Emphasizes the development of consistent correct technique, while developing aural and music literacy skills simultaneously.

Develops intonation, bow technique, tone, and musicianship concurrently, building each lesson around a specific technical issue while combining music literacy, ear training and performance concepts.

These tunes are varied stylistically and include folk tunes from various cultures and original and classic melodies chosen for their musical value and accessibility.

The enclosed teaching points can also supplement Suzuki Violin repertoire and provide students and parents involved in Suzuki lessons additional ear training activities and music literacy exercises.

Facilitates skill development while providing opportunities to think and hear musically.

Foreword
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Lesson 1 Holding and Plucking the Viola
Lesson 2 Using the Right Hand and Note Duration
Lesson 3 Left-Hand Posture
Lesson 4 Setting the Bowl
Lesson 5 The Seesaw and Bowing First Finger
Lesson 6 Using all Four Fingers and the Bow
Lesson 7 Crossing Strings and Eighth Notes
Lesson 8 Walking and Prepared Fingers
Lesson 9 Playing on All Strings
Lesson 10 Bow Circles with Silent Landings
Lesson 11 Ring Tones and the 4th Finger
Lesson 12 Pickup Notes and Bow Direction
Lesson 13 Longer Bows and the Legato Bow Stroke
Lesson 14 Duple and Triple Meter
Lesson 15 Double Stops
Lesson 16 Finger Hops and Key Signatures
Lesson 17 Counting While Playing and the 6/8 Time Signature
Lesson 18 Octave Harmonics and Rests
Lesson 19 Changing Bow Speed
Lesson 20 Slurs and Dotted Quarters
Lesson 21 Low Second Finger and Scale Construction
Lesson 22 Hooked Bows and Transposition
Lesson 23 Long Bows and Bow-Hand Shapes
Lesson 24 Sixteenth Notes and Subdivision
Lesson 25 Low First Finger, High Third Finger and Accidentals
Thoughts on Practice
Index of Terms & Answer Key
Sizing and Preparing the Instrument to Play