenious Learners
  A guide to historically informed performance for violinists and violists, drawing on historical sources and practical exercises to help players approach Baroque style with authenticity.
• Walter Reiter – The Baroque Violin and Viola
  A structured course of study for violinists and violists interested in historically informed Baroque performance. Read a review here.

Mindset & Musician Wellness

• Madeline Bruser – The Art of Practicing: A Guide to Making Music from the Heart
  A book that combines practical strategies with mindfulness techniques to help musicians reduce tension, improve focus, and connect with their playing.
• Gerald Klickstein – The Musician’s Way: A Guide to Practice, Performance, and Wellness
  A practical handbook on how to practice effectively, prepare for performance, manage performance anxiety, and maintain a healthy, sustainable approach to music-making.
• William Westney – The Perfect Wrong Note: Learning to Trust Your Musical Self
  A book about embracing mistakes as part of the learning process. Westney encourages a creative, and less perfectionist approach to practicing and performing.
• The Karen Tuttle Legacy: A Resource and Guide for Viola Students, Teachers, and Performers
  A collection of essays, exercises, and teaching approaches from viola pedagogue Karen Tuttle’s students, offering insights into her approach to viola playing, with a focus on physical ease and musical expression.
• Jennifer Johnson – What Every Violinist Needs to Know about The Body
  A comprehensive guide to Body Mapping, that helps violinists (and violists) develop physical awareness and prevent injury.