Building Technic With Beautiful Music, Book II: Viola Book

This book respects young violists by pairing technical work with actual musical content. Rather than isolating bowings or left-hand patterns in abstract drills, Applebaum embeds them in pieces worth playing, which transforms practice from obligation into genuine musicianship development.

Each piece unfolds with clear musical purpose. The accompaniment patterns support rather than overshadow the viola line, and the melodies themselves are singable enough that technique becomes a transparent vehicle for expression rather than an obstacle.

Young violists working through intermediate-level string study who need supplementary repertoire that sharpens technique without feeling mechanical. This book pairs naturally with any standard string method as students consolidate fundamental bowings and position work.

• Establish clarity in solid bowings before introducing spiccato; students should hear the difference between a well-placed bow change and one that lacks control.
• Use the text guidance alongside each piece to diagnose which technical elements the composer prioritized for that study.
• Record yourself playing early pieces in the book, then revisit them later to hear tangible progress in bow consistency and intonation.
• Work through left-hand positions methodically with your teacher; Applebaum sequences the book to build position shifts progressively.

Assign pieces from this book as homework supplements to your primary string method during the first two years of study. The 32-page format allows you to space pieces across several weeks, ensuring students connect technical milestones with concrete repertoire they've mastered.

• Solid bow placement and consistent tone production across string crossings
• Slow spiccato stroke in fundamental rhythmic patterns
• Left-hand technic through position work and intonation accuracy
• Music reading within a structured progression of difficulty
• Phrasing and musicality within technically focused contexts