Strictly Strings, Book 3: Viola Book

This book speaks directly to the viola section with fingering and bowing suggestions rooted in real pedagogical experience rather than generic advice. The inclusion of over forty 2- and 3-part excerpts from actual repertoire means violists are building independence and musicianship simultaneously, not grinding through disconnected exercises.

Practical and musician-centered, with the confidence of a resource written by someone who has spent decades teaching string sections in real school orchestras. The excerpts ground technique in actual musical context, so learning feels purposeful rather than theoretical.

Advanced middle school and high school violists who need a reference source for technical questions during rehearsal and solo practice. This works equally well as a continuation of Strictly Strings Book 2 or as an independent resource for violists joining an orchestra mid-series.

• Approach the fingering suggestions as starting points tailored to the viola's position shifts and double-stop considerations, then adapt them based on your hand size and intonation preferences.
• Study the bowing patterns in context by playing through complete excerpts rather than isolating individual bowings; this helps the patterns feel natural within musical phrasing.
• Use the 2- and 3-part excerpts for sectional rehearsals to develop awareness of your voice's role within a larger texture without relying on full ensemble sound.

Keep copies in the viola section's music folders so players can reference fingerings and bowings during rehearsals without interrupting ensemble flow. The multi-part excerpts also serve as a source for sectional and chamber work during the middle and later phases of the school year when students are ready to tackle more sophisticated musical independence.

• Secure intonation through precise fingering patterns on the viola fingerboard
• Bow control and articulation choices specific to viola voice-leading and orchestral texture
• Score reading and harmonic awareness by performing 2- and 3-part excerpts
• Self-directed problem-solving by consulting the reference material independently during practice