More Festive Strings for Solo Instruments: Solo Viola

Martin knows exactly what solo string players need: accessible keys, minimal shifting, and melodies that sing. This collection lets violists perform recognizable repertoire during the holiday season without getting bogged down in technical gymnastics, so they can focus on tone and phrasing. The ten arrangements pair beautifully with full ensembles if you're programming larger sections, or stand alone for studio recitals and community events.

Warm and nostalgic, with the comfort of melodies people have known for generations. The viola voice carries these arrangements with clarity and intimacy, allowing the instrument's mellow character to shine through familiar holiday textures.

Solo violists preparing for holiday performances, studio recitals, or sectional playing. Teachers seeking material that builds confidence without requiring advanced shifting or complex rhythms. Students ready to play full solo arrangements but still building stamina and security.

• Shape each melody with clear phrase breathing; these familiar tunes benefit from generous rubato and dynamic shaping that honors their singing nature.
• Check the two Silent Night arrangements in different keys (D and G major) and choose the one that sits most comfortably in the viola's passaggio for your student.
• Balance the accompaniment track's volume so it supports rather than overwhelms the soloist; these melodies deserve to bloom center stage.
• Use the C major tonality of several pieces as an opportunity to explore how key choice affects resonance and ease of intonation on the viola.

Open a winter concert with a solo viola feature before moving into ensemble pieces, or position a medley of three or four selections as the program's emotional center. These also work well for holiday community performances, open houses, or virtual recitals where a single soloist needs substantive yet approachable material.

• Singing tone production across the full range of the viola
• Reading in multiple keys (D, G, and C major) with confidence
• Phrasing and shaping of familiar melodies with musical intention
• Managing bow control for legato accompaniment tracks
• Navigating minimal position shifts while maintaining intonation