String Music in Patterns – Violin 2

Build Better Intonation, Stronger Finger Patterns & Confident Ensemble Playing

Help your second violin students become more accurate, confident musicians with String Music in Patterns: For Better Intonation by Marsha Chusmir Shapiro.

Designed specifically for string orchestra instruction, this Violin 2 edition features 17 engaging compositions that help students strengthen left-hand finger placement, improve pitch accuracy, and develop essential ensemble skills—all while remaining in first position.

Unlike traditional exercises that focus primarily on repetitive drills, String Music in Patterns allows students to develop technique through meaningful musical experiences. Each composition uses a consistent finger pattern across the strings, encouraging students to recognize familiar finger relationships, listen carefully, and improve intonation.

Why This Violin 2 Book Belongs in Your Orchestra Classroom

Second violinists play an essential role in creating the harmonic foundation and rhythmic energy of a string orchestra. This collection helps developing violinists gain confidence in that role while mastering fundamental technical skills.

• 17 Original String Orchestra Pieces: Develop technique through engaging compositions featuring melodic, harmonic, and countermelodic material.

• Improved Intonation: Help students develop accurate pitch recognition and dependable finger placement.

• Consistent Finger Patterns: Each composition focuses on a single finger pattern, reinforcing muscle memory and left-hand coordination.

• First-Position Playing: All Violin 2 music remains in first position, making the collection accessible to developing violinists.

• Preparatory Warm-Ups: Pattern-specific exercises introduce essential finger placements before students begin each composition.

• Ensemble Listening Skills: Encourage second violinists to listen closely to surrounding parts and recognize their role in the orchestra.

• Edited Fingerings and Bowings: Helpful markings support consistent technique and more productive rehearsals.

17 Pieces Organized Around Five Finger Patterns

The collection includes:

• Pattern 1: Four compositions

• Pattern 2: Four compositions

• Pattern 3: Four compositions

• Pattern 4: One composition

• Pattern 5: Three compositions

• Patterns 1 and 2: One composition performed using both patterns

Every piece is preceded by a warm-up based on the finger pattern used in the music.

An Excellent Teaching Resource for Second Violinists

One of the greatest challenges in string education is helping students move beyond fingerboard tapes and visual markers to develop reliable intonation through careful listening.

String Music in Patterns addresses that challenge with a practical, musical approach that connects finger patterns, ear training, and ensemble performance.

For orchestra directors, private violin teachers, and school music programs, this collection provides an effective way to reinforce essential violin techniques while keeping students engaged in actual music-making.

Instrument: Violin 2 (Second Violin)
Composer: Marsha Chusmir Shapiro
Publisher: Imagine Music Publishing
Publisher Number: MET181B

Frequently Asked Questions

What is String Music in Patterns Violin 2?

String Music in Patterns – Violin 2 is the second violin edition of Marsha Chusmir Shapiro's 17-piece string orchestra collection designed to improve intonation, finger placement, and ensemble musicianship through consistent finger patterns.

Is String Music in Patterns suitable for beginning violinists?

The Violin 2 music stays entirely in first position, making it particularly useful for developing violinists who are learning or reinforcing fundamental finger patterns. Students should have sufficient note-reading and basic ensemble skills for the selected compositions.

Does the Violin 2 book include warm-up exercises?

Yes. Each composition includes a preparatory warm-up based on the finger pattern used in that piece.

How does this book help second violinists improve intonation?

By reinforcing consistent finger patterns across the strings, students can develop more dependable left-hand placement while learning to recognize and adjust pitch through careful listening.

Can this Violin 2 edition be used with the other string orchestra parts?

Yes. The collection is written for string orchestra, with corresponding Violin 1, Viola, Cello, and Double Bass editions for ensemble performance.