Welcome to DragonScales for Viola! Published by Nick Revel

This book contains a complete set of scales and arpeggios notated in slow to fast rhythms in all keys. Each key, starting with C, contains six scales (Major, Minor, Whole Tone, two Diminished, and Chromatic) and two sets of arpeggios progressing through eight harmonies. Each scale or arpeggio starts in a slow rhythm and progresses through faster rhythms. A set of audio play-alongs matching the notation is meant to accompany this book and can be streamed on YouTube via the QR code links found on each title page. All audio play-alongs are tuned to A=441 in ET. Try the C Major audio play-along: https://youtu.be/OMirdbs6jv8

The Notation

What makes DragonScales unique is that the standard rhythmic progression from slow to fast is made explicit in the notation, making it easy for students of all levels to read and understand the rhythmic content of their scale playing. Visual transitions from one rhythm to the next reinforce metric relationships and pulse within an overall tempo. The notation is intentionally written without fingering or slurring suggestions so as to be more adaptable to students’ and teachers’ needs.

The Audio Play-Alongs

While the notation does work as a stand-alone system, the addition of the DragonScales audio play-alongs transforms it into a powerful practice tool that keeps you grounded in pulse, rhythm, and pitch at every moment. Unlike traditional metronomes and static drones, Dragon-Scales audio play-alongs accompany the notation exactly, offering a perfect reference for rhythm and pitch at all times, even in the fastest rhythms. The play-alongs are found on YouTube in playlists organized by key. To stream, simply point your phone's camera at the QR code on the title page of the key in which you wish to play and allow your phone to open the YouTube app or web browser when prompted. You can then easily select your desired scale or arpeggio. Play-alongs are also available for purchase to enable offline use. NOTE: All audio play-alongs are tuned to A=441 in ET (https://www.nickrevel.com/dragonscales).

“How many teachers have had to ask students to buy scale books containing a plethora of exercises they would never use, just in order to have a few scales written out? Or alternatively spent valuable lesson time writing out scales and arpeggios by hand, or making play-along tracks for their students? Here are those scales, arpeggios, and recordings, in every key, in one convenient place. DragonScales is an extremely useful resource for student musicians.” - Dr. Sara Bennett Wolfe, SBW Suzuki Cello Studio

“This is great training for the fingers and eyes and very helpful for eye recognition when sight-reading. Practicing scales with DragonScales (audio) is very different from practicing with a drone or tuner. The fact that every note you play on your instrument can be tuned to the same note in the play-alongs at every moment even through rhythmic progressions is the thing that makes it unique. It’s been enormously helpful. Thanks to DragonScales my confidence in sight-reading the more difficult pieces has greatly increased.” - Kitty Benton, Associated Chamber Music Players

“DragonScales are the most efficient way to stay in performance shape, and I practice them every day. The speed levels are a perfect workup from “warming up” and honing in, all the way up to virtuoso training in efficient movement and endurance. It allows me to focus more on linking my body mechanics and bow arm with pinpoint pitch and rhythm control.” - Paul Laraia, Catalyst Quartet