I Can Read Music, Volume 2: Viola Book

Martin designed this book with the reality of Suzuki home practice in mind, which means it actually works as a standalone resource for parents and young students between lessons. The progression respects how reading skills genuinely develop: one concept at a time with sufficient repetition to build fluency rather than frustration. The 108 pages give you real depth without overwhelming beginners, and the viola-specific voicing ensures the exercises sit naturally under the bow.

Working through these pages feels like watching a fog lift. Students move from guessing at note names to reading with quiet confidence, each new page building naturally on what came before. The repetition never feels tedious because Martin varies the exercises enough to keep attention while drilling the fundamentals into muscle memory.

This book is essential for any Suzuki viola student who needs systematic note-reading instruction, and equally valuable for conventionally taught students whose reading lags behind their playing ability. It also serves teachers who want a structured, parent-friendly supplement that requires minimal explanation or setup at home.

• Have students point to each note name before playing the exercise; this bridges the gap between visual recognition and muscle memory more effectively than silent reading.
• Return to earlier exercises periodically, even after moving ahead. This reinforces note positions and builds confidence with material that now feels easy.
• Play through an entire section in one sitting rather than stopping after each exercise. The cumulative repetition solidifies reading patterns faster.
• Encourage parents to ask their student to name notes aloud while pointing, turning the practice into a conversation rather than a solo task.

Assign this as the primary note-reading resource during a student's first year, dedicating 5-10 minutes of daily home practice to one or two exercises. For established students who skipped formal reading instruction, use it as a catch-up tool alongside their regular repertoire, working through sections at a pace that matches their developmental level rather than their age.

• Note identification on the viola staff
• Reading in treble and alto clefs
• Rhythm recognition and execution
• Interval relationships on the fingerboard
• Left-hand finger placement corresponding to written pitches
• Sustained focus on visual-kinesthetic connection between page and instrument