Learning Together 2: Viola Book & CD

The sequential unison repertoire in this book gives viola students genuine musical content at every stage of development rather than exercises in disguise. The accompanying CD provides immediate context for what students are learning, letting them hear how their part fits within ensemble texture and giving them a model for tone and phrasing without requiring you to demonstrate every passage yourself.

Working through Learning Together 2 feels like making real music from the first piece. Each selection sits comfortably on the viola while offering genuine musical character, and the included recordings create an immediate sense of ensemble context that makes students hear themselves as part of something larger than their own part.

Viola students in string classes, group lessons, and private studios who are building foundational ensemble skills and reading ability. This book serves equally well in situations where violas need accessible unison material that develops technique alongside musicianship, whether you're teaching young students establishing fundamentals or mixed ability groups building aural understanding.

• Isolate the viola line from the accompaniment track first so students can focus on bow control and intonation before adding harmonic context.
• Use the string ensemble recordings to show students how viola blend and balance function within an orchestral setting, then rehearse those same balance points in your group.
• Layer performances by starting with the solo track, moving to small group unison, and finally adding harmony parts and piano accompaniment to build confidence incrementally.

Use this book as the foundation of a string class curriculum where students develop both solo technique and ensemble awareness simultaneously. The graded repertoire also works well for establishing standard unison material across multiple private students, creating opportunities for them to perform together at studio recitals or as part of larger class ensembles.

• Reading rhythmic and melodic patterns across multiple positions on the viola
• Playing in tune as both a soloist and ensemble member
• Listening and blending with harmonic accompaniment and other string voices
• Maintaining consistent intonation while adding vibrato and other tone colors
• Understanding viola's role within orchestral texture