This book is an introduction to playing the viola. Intended for the square one beginner, it explains viola technique and basic reading concepts. The lessons emphasize learning new skills through pieces of music performed regularly by today's musicians, ranging from traditional songs to classical melodies. The book comes with accompanying audio

(Essential Elements for Strings). (Essential Elements for Strings and Essential Elements Interactive are fully compatible with Essential Elements 2000 for Strings) Essential Elements for Strings offers beginning students sound pedagogy and engaging music, all carefully paced to successfully start young players on their musical journey. EE features both familiar songs and specially designed exercises, created and arranged for the classroom in a unison-learning environment, as well as instrument-specific exercises to focus each student on the unique characteristics of their own instrument. EE provides both teachers and students with a wealth of materials to develop total musicianship, even at the beginning stages. Books 1 and 2 also include access to Essential Elements Interactive (EEi) , the ultimate online music education resource - anywhere, anytime, and on any device. Go to www.essentialelementsinteractive.com to learn more! Method features: * Enhanced Starting System * Optimum Reinforced Learning * Pacing * Theory, History, Cross-Curriculum & Creativity * Performance Spotlights Book also includes My EE Library * (www.myeelibrary.com) - Instant Stream/Download/CD-ROM* * Start-up video Learn the basics * Play-along mp3 tracks for all exercises Features a professional orchestra * Duets and trios Print and play parts with friends * Music listening library Hear great pieces for orchestra! *Internet access required for My EE Library . Book includes instructions to order free opt. CD-ROM.

Solos for Young Violists is a five-volume series of music books featuring 34 works for viola and piano. Many of the pieces in this collection have long been recognized as stepping stones to the major viola repertoire, while others are newly discovered, arranged, and published for this series. Compiled, edited and recorded by violist Barbara Barber, Solos for Young Violists is a graded series of works ranging from elementary to advanced levels and represents an exciting variety of styles and techniques for violists. The collection has become a valuable resource for teachers and students of all ages.

This book works on basic viola bowing and rhythm skills using only open strings. From quarter and eighth notes to the first slurs, this book can help students read music and play open strings at the very first lesson. Other skills taught include rests, open string double stops, 3/4 timing, string crossing, and half and whole notes. Are you teaching beginning violists? This is a great book to use with students from the very first lesson. While they progress to fingered notes after (and sometimes during) the first lesson, you can continue assigning this book until the student finishes it. It's great as a warm-up at the beginning of the lesson where they can focus on bowing. Are you teaching yourself? This book doesn't have any explanatory words and was intended to be used in a lesson. However, adult learners can play through it and improve their playing if they know a bit about how to read music (how notes fall on a staff, how rhythms are notated, etc.). This book could be used along with Learning the Viola, Book One and could be followed by The Hot Cross Buns Book for Viola.

Learning the Cello, Book One is an introductory cello method for the absolute beginner. Starting with open string letters and songs with simple finger numbers, the book progresses to short exercises and familiar songs with large, easy-to-read notes to get the student to play as much as possible. Written for students ages 5-9, Learning the Cello, Book One is especially helpful with younger beginners or students who struggle with note-reading. This book can be studied in private lessons, in single-string classes, or in mixed-string classes, along with Learning the Violin, Book One, Learning the Viola, Book One, and Learning the Bass, Book One. A Score and Piano Accompaniment is also available. This book could be studied along with The Open String Book for Cello and Early Exercises for the Cello, and could be followed by Learning the Cello, Book Two.

For use in group string classes

The Best Beginning Viola Book for Kids combines two best-selling viola books into one. With selections from The Viola Fun Book (978-1480196407) and The Intermediate FUNdamental Viola Book (978-1728828312), this book includes many innovative teaching techniques for elementary age students including: xtra-large sized notation, letter names inside the note heads, limited material per page, fun, child-centered graphics. Piano accompaniment book and online video and play-a-long tracks are also available for some selections.