Selections from Rolling Stone Magazine's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time: Instrumental Solos for Strings, Volume 2: Viola Book & CD

Immediate and rewarding. Every song here carries genuine melodic appeal and rhythmic swagger. You're playing music that connects to culture and radio history, so the work of learning notes feels purposeful rather than abstract.

Violists in middle school and early high school orchestras who want to play songs they actually recognize and can feel proud performing. This collection works equally well for students building a solo recital repertoire and for ensembles looking to break from traditional classical solo literature.

• Use the demo track on the CD to internalize the melodic contour and phrasing before diving into the accompaniment; hearing the live performance first anchors your interpretation.
• Pay attention to dynamics marked in your part; these songs rely on light and shade to capture what made the originals compelling, not just note accuracy.
• Collaborate with stands or section mates who are doubling your line; blend tone carefully so the melody reads clearly over the accompaniment without one player pushing ahead.
• Practice the play-along track at a slower tempo first, then gradually increase speed to build confidence with timing and intonation against the recorded accompaniment.

Program a medley or individual selections in a pops concert to attract families and students who might not otherwise attend an orchestra performance. These pieces also work beautifully in mixed-instrument showcase performances where viola, strings, and woodwinds can take turns leading the same arrangements.

• Shaping lyrical lines with intentional phrasing and breath points
• Playing with consistent tone quality across dynamic changes
• Coordinating ensemble rhythm and intonation against recorded accompaniment
• Interpreting style markings specific to rock, soul, and pop idioms