Jurassic Blue for Viola: Viola & Piano Book

Wedgwood builds on foundational work with genuine care for progression. The blend of technical scaffolding (each piece introduces one new element), Drew Hillier's illustrations that spark imagination, and singable accompaniments means students stay engaged while their fingers do the real learning. The optional composition exercise lets young violists claim ownership of their own musical ideas.

Jurassic Blue crackles with personality. The music bounces between playful rhythms and moments of genuine melodic charm, all wrapped in a dinosaur adventure that makes technique practice feel like storytelling rather than drill. Wedgwood's piano accompaniments are lively but never overshadow the viola, keeping focus on student progress.

This book serves young violists working roughly at early intermediate level who have completed foundational position work and are ready to solidify first, second, and third finger facility. It works equally well in private studio settings and group strings classes where sequential skill-building matters.

• Focus on clean finger placement during the revision of first finger passages before moving into second and third finger territory. Accuracy now prevents tension and sloppy intonation later.
• When singing along to 'Triceratops Rocks,' anchor the vocal line separate from the viola part. Practice each independently, then layer them together so both parts stay clear.
• Use the teacher suggestion boxes as a diagnostic. If a student rushes through a rhythmic point, isolate that measure and tap it without the instrument first.
• Let the illustrations guide interpretation. Wedgwood's rhythms and articulations often match the character of each dinosaur, so talk through what the music is showing before playing.

Pair this with classroom time devoted to finger placement and intonation work in second and third positions. The composition exercises offer a natural bridge into student recitals where young violists can perform both Wedgwood's pieces and their own creations, doubling the performance opportunity.

• First finger position review and stability
• Second and third finger placement and intonation
• Reading rhythmic patterns (including dotted rhythms and syncopation)
• Ensemble listening and balance with piano accompaniment
• Simple melodic composition and creative arrangement