Tunes with Changes You Can Use: Viola Book

This book delivers exactly what the title promises: real harmonic progressions students actually encounter in jazz and contemporary music, wrapped in string arrangements that work. You get functional pedagogy without feeling like a worksheet, and your students will recognize these changes in the music they hear outside rehearsal.

Modern and conversational. These aren't stuffy exercises; they breathe with the rhythmic language of contemporary music and invite students to listen actively rather than just read notes.

String students ready to engage with jazz-influenced harmony and contemporary chord progressions. This book serves intermediate players building ear training and improvisation foundations, as well as established ensembles wanting to explore non-classical idioms.

• Balance the viola line against the other strings so the harmonic foundation reads clearly; these changes depend on accurate intonation in middle voices.
• Approach the rhythm section cues as conversation partners, not background. Your phrasing should respond to the piano and bass decisions in real time.
• Work through the changes slowly before tempo, focusing on voice leading rather than speed; the clarity of the progression matters more than flashy execution.

Use this as a curricular bridge between classical string technique and jazz/pop arranging concepts. It works well in the second half of the year when students have solid fundamentals and can focus on harmonic understanding and stylistic flexibility.

• Reading and internalizing jazz chord changes (ii-V-I progressions, secondary dominants)
• Adjusting intonation for harmonic function rather than equal temperament
• Listening to rhythm section and responding with ensemble sensitivity
• Understanding voice leading within chord changes
• Familiarity with contemporary and jazz idioms on a classical instrument