Unofficial prep guide · TMEA 2026-27 · Viola
Campagnoli Op. 22 Caprice No. 3
Bartolomeo Campagnoli. 41 Caprices, Op. 22.
Unofficial prep guide. No affiliation with TMEA. Official materials and errata: tmea.org/orchestra/audition-material/etudes/
What this etude trains
The technique focus.
Bow-stroke variety, string crossing, rhythmic precision, and intonation in the upper positions. Caprice No. 3 specifically develops the kind of clear, projecting bow stroke that registers in a large hall.
About the composer
Campagnoli (1751-1827) was an Italian violinist whose Op. 22 Caprices, originally for violin, were adopted as foundational viola studies because they train the bow arm and intonation across all positions. They are the viola equivalent of the Rode or Dont Caprices.
Errata
Where to find the current-season corrections.
Campagnoli caprices exist in several viola-adapted editions with varying bowings and articulations. TMEA specifies one edition and any corrections are listed at tmea.org/orchestra/audition-material/etudes/ (posted May 1 to May 15, frozen September 1). Common errata address slur lengths and dynamic placement, especially in editions adapted from the violin originals.
Official errata source
TMEA posts errata May 1 to May 15 each year and updates them until the September 1 freeze. Region cuts and excerpts post August 1 at noon Central Time. Area cuts post September 1.
Verify errata on tmea.orgCommon mistakes
Practice traps on this etude.
- 1
Using too light a bow stroke. Caprices that project in a violin edition often need a heavier, more grounded bow approach on viola to produce the same tonal clarity.
- 2
Intonation drift in sequences that move through positions quickly, particularly if the thumb does not release and travel with the hand.
- 3
Uneven string crossings, most obvious when alternating between the G string and the C string at speed.
- 4
Playing staccato passages with too much bow lift, which interrupts the rhythm and scatters the tone.
- 5
Neglecting the internal dynamics that caprice writing implies, so the performance sounds one-dynamic and flat.
Panel perspective
What a judge listens for on this etude.
- Clarity of articulation at the specified tempo.
- Intonation stability through position changes.
- Tone quality: projecting, not thin, even in faster passages.
- Bow-arm control across string crossings.
- Musical shape, not just technical execution.
Scored takes on this etude
How other students are scoring it.
Record this etude. Get scored free.
Hear what a panel hears before August 1.
Record your take of this etude. The Judge scores it on the same five dimensions a real panel grades: intonation, rhythm, tone, technique, and musicality. Measure-level notes show exactly where your take cost points. Three free takes, no card.
Record this etude and get scored freeCommon questions
What students ask about this etude.
What does Campagnoli Op. 22 Caprice No. 3 train?
Bow-stroke variety, string crossing, rhythmic precision, and intonation in the upper positions. Caprice No. 3 specifically develops the kind of clear, projecting bow stroke that registers in a large hall.
Where do I find the official TMEA errata for Campagnoli Op. 22 Caprice No. 3?
The official errata are published by TMEA at tmea.org/orchestra/audition-material/etudes/. Errata post May 1 to May 15 and are updated until the September 1 freeze. Always verify corrections directly on that page before preparing for auditions.
What are the most common mistakes on Campagnoli Op. 22 Caprice No. 3?
Using too light a bow stroke. Caprices that project in a violin edition often need a heavier, more grounded bow approach on viola to produce the same tonal clarity. Intonation drift in sequences that move through positions quickly, particularly if the thumb does not release and travel with the hand.
Is this an official TMEA resource?
No. This is an unofficial prep guide. Orchestra Kingdom has no affiliation with the Texas Music Educators Association. All official materials, errata, and audition requirements come from tmea.org.
Can I use Orchestra Kingdom to score my TMEA etude practice?
Yes. Record your etude and get scored on the five dimensions a real panel grades: intonation, rhythm, tone, technique, and musicality. The Judge gives you measure-level notes on where the take cost you the most. Three free takes, no card required.
When do region excerpts and cuts post for TMEA 2026-27?
Region cuts and excerpts post August 1 at noon Central Time. Area cuts post September 1. Both are published by TMEA on the official audition materials page.
All 2026-27 TMEA etudes
See all eight etude prep guides