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

These duets arrive at exactly the moment students are ready for ensemble work, grounded in the same pedagogical philosophy as the method itself. The material feels purposeful rather than obligatory, designed to reinforce what students are learning rather than introduce new concepts they haven't prepared for.

Warm and conversational. Two violas blend naturally into a rich, homogeneous sound, and these pieces let both instruments share responsibility for melody and harmony without fighting for the spotlight.

Viola students working through the Applebaum String Method, Book III, around page 5 onward. These duets also serve students using other methods at the same intermediate level who are ready for structured two-part playing.

• Balance the two viola lines by listening to the inner voices; violas often sit underneath the texture in orchestral writing, so chamber music is your chance to hear how melody and accompaniment interact.
• Work through rhythmic unison passages first to lock in the pulse, then gradually add independence as both players gain confidence.
• Use the piano accompaniment to ground intonation and provide harmonic context during rehearsal, even if you eventually perform without it.

Assign these duets as homework for paired viola students so they develop the discipline of ensemble listening and entrances outside the full orchestra. They also work well as warm-up duets before sectional rehearsals or as part of a chamber music festival class where viola pairs can perform together.

• Maintaining independent lines while listening to a partner
• Balancing tone quality and volume between two similar instruments
• Reading and executing rhythmic figures in duet texture
• Intonation adjustment within a two-part harmonic context
• Ensemble entrances and cutoffs