Many violists have grown up on a diet of Violin studies transcribed for Viola and plenty have thrived on them even though the studies are in many cases composed with melodic patterns and fingerings that suit the Violin better than the Viola. Robin Ireland's aim in composing this new study material was to write specifically for the Viola in ways which suit it both technically and tonally.The twelve concert études set out to be musically attractive pieces which in addition to addressing most basic aspects of technique will encourage the development of 'musical' and expressive playing.The set of études is unusual perhaps unique in that it covers a rangeof styles and thus provides a focus for developing an understanding of bowing and articulation appropriate to different periods of music. The first eight études move through baroque classical and romantic styles while the later études include material for developing confidence with metre change and other basic rhythmic skills and with atonality. The last étude introduces an improvisatory style of playing.The concert études should be appropriate for Viola students from Grade 8 upwards. Details of a companion volume of 'technical' études and their availability can be found at www.robinireland.co.uk. These studies are each focused primarily on a single area of technical development in many cases an area not specifically addressed in currently available study material.The new études do not set out to provide a comprehensive alternative to existing study material but rather to complement it and extend its range.

BWV 1001-1006 (original Violin solo)-The aim of this edition is to make Bach’s landmark works for solo violin accessible to viola players by presenting a musical text that remains close to the original but also has a distinctly practical focus. Additionally it provides interpretative guidance on Baroque performance practices and how they can be applied to the viola. In this transcription all pieces have been transposed down by a fifth but no further changes were made.

Media Type : Book Level : Beginning-Intermediate Musical Genre : Children Number of pages : 134 Book 2 in the Melanie Smith viola theory series introduces students to new music and theory concepts which are fundamental in developing a deeper understanding of the viola. Book 2 will begin by covering the theory involving the ranges of notes for the viola and then moves into specific theory concepts such as note and rest values and time signatures. The final section of Book 2 focuses on musical terms and includes a comprehensive review of all instructional concepts covered in the book.

Marcel Vieux composed Ten Studies For Viola for advanced level players. Written among other sets of studies such as 'Twenty studies' and 'Ten studies on Intervals' this piece focuses on some renowned orchestral tunes to develop the skills of the players. It features:  1. Coriolan by Beethoven 2. Preciosa by Weber 3. Le barbier de Séville by Rossini 4. Les noces de Figaro by Mozart 5. Euryanthe by Weber 6. IX Symphonie by Beethoven 7. Benvuto Cellini by Berlioz 8. La grotte de Fingal by Mendelssohn 9. La fiancée vendue by Smetana 10. Tannhaüser by Wagner Marcel Vieux was also a professor at the Paris Conservatoire and a soloist at the Paris Opera. The Marcel Vieux International Viola Competition was established in 1983.