Easy Pop & Rock Hits Instrumental Solos for Strings: Viola Book & CD

Immediate engagement. From the opening notes of "Firework" to the soaring melody of "I See Fire," these arrangements let young violists feel like they're part of a real band. The familiar melodies and driving rhythms create energy that sustains interest across an entire rehearsal.

Level 1 viola students who are ready for contemporary repertoire that connects to their lives outside the practice room. This book works equally well in group lessons, private instruction, or independent study where students benefit from hearing professional accompaniment.

• Start with the demo track to hear how each arrangement sits in the full instrumental texture, then use the play-along version to lock in with the accompaniment.
• Pay attention to the balance between your viola line and the other instrumental parts on the CD; these songs are orchestrated to give you a clear role without overwhelming the texture.
• Use Alfred's Tempo Changer Software to slow down any arrangement that feels rushed during initial rehearsals, then gradually work toward the recorded tempo.

Assign one or two pieces as solo performance repertoire during a winter or spring recital, or use them as supplementary material alongside your core method book to keep students motivated between technical studies. They also work well as sight-reading challenges or as material for beginner ensemble playing if you have multiple string soloists.

• Playing with recorded accompaniment and maintaining tempo independence
• Reading Level 1 viola notation in treble clef
• Balancing melodic responsibility with accompanying instrumental textures
• Sustaining musical phrases over longer harmonic progressions
• Interpreting style and phrasing in contemporary pop and rock idioms