This exercise is intended for sections of consecutive note lengths. When I see a section of running 16^ths or triplets, this is my default practice exercise.

1. Choose a practice unit. You should already have fingerings and bowings and have the unit “in your fingers,” that is, perfect at ½ tempo.
2. Choose the appropriate rhythm patterns.
3. Turn on your metronome, clicking eighth notes (according to these patterns), slow enough that you can play the unit with all the right notes and bowings.
4. Superimpose the rhythm patterns onto each group of 3 or 4 notes
5. Play the unit 2x using Rhythm 1.
6. Play the unit 2x using Rhythm 2.
7. Continue, using all subsequent rhythm patterns.
8. Play the unit with the correct rhythm 5x

EXAMPLES

Quincy Porter: Speed Etude, 1950

Gyula David: Concerto for Viola and Orchestra, 1951
Third movement: Vivace