The Doflein Method Volume III: The Second and Third Positions develops confident shifting into second and third positions through musically engaging studies and duets.
Key features
• Structured training in positional shifting
• Introduces trills, harmonics, and half position
• Reinforces minor tonalities
• Combines technique with ensemble practice
Expanding the violinist’s technical landscape, The Doflein Method Volume III: The Second and Third Positions continues The Violinist’s Progress by Erich Doflein and Elma Doflein, published by Schott Music. This volume marks a pivotal transition in violin study, guiding students into confident shifting through the systematic introduction of second and third positions.
Rather than presenting shifting as a purely mechanical skill, the method integrates short musical pieces and focused exercises that develop secure intonation and smooth positional movement within real musical contexts. New expressive and technical elements are introduced, including trills, harmonics, half position, and further reinforcement of minor keys. These additions deepen tonal sensitivity and expand the student’s expressive vocabulary.
As throughout the series, duet playing remains central. Ensemble work strengthens rhythmic awareness and harmonic understanding while reinforcing new technical skills. Volume III serves as a vital bridge between foundational first-position playing and the broader fingerboard exploration required for intermediate repertoire.
Key features:
The Doflein Method Volume V: The Higher Positions by Erich Doflein and Elma Doflein develops confident mastery of the 4th–10th positions within a musical and ensemble-focused framework.
Key features
• Systematic training in higher positions
• Integrates shifting and fingerboard coordination
• Includes duets and short performance pieces
• Final advanced stage of the Doflein Method series
The Doflein Method Volume II: The Violinist's Progress by Erich Doflein and Elma Doflein develops technique through structured work in fingering and bowing.
Key features
• Chapter-by-chapter focus on specific technical problems
• Builds precision and tonal control
• Continues the use of ensemble duets
• Bridges elementary and intermediate violin study
The Doflein Method Volume 1: The Beginning is a structured beginner course combining violin technique, music theory, and duet playing in a musically engaging format.
Key features
• Integrates theory with practical violin study
• Wide stylistic range of duets and rounds
• Early harmonic and ensemble training
• Introduces string crossing and simple double stops
• Encourages rhythmic and creative musical development
The Doflein Method Volume IV: Further Techniques in Bowing and Fingering refines bowing and fingering skills—primarily in first position—while integrating theory and duet practice.
Key features
• Focused refinement of bow control
• Greater fingering precision and coordination
• Musical application through duets
• Strengthens technical fluency before higher positions
