As I mentioned before, I would like to post a scale exercise so that you can try the pivoting concept previously discussed. I have uploaded a page with two versions of the same exercise, the first one has each note played four times before you change to the next one. This will help you solidify your i and m alternation. The second version has each note played twice before you change. This forces you to concentrate a little harder, especially if alternating rest-stroke scales are new to you. I encourage you to try alternating with other finger combinations as well, such as m and a, or i and a.

http://www.geocities.com/michaelpatilla/exercise1.TIF

This is my first time posting printed music on the blog, so if it doesn't work, or if you have suggestions about a better way to do it just let me know.

Practice these exercises with a metronome at quarter note = 50 (or even slower if necessary) and gradually increase the tempo. Pay careful attention to make sure that you pivot the right hand slightly toward the thumb so that the difference in length of the alternating fingers becomes unnoticable. And always remember to stay relaxed!!!

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