The main problem I want to address is composers changing and expanding techniques seen in exploring the capabilities of the instrument. Yet, violinists are still using Kreutzer Etudes which were composed in 1796. These Etudes are important but they don’t explore even the most widely used extended techniques such as artificial harmonics, sul ponticello, or snap pizzacato. This forces instrumentalists to learn these techniques on a case-by-case basis. Sometimes this will dissuade the performer from the piece due to inexperience with the method, and this contributes to the underperformance of 21st-century instrumental concert music. To help expand the palette of violinists I am going to compose a small etude book featuring common and uncommon extended techniques for violinist instructors to use in pedagogical settings, this will allow for more refinement on techniques that some may be uncomfortable with and thus more comfort performing music which uses such techniques. I will write one intermediate version of the etude and one advanced version to accommodate a wide variety of learning levels. By researching repertoire in the literature the conclusion of this project is a short pedagogical book that instructors and violin students can use to further their studies.
