World of Warcraft Instrumental Solos for Strings: Viola Book & CD

Cinematic and immersive. Some pieces evoke tavern scenes and wandering adventure ("Pig and Whistle," "Salty Sailor"), while others build toward something darker and more dramatic ("Slaughtered Lamb," "Gates of the Black Temple"). Throughout, the melodies are singable and memorable, with enough harmonic support from the accompaniment to keep the music sounding rich rather than bare.

Intermediate string students (Grades 2-3) who need stylistically engaging repertoire that sits comfortably within first position. This collection works equally well for students in school orchestra, private lessons, or community ensembles looking to diversify their recital material beyond traditional classical solos.

• Use the demo track first to internalize phrasing and style, then switch to the play-along to develop independence from the accompaniment
• Pay attention to dynamic shape in cinematic themes like "Invincible" and "Wrath of the Lich King"; these pieces reward expressive playing within a narrow range
• Blend your vibrato with the recorded accompaniment rather than fighting it. Start minimal and add vibrato only where the melody naturally peaks
• Practice pieces in non-sequential order to avoid rhythmic predictability in performance and to keep your concentration fresh across multiple takes

Feature individual pieces within a pops concert or video game music showcase, where these solos can anchor a set alongside band and choir contributions. The art included in the book makes this appealing for lobby displays or program notes that acknowledge modern gaming culture. Alternatively, assign selections as supplementary solo repertoire during the school year to sustain interest during technique-heavy unit blocks.

• Reading melodies with consistent rhythmic accompaniment (syncopation and dotted figures in popular idioms)
• Phrasing and shaping longer melodic lines over 64 pages of material
• Vibrato control and expression within a limited range
• Independence from recorded accompaniment while maintaining rhythmic precision
• First-position facility across multiple keys up to A major