String Solo Play-Alongs

Teachers keep coming back to the Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter series by Howard Shore and the films' original composers. Star Wars Instrumental Solos for Strings by John Williams is equally reliable for engaging intermediate violinists and cellists. These franchises work because students recognize the melodies, and the level 2–3 arrangements sit comfortably under the hands without sacrificing the emotional weight of the source material.

Howard Shore has composed nine titles in this collection, anchored by his wildly popular Lord of the Rings Instrumental Solos for Strings, available for both violin and cello. His film music translates beautifully to solo string arrangements, giving students access to sweeping orchestral lines they recognize and want to play.

John Williams' seven contributions include his Star Wars arrangements, which have become a staple in string studios. Williams' music sits naturally on string instruments, and his themes are instantly motivating for young soloists.

Bill Galliford, Director of Instrumental Solo Strategy at Alfred Music for more than 35 years, has shaped much of this collection through his transcription and arranging work. His hand in arrangements across every genre and his co-authorship of several Instrumental Solo Play-along editions means his fingerprints are on titles spanning from patriotic favorites to movie scores.