Theory for Strings Viola Book 1

This workbook provides a priority-based music theory course designed to help string players learn how to read music as quickly and accurately as possible, while gaining a deeper understanding of the way the viola works and the “why” behind music theory concepts-all of which will be applicable towards more complex ideas as they continue their studies.

CONTENTS

HOW TO READ RHYTHMS

Reading Rhythmic Notation in 4/4 Meter
Clapping and Counting Quarter Notes, Half Notes, Whole Notes, 8th and 16th Notes
Subdivision
Dotted Rhythms
Clapping and Counting Rests

HOW TO READ NOTES

Musical Alphabet
Note Locations on the Alto Clef Staff
Steps and Skips
Half Steps and Whole Steps
Sharps, Flats and Naturals
Explaining “Low 2” and Other Finger Patterns
Locating any Note on the Fingerboard, in First Position

After completing, students should understand how to:

1. Subdivide, read, and write simple rhythms in 4/4 meter.

2. Understand key signatures and identify correct finger patterns for every string in a given key.

3. Locate any note on the fingerboard of the viola in first position, in keys up to 5 sharps or flats.

Author Biography

Abigayle is currently a section member of the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra and Assistant Concertmaster of the Mankato Symphony Orchestra. She also is a freelance performer in the Midwest. Since 2014, Abigayle has been teaching violin, viola, and music theory in the Twin Cities of Minnesota. She enjoys working with students of all ages, watching them gain confidence and taking pride in their growth from year to year. She was inspired to write this workbook while obtaining her Masters degree in Violin Performance at Carnegie Mellon University, and developed the curriculum over the course of many years, using her experience in teaching to identify the most common questions beginning string players face when learning to read music. EDUCATION: Bachelor of Music from Lawrence University. Master of Music from Carnegie Mellon University.