Chamber Music for Two String Instruments, Book II: 2 Violas Book

This collection gives you carefully sequenced material designed specifically for the viola's register and technique. Rather than adapting violin exercises down, Applebaum wrote directly for two violas, which means every piece sits naturally under the fingers and respects the instrument's voice. For building confident ensemble players, you'll find these duets invaluable both in private lessons and sectionals.

Clear, purposeful work that never feels like drudgery. Each exercise has a musical shape and personality that keeps players engaged while addressing specific technical needs.

Viola students at the intermediate level who need to develop secure intonation, rhythmic independence, and ensemble awareness. This book works equally well for private studio duet partners and for section coaching within a larger orchestra program.

• Match bow weight and speed between both players from the start. Uneven bow control reveals itself immediately in a duet, so use these exercises to diagnose and correct imbalances.
• Listen for tonal consistency across position shifts. Duet playing exposes changes in color that solo practice masks, making this an ideal context for refining transition smoothness.
• Establish a steady internal pulse before adding dynamic shaping. Let rhythm anchor the duet first; expressiveness follows naturally once both players trust the timing.

Use these duets as sectional material during orchestra rehearsal, pulling pairs of violists together for targeted work on specific techniques. They also function well as audition preparation, offering accessible yet musically substantial material that demonstrates both technical control and collaborative listening.

• Intonation accuracy in duet contexts
• Independent rhythm reading while listening to another part
• Seamless position shifts in both ascending and descending passages
• Bow control and tonal matching between two players
• Ensemble balance and part awareness