Don’t Be Afraid of Third Position-Master it!

Most students find learning third position on the violin extremely difficult—but it doesn’t have to be! Frustration with learning higher positions often arises from a lack of understanding the true language of the violin. This course doesn’t just teach you how to play third position, it will help you understand the language of the violin. With an emphasis on ear training, advanced music theory, and muscle memory exercises, you will learn to master the basics of third position. Are you ready to learn the language of the violin once and for all?

  • Finger Patterns

    Learn how to shift to third position and the various third position finger patterns by ear.

  • Music Theory

    Music theory lessons will take you through the basics into advanced level concepts and show you how to apply those lessons to the violin.

  • Ear Training

    Improve intonation, shifting, and your understanding of the violin fingerboard.

Course curriculum

    1. Course Checklist

    2. What are Positions and Why Do We Learn 3rd Position First?

    3. Important Concepts

    4. How to Practice 3rd Position

    5. 7 Tips to Have the Proper Set-up for Third Position

    6. How to Adjust the Shoulder Rest

    7. Finger Decals

    1. Key Signature Memorization Guide

    2. Understanding How Scales Work

    3. Half Steps and Whole Steps Explanation

    4. Ear Training: Half Steps and Whole Steps

    5. Memorization Items

    6. Arpeggio Theory

    7. Pitch Matching Explaination

    8. Pitch Matching Ear Training

    1. Universal Scale Finger Pattern

    2. How to Get to Third Position

    3. How to Get the First Finger in Tune

    4. How to Get 2nd Finger in Tune

    5. How to Get 3rd Finger in Tune

    6. How to Get 4th Finger in Tune

    7. Tetrachords in Third Position

    8. Universal Scale Finger Pattern in Third Position

    9. What To Listen For

    1. Songs, Scales, and Arpeggios in Third Position Using Finger Numbers

    2. Hot Cross Buns Tutorial

    3. Hot Cross Buns Play-Along

    4. Mary Had a Little Lamb Tutorial

    5. Mary Play-Along Track

    6. Boil Them Cabbage Down Tutorial

    7. Boil Them Cabbage Play-Along Track

    1. C Major Scale Play-Along Track

    2. G Major Scale Play-Along Track

    3. D Major Scale Play-Along Track

    4. Advanced Ear Training: Scales on One String

    5. Basic Arpeggio Pattern

    6. Scales and Arpeggios Play-Along Track

    7. Associating Finger Numbers with Note Names

    1. Understanding Perfect Intervals

    2. Perfect Intervals Ear Training

    3. Thinking Vertically

    4. How to Play Ode to Joy in Third Position

    5. Ode to Joy Play-Along Track

    6. French Folk Song Tutorial and Play-Along Track

About this course

  • 70 lessons
  • 3 hours of video content

FAQ

  • When should I learn third position?

    While third position is traditionally taught as an intermediate level skill, this course is suitable for advanced beginners who want to start learning third position basics. The skills you learn can also be applied to first posiiton.

  • I already know third position. Will this course help me?

    Absolutely! My approach to teaching third position is completely different to the traditional method. This course will teach you ear training, music theory, and many other concepts to make learning higher positions easier.

Join the Online Studio to get access to this course

This course is part of my online violin studio. When you sign up, you'll get access to this course along with all of my other great courses and violin resources.

Learn More

Meet Your Instructor

Lora Kilpatrick

I have been instructing violin to all ages for over fifteen years. I hold degrees in Violin Performance as well as String Pedagogy, but I'm most proud of the hundreds of students who have learned to play the violin under my instruction. I'm excited to show you the wonderful possibilities of the violin, overcome its challenges and frustrations, and enjoy playing beautiful music!