Suzuki Viola School, Volume 2: Viola Book & CD

The recorded accompaniments by Preucil and his wife Doris provide exactly what young violists need: steady, encouraging support that lets students hear themselves within a complete musical context. This Volume 2 collection bridges early fundamentals into richer literature, with pieces like the Brahms Waltz and Handel's Bourrée offering students their first taste of stylistic variety.

Moving from foundation exercises into actual musical literature. The pieces here feel accessible yet genuinely beautiful, a Handel minuet doesn't sound simplified or condescending, it sounds like real music. Students discover that steady practice and listening unlock rewarding repertoire quickly.

Suzuki viola students progressing through Volume 2, typically in their second or third year of study. This book belongs in the hands of any student working with a trained Suzuki teacher who uses the sequential, aural-first curriculum this method is designed around.

• Listen to the full recordings multiple times before starting each piece so your ear absorbs the phrasing and style, not just the notes.
• Work through the 'Principles of Study and Guidance' section with your teacher before tackling new repertoire; it reorients your practice approach for each volume.
• Play along with the accompanying tracks slowly at first, then gradually match the recorded tempo to build ensemble listening skills.
• Record yourself playing the duet sections and compare your intonation and rhythmic placement against the professional recording.

Volume 2 serves as the cornerstone of a Suzuki student's second year curriculum. Coordinate with your Suzuki teacher to integrate these pieces into recitals and ensemble performances; duet sections work beautifully in studio group classes where students play together for the first time.

• Intonation and ear training through repeated listening and aural imitation
• Bow control across varied articulation styles (legato, detached, ornamental)
• Reading in positions beyond first position
• Musical phrasing and stylistic awareness across Baroque, Classical, and Romantic repertoire
• Ensemble listening and rhythmic coordination with accompaniment