Stringtastic Book 2: Viola: Viola Book & Online Audio

Stringtastic Book 2 solves a real logistical challenge in string programs: finding repertoire where violins, violas, cellos, and basses can play together as equals from the very beginning. The 62 pieces progress thoughtfully from Grade 1 to Grade 2, so your ensemble grows together without anyone waiting around for easier material. The backing tracks and piano-only options give you flexibility whether you're teaching a full class, a small group, or coaching individual students.

You move through an imaginative world of musical styles that keeps the repertoire fresh and engaging. Each piece arrives with a specific character and purpose, designed to establish secure technique naturally rather than through repetitive exercises. The variety sustains interest and confidence as students progress from early elementary through elementary level.

Viola students in their first and second years of study, whether learning individually or as part of a larger string class. This book works equally well in private lessons, group tuition, and ensemble settings where students at similar levels need material that engages them musically while building foundational technique.

• Use the piano-only track during lessons to focus your student's ear on their own intonation and line shaping without the fuller texture masking balance issues.
• When rehearsing ensemble pieces with mixed instruments, start with the backing track to lock in tempo and pulse, then layer in individual parts once entries are secure.
• Encourage students to switch between the full backing track and piano-only versions across multiple rehearsals; repetition with different sonic contexts builds confidence and helps them hear their part in different contexts.
• Download the tracks beforehand so students can practice with them at home; the reinforcement of hearing themselves against the accompaniment accelerates progress through the book.

Stringtastic Book 2 fits naturally into a spiral curriculum where string students can collaborate across instruments from the first week of ensemble class. Program pieces from the book in school concerts alongside material from your other string students' books; the equal-level writing means all four instruments can share the stage without accommodation. Use it as your core method book for group lessons, with the duets and ensemble pieces doubling as genuine repertoire rather than just exercises.

• Playing with secure intonation in a lower tessitura specific to viola
• Reading in alto clef with increasing confidence and speed
• Matching tone and blend in unison and divisi ensemble passages
• Maintaining rhythmic stability against accompanying textures
• Interpreting stylistic variety across folk, classical, contemporary, and world music genres
• Responding to conducting cues and following a piano accompaniment
• Sustaining focused attention through longer multipart musical forms