Essential Elements for Strings – Viola Book 2 with Online Resources

Essential Elements for Strings – Viola Book 2 with Essential Elements Interactive (EEi)

Continue your musical journey with Essential Elements for Strings – Viola Book 2, the trusted next step for developing violists. Written by Robert Gillespie, Pamela Tellejohn Hayes, and Michael Allen, this proven method helps students build stronger technique, improve musicianship, and gain the confidence needed to perform more advanced orchestra music. Used by thousands of school orchestra programs and private teachers, Book 2 expands on the strong foundation established in Book 1 while keeping learning engaging and enjoyable.

Through carefully sequenced lessons, students continue developing note-reading skills, rhythmic accuracy, bow control, tone production, and expressive playing. Instrument-specific exercises help violists master the unique characteristics of the viola while preparing them for more challenging orchestra literature.

Who Is Viola Book 2 For?

Essential Elements Viola Book 2 is designed for students who have successfully completed Essential Elements Book 1 or have mastered beginning viola fundamentals. It is an excellent resource for school orchestra students, private lessons, homeschool music education, and adult learners continuing their musical journey.

Perfect for:

• Second-year orchestra students
• Private viola instruction
• Homeschool music programs
• Adult beginners continuing their studies
• Students preparing for concerts, festivals, and youth orchestra auditions

What You'll Learn

Book 2 introduces new concepts while reinforcing the skills students need to become confident, expressive violists.

• Expanded note reading and finger patterns
• More advanced rhythms and counting skills
• Improved bow control and articulation
• Better tone production and intonation
• Dynamic contrast and expressive musicianship
• Stronger ensemble listening and performance skills
• Technical exercises that prepare students for intermediate orchestra music
• Greater confidence through carefully paced instruction

Essential Elements Interactive (EEi) Included

Every new copy includes access to Essential Elements Interactive (EEi), Hal Leonard's innovative online learning platform. EEi combines traditional instruction with modern technology, allowing students to practice more effectively while giving teachers powerful classroom management and assessment tools.

Your purchase includes access to:

• More than 150 professionally recorded instructional videos
• Over 50 popular songs available throughout the Essential Elements series
• Professional accompaniment tracks for home practice
• Interactive assignments and assessments
• Practice tools with adjustable tempo and looping features
• Teacher communication and classroom management tools
• Compatibility with previous editions used by many orchestra programs

Why Orchestra Directors Choose Essential Elements

Essential Elements has become one of the world's leading orchestra methods because it develops complete musicians through a logical, classroom-tested curriculum. Instrument-specific instruction allows viola students to build proper technique while progressing together with the entire orchestra. Combined with EEi, students receive valuable support both during rehearsals and at home.

Practice Tips for Viola Students

Consistent practice produces the best results. Encourage students to practice for 15 to 25 minutes several days each week, beginning with long bows to develop tone and smooth bow changes before moving into scales and lesson material. Slow, focused practice improves intonation, rhythm, and bow control while building confidence for rehearsals and performances.

Why Parents Love Essential Elements

Parents appreciate the clear organization and interactive resources included with Essential Elements. Even families with little musical experience can support home practice using the instructional videos, accompaniment tracks, and guided practice tools available through EEi.

Why Buy from Teton Music?

At Teton Music, music education is more than our business—it's our passion. We work closely with orchestra teachers, schools, private instructors, and families to help students succeed at every stage of their musical development. When you shop with Teton Music, you're purchasing from musicians who understand what students need to thrive.

• Trusted by schools and orchestra educators
• Knowledgeable musicians ready to assist
• Fast shipping on in-stock educational materials
• Carefully selected products from leading publishers
• Committed to supporting lifelong music education

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I complete Book 1 before starting Book 2?

Yes. Book 2 builds directly on the skills introduced in Book 1 and is intended for students who have mastered beginning viola fundamentals.

Does this book include online resources?

Yes. Every new copy includes Essential Elements Interactive (EEi), featuring more than 150 instructional videos, accompaniment tracks, assignments, assessments, and interactive practice tools.

Can adults use this method?

Absolutely. Although designed for school orchestra programs, Essential Elements is equally effective for adult beginners and returning musicians.

Can this book be used for private viola lessons?

Yes. Many private teachers rely on Essential Elements because of its organized curriculum, instrument-specific exercises, and excellent online learning resources.

Is this the newest edition?

Yes. This updated edition includes expanded online resources while remaining fully compatible with previous editions used by many orchestra programs.