Jackaroo for Viola: Viola & Piano Book

Wedgwood's approach here moves beyond technical exercises by embedding rhythm and technique within pieces that students actually want to play. The sung-through format and Drew Hillier's wacky animal illustrations create a narrative arc through the book, turning open-string and first-finger work into a creative adventure rather than a drill.

Jackaroo bounces along with infectious energy and humor. The illustrations and animal names spark curiosity, while the straightforward technical scope allows students to focus on making a warm, confident tone without feeling overwhelmed. It feels like play masquerading as lessons.

Beginning violists working exclusively with open strings and first finger. The pieces suit students in their first year of study who benefit from a structured but playful introduction to fundamental bow control, rhythmic accuracy, and left-hand placement.

• Sing through each piece with your student before picking up the viola. The words anchor the melody and rhythm, making the physical connection to the fingerboard more intuitive.
• Use the teacher suggestion boxes to isolate the specific technical or rhythmic point of each piece. Wedgwood has already identified what to focus on, so lean on that guidance.
• Invite students to sketch their own imaginary animals on the blank pages. Having ownership over the visual story deepens engagement with the music and gives them a reason to return to pieces they've already learned.
• Play the piano accompaniment with rhythmic clarity and forward motion. The lively writing supports the student's sense of pulse and makes even open-string passages feel musical.

Assign pieces sequentially through the first year of instruction as students encounter each new rhythmic or technical concept in parallel with their regular practice routine. The short page count makes it ideal for cycling through in a semester, and the sung-through character makes pieces suitable for informal studio performances or family demonstrations.

• Open string bow control and tone production
• First finger placement and intonation
• Reading rhythmic patterns in simple meters
• Coordinating bow and left-hand movement
• Sustaining notes with consistent pressure and speed
• Following a conductor or accompanist for ensemble awareness