Top Hits from TV, Movies & Musicals Instrumental Solos for Strings: Viola Book & CD

Playing these pieces feels like stepping into a film scene or a Broadway moment. From the sweeping melancholy of 'As Time Goes By' to the driving energy of 'Don't Stop Believin', you're tapping into music that already has emotional weight and cultural resonance. The viola gets to be the voice telling the story.

Viola students in grades 2-3 who are ready to move beyond method book exercises and connect with music from contemporary pop, classic rock, film, and theater. These arrangements work equally well for solo recital preparation, ensemble reading sessions, or informal performance opportunities.

• Balance your tone against the recorded accompaniment so your melodic line sits naturally without forcing volume; the arrangement is voiced to support you.
• Listen through the demo track first to absorb the style and phrasing before tackling the technical aspects; many of these songs have distinctive rhythmic or expressive character that sheet music alone won't convey.
• Use the piano PDF during rehearsal if an accompanist is available; it offers a lighter texture than the full orchestral recording and helps build independence.
• Mark tempo and expression cues that stand out in the demo; songs like 'Falling Slowly' and 'Both Sides Now' rely on rubato and dynamic shaping to land emotionally.

Feature one or two of these as standalone recital items to break up a program dominated by classical repertoire, or cluster several together thematically (movie themes in one set, modern pop in another) for an entire concert that appeals to younger audiences and families. They also work well as supplementary material for students who need engaging reinforcement between their main method and solo repertoire.

• Reading melodies across multiple octaves and positions on the viola
• Phrasing and shaping long melodic lines with dynamic shape and rubato
• Matching articulation and style to recorded ensemble accompaniments
• Navigating varied tempos and time signatures within familiar harmonic contexts
• Building confidence with recognizable music that rewards expression over technical complexity