Violas: An Introduction
Learning to play the viola can be an incredibly rewarding experience, whether you’re just starting or looking to master more advanced techniques. The viola’s rich tones and versatility make it a favorite among string players. If you’re passionate about improving your skills or just getting started, finding the right resources is essential. In this list, we present the Top 10 Best Books for Violas to help you elevate your playing, covering everything from beginner methods to advanced studies.
Author: Alice Bennett
Alice Bennett is a seasoned violist and music educator with over 20 years of experience. She has taught students of all levels and has a deep love for string instruments, particularly the viola.
10. Suzuki Viola School, Vol 3: Viola Part
Author: Alfred Music
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.9 out of 5 stars (279 reviews)
Why We Chose It: Suzuki Viola School, Vol 3 continues to be a top choice for violists seeking to refine their technique. With its emphasis on listening, memory, and repetition, this book supports the Suzuki Method’s core teaching principles, making it ideal for both beginners and intermediate players.
Why You’ll Love It: The progression of exercises and pieces in this book is designed to develop a student’s technique gradually, making it a wonderful resource for steady improvement.
Fun Fact: The Suzuki Method was developed by Shinichi Suzuki, who believed that musical ability is not an inborn talent but can be developed in any child.
9. 76VA – Christmas Kaleidoscope – Viola
Author: Robert S Frost
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.9 out of 5 stars (50 reviews)
Why We Chose It: This festive collection offers a delightful variety of holiday tunes for viola, making it perfect for seasonal performances and practice sessions.
Why You’ll Love It: If you enjoy playing popular Christmas carols, this book provides simple yet engaging arrangements for players at various skill levels.
Fun Fact: This book includes beloved carols like Silent Night and Jingle Bells, arranged specifically for the viola.
8. Essential Technique for Strings with EEi – Viola Book/Online Audio
Author: Robert Gillespie
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.8 out of 5 stars (1,215 reviews)
Why We Chose It: This advanced technique book provides essential exercises to help students refine their playing and deepen their understanding of viola performance.
Why You’ll Love It: The inclusion of online audio access is a valuable feature that complements the printed exercises, making practice sessions more interactive and engaging.
Fun Fact: This book is often used in school orchestras across the U.S., helping young violists develop more advanced techniques.
7. Suzuki Viola School, Vol 4: Viola Part
Author: Alfred Music
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.8 out of 5 stars (301 reviews)
Why We Chose It: Suzuki Viola School, Vol 4 is an important volume in the Suzuki series, ideal for students progressing through the method.
Why You’ll Love It: The repertoire in this volume includes both classical pieces and exercises that are perfect for developing a stronger technical foundation.
Fun Fact: This book continues to apply the Suzuki philosophy, encouraging students to learn by ear and develop memory skills through repetition.
6. 115VA – String Basics: Steps to Success for String Orchestra Viola Book 1
Author: Terry Shade
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.7 out of 5 stars (221 reviews)
Why We Chose It: This beginner-friendly book is perfect for those starting their journey with the viola. The step-by-step approach ensures that even young musicians can grasp the basics with ease.
Why You’ll Love It: This book is often used by teachers to introduce students to the fundamentals of playing the viola in a structured, easy-to-understand format.
Fun Fact: The exercises in this book are designed to develop both technical skills and musicality from the very first lesson.
5. Suzuki Viola School, Vol 2: Viola Part
Author: Alfred Music
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.8 out of 5 stars (328 reviews)
Why We Chose It: Building on the foundation laid in Volume 1, Suzuki Viola School, Vol 2 provides students with more complex pieces and exercises to enhance their playing skills.
Why You’ll Love It: The Suzuki method is well-known for producing highly skilled string players, and this book will help you continue your development with confidence.
Fun Fact: The Suzuki method was originally designed for violin but adapted to the viola, making this method popular among violists worldwide.
4. Essential Elements for Strings – Viola Book 2 with EEi (Book/Online Audio)
Author: Robert Gillespie
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.8 out of 5 stars (849 reviews)
Why We Chose It: As an extension of the Essential Elements series, this book takes students further into their viola studies, covering more advanced topics and techniques.
Why You’ll Love It: The comprehensive nature of this book, combined with its online resources, ensures a complete learning experience that is both accessible and in-depth.
Fun Fact: The Essential Elements series is one of the most popular choices for school music programs, making it widely recognized among music educators.
3. Suzuki Viola School, Vol 1: Viola Part
Author: Alfred Music
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.7 out of 5 stars (597 reviews)
Why We Chose It: The first volume in the Suzuki viola series, this book is perfect for beginners who are just starting their viola journey.
Why You’ll Love It: This book’s approach to learning music through listening and repetition makes it easy for students to absorb new techniques and concepts.
Fun Fact: Volume 1 of the Suzuki series introduces pieces such as Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star, which is used to teach variations in technique.
2. Sound Innovations for String Orchestra, Bk 1: A Revolutionary Method for Beginning Musicians (Viola), Book & Online Media
Author: Bob Phillips
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.8 out of 5 stars (1,523 reviews)
Why We Chose It: This book offers an innovative approach to learning viola with modern techniques and online media to help students progress efficiently.
Why You’ll Love It: The combination of printed materials and online resources gives students a dynamic learning experience, allowing them to improve at their own pace.
Fun Fact: The Sound Innovations series is known for integrating modern technology into music education, which sets it apart from more traditional methods.
1. Essential Elements for Strings Viola – Book 1 with EEi Book/Online Audio
Author: Robert Gillespie
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.7 out of 5 stars (1,668 reviews)
Why We Chose It: Essential Elements for Strings – Viola Book 1 is a comprehensive guide that introduces students to viola basics with structured lessons and online support.
Why You’ll Love It: The book’s step-by-step instructions, combined with audio and online tools, provide a thorough introduction to the viola, making it a top choice for beginners.
Fun Fact: This book has become a standard in music education programs across the country, making it a trusted resource for teachers and students alike.
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