Classic Rock Instrumental Solos for Strings: Viola Book & CD

Iconic rock songs arrive on the viola with the care and specificity they deserve. These arrangements hold onto the melodic hooks and rhythmic character that make these pieces classics, wrapping them in parts that give an intermediate player something genuinely satisfying to play.

Viola students at the upper end of the intermediate range who are ready for recognizable repertoire with real musical substance. This book works equally well for students preparing for a solo recital or for ensemble performance with violinists and cellists using the compatible books in the series.

• Listen to the DEMO track first to internalize phrasing and tone color, then use the PLAY-ALONG track to build confidence with tempo and ensemble feel.
• Pay attention to dynamics marked in the part; rock arrangements often rely on subtle volume shaping to create the groove and energy that makes these songs recognizable.
• Work sections with the accompaniment CD at a slower tempo if needed, then gradually bring the speed up to match the recorded performance.

Feature individual selections in a spring or fall concert alongside your traditional string repertoire; the contrast gives audiences a refreshing change of pace. Alternatively, form a string ensemble using the compatible Violin and Cello books, turning any of these tracks into an ensemble highlight that your students will be excited to rehearse and perform.

• Reading parts with dynamic variation and phrasing marks typical of contemporary arrangements
• Coordinating with recorded accompaniment and tracking ensemble tempo
• Interpreting articulation and style appropriate to rock idiom on a classical instrument
• Building confidence with recognizable melodic material at intermediate level