Starter viola method for young beginners
The Real Book for Beginning Viola Students (G and D Strings)
What Is This Book?
The Real Book for Beginning Viola Students (G and D Strings) is a first viola song book designed to build strong music reading skills using only six notes on the G and D strings. Seventy well-known melodies are presented in simple, kid-friendly arrangements with extra-large notation. Students move from letter names written in the notes to standard notation, creating a smooth, confidence-building path to fluent music reading.
Who Is This Book For?
This book is ideal for young beginner violists, generally ages 6–11, in their first year of study.
It works equally well for school orchestra programs, private viola lessons, group classes, and home learners.
Directors can use it with mixed-instrument ensembles by pairing it with the matching editions for other strings, while parents can support daily home practice even without a music background.
What Makes This Book Easy for Kids to Learn?
The book is carefully paced so children are never overwhelmed, with only a small amount of new material on each page.
Extra-large music notation makes it easy for young eyes to see notes, rhythms, and bowings clearly.
In the first half of the book, letter names are printed inside the noteheads to help students connect staff positions with note names on the viola.
In the second half, those letters are removed so students naturally transition to real music reading.
Clear, uncluttered page layouts, simple diagrams, and straightforward instructions keep the focus on playing, not on decoding a busy page.
Familiar tunes and step-by-step repetition help students feel successful from the very first songs.
What Music Does the Book Include?
The Real Book for Beginning Viola Students (G and D Strings) features a large selection of classic, time-tested songs chosen specifically for young beginners.
Students play well-known folk melodies, traditional tunes, and other popular favorites that are easy to recognize and fun to perform.
All pieces are simplified for beginning viola, limited to notes on the G and D strings so students can concentrate on basic reading, rhythm, and bow control while building a growing repertoire of recognizable songs.
Are There Fun Extras Included?
This book focuses on the music itself and does not include additional extras.
What’s Inside the Book?
Extra-large music notation for easy reading
Letter names printed inside the noteheads in the first half of the book
Same songs without letter names in the second half for real note reading practice
Simplified arrangements limited to six notes on the G and D strings
Clear and uncomplicated diagrams and charts for beginning viola
Limited material per page so students can focus on one concept at a time
Easy-to-read instructions and sheet music for young beginners
Fun and engaging format designed for early string students
Large collection of classic, familiar, and time-tested songs
Coordinated editions available for other string instruments for ensemble use
Progressive structure that gently increases reading and playing challenges
Written by nationally recognized music educator and author Larry Newman
Skills Your Child Will Learn
Basic music reading on the viola
Beginning rhythmic concepts in common meters
Proper left-hand position and simple finger patterns on G and D strings
Fundamental bow hold and beginning bowing technique
Melody playing with clear tone on open strings and first notes
Hearing and understanding simple harmony through familiar songs
Playing together in a group, class, or school orchestra
Core music theory fundamentals for early string students
Creativity and musical expression through familiar tunes
Long-term music appreciation and listening skills
Practice habits and performance confidence
How to Use This Book
Teachers can use this book as a primary method or a strong supplemental reader in private viola lessons and string classes, introducing pieces in sequence as students master each new note and rhythm.
In school orchestra programs, directors can mix and match this viola edition with the corresponding books for other instruments so the entire class can play the same songs together.
Parents can follow the simple page layouts to guide daily practice at home, helping students review previously learned songs and then add one new tune or concept at a time.
Students can use the first half of the book to gain confidence with letter-name support, then revisit the same songs in the second half to reinforce independent reading on the staff.
The book also works well for informal duets and small ensembles, encouraging young players to listen, match pitch, and keep a steady beat while performing with others.
Frequently Asked Questions
What level is The Real Book for Beginning Viola Students (G and D Strings)?
It is designed for absolute beginners in their first months of viola study, focusing on just six notes on the G and D strings.
Do students need to read music before starting this book?
No. The book starts from the very beginning, with letter names inside noteheads and gradual introduction of reading skills.
Can this book be used in a school orchestra program?
Yes. Matching editions are available for other instruments, making it easy to use in group classes and elementary or middle school ensembles.
Is this book suitable for self-taught students at home?
Yes. The large notation, clear diagrams, and simple instructions make it accessible for home learners with or without a private teacher.
Who is the author of this book?
The book is written by Larry Newman, founder of Children’s Music Workshop and Music Fun Books, an experienced educator and author of hundreds of music books and arrangements.
Learn More
For additional music tutorials and demonstrations, visit the official Music Fun Books YouTube Channel.
Where to get it
Available now on Amazon.