# One Step Higher, Viola

Second and third position

Every position shift on the viola is a small navigation across a longer fingerboard. These lessons make second and third position feel like home.

Intermediate · 5 lessons · approximately 100 minutes of material (not a mastery deadline).

## Before this module
- [The Speaking Bow](/learn/viola/speaking-bow), Martelé, staccato, collé, and spiccato

## What this module covers
1. **Second Position, Geography & Alto Clef**, The notes, patterns, and reading landmarks of second position (20 min)
2. **Shifting Into Second**, Clean, controlled shifts to and from second position (20 min)
3. **Third Position, Geography & Alto Clef**, The notes and hand shape of third position on all strings (20 min)
4. **Shifting Into Third**, Smooth guide-finger shifts to third position and back (20 min)
5. **Musical Exercises in 2nd & 3rd Position**, Short pieces and études that use both positions in context (20 min)

## Practise with a free reference
- [Free note-reading practice](/tools/note-reading), Check note names in the clef you are studying before adding instrumental technique.
- [Viola first-position chart](/charts/viola), A lower-position reference only; it does not show every accidental, extension or shift in this module.

## What comes next
- [Shadow and Light](/learn/viola/shadow-light), Advanced dynamics and the viola's unique tone colours

## Where should I start with one step higher?
The curriculum places The Speaking Bow before this module. Review those topics if they are unfamiliar. The first lesson is “Second Position, Geography & Alto Clef”: The notes, patterns, and reading landmarks of second position. The order is a study guide, not proof that every learner needs the same pace.

## How long is the one step higher module?
The 5 listed lessons total approximately 100 minutes of material. That estimate describes lesson content, not the practice time needed to become comfortable with second and third position. Revisit one task at a time and use feedback from a teacher where physical technique is involved.

## What can I try here without an account?
The one step higher description, lesson sequence and prerequisite links are public. There is no full worked lesson sample for this module yet. The linked public tools and references are free. A free account includes the complete five-lesson foundation module in each instrument and five lessons in music theory, with saved progress and no expiry. Later lessons require the relevant paid package.

## Continue in Arco
The complete five-lesson foundation module in each instrument and five music theory lessons are free with an account, including saved progress and no time limit. Later lessons require the relevant paid package. Public samples do not assess your physical technique or certify exam readiness.

[See packages and pricing](/pricing) · [Back to the viola curriculum](/learn/viola)

Canonical source: https://arcosounds.com/learn/viola/one-step-higher