Second-Year Violin, Viola & Cello Methods
The Intermediate FUNdamental String Series
Help young string players move confidently beyond the beginner level with coordinated violin, viola, and cello books created for elementary-age second-year students.
Coordinated material makes mixed-string teaching easier
What is the Intermediate FUNdamental String Series?
Quick answer: It is a coordinated second-year string method series for young violin, viola, and cello students. Large notation, letter names inside note heads, carefully graded songs, clear diagrams, and manageable material on each page help late beginners make the transition toward stronger reading, technique, tone, rhythm, and musical independence.
A Friendly Step Beyond Beginning Books
Why young string players and teachers choose this series
The books preserve the clear, child-centered design that helps beginners succeed while introducing the stronger skills expected in second-year lessons and orchestra.
Easy to read
Extra-large notation, note-name support, uncluttered pages, and plain-language directions reduce visual overload and help developing readers stay focused.
Carefully progressive
Skills and songs advance gradually, giving students a comfortable bridge from a first-year method to more independent early-intermediate playing.
Built for mixed strings
Matching violin, viola, and cello editions let directors coordinate instruction across a school orchestra, group class, or small ensemble.
What Students Work On
Reading, technique, and musicianship in one approachable method
- More confident note reading and rhythm counting
- Correct posture, instrument position, and bow hold
- Improved bow control, tone production, and coordination
- Stronger left-hand placement and intonation
- Dynamics, phrasing, expression, and musical creativity
- Basic music theory and symbol recognition
- Listening, ensemble awareness, and practice independence
- Classic and familiar music arranged for developing players
Simple Teaching Plan
How to use the Intermediate FUNdamental books
Begin after a first-year method
Use the series once students can play simple songs, understand basic note reading, and demonstrate an elementary bow hold and playing position.
Assign short, focused sections
Work through one to three pages at a time, reviewing tone, rhythm, reading, posture, and bowing before introducing the next concept.
Coordinate the string class
Use the matching editions so violinists, violists, and cellists can develop related skills and participate together in mixed-string instruction.
Choose the Correct Instrument
Three coordinated editions
Each book is written specifically for its instrument. Select the violin, viola, or cello edition below for full details and purchasing options.
The Intermediate FUNdamental Violin Book
A second-year violin method that develops reading, bowing, intonation, tone, coordination, phrasing, and confidence through graded exercises, familiar music, and child-friendly visuals.
The Intermediate FUNdamental Viola Book
A kid-friendly second-year viola method for stronger staff reading, bow control, rhythm, posture, intonation, theory, expression, and confident participation in lessons or orchestra.
The Intermediate FUNdamental Cello Book
A progressive second-year cello book that strengthens reading, rhythm, posture, finger placement, bow technique, tone quality, phrasing, and independent practice habits.
At-a-Glance Comparison
Which Intermediate FUNdamental book should I buy?
| Edition | Best for | Level | ISBN | Internal page |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violin | Young violinists building reading, bowing, intonation, and expression | Second year / early intermediate | 978-1468072556 | View violin book |
| Viola | Young violists ready to move beyond a first-year method | Second year / early intermediate | 978-1728828312 | View viola book |
| Cello | Young cellists developing stronger technique, tone, and reading | Second year / early intermediate | 978-1468152906 | View cello book |
Who It Helps
Flexible enough for lessons, orchestra, and home practice
Continue Exploring
More resources for young string players
Questions from Parents and Teachers
Frequently asked questions
What level is the Intermediate FUNdamental String Series?
The series is designed for second-year or early-intermediate violin, viola, and cello students who have completed an introductory method and can already play simple songs with basic note-reading and bowing skills.
Is this series appropriate immediately after a beginner method book?
Yes. Its primary purpose is to bridge the gap between a child’s first beginner book and denser intermediate string music.
Can absolute beginners start with these books?
Most absolute beginners will be more successful starting with a true first-year method. These books are best once a student understands basic playing position, bow hold, simple rhythms, and introductory note reading.
Which instruments are available in the series?
There are three coordinated editions: The Intermediate FUNdamental Violin Book, The Intermediate FUNdamental Viola Book, and The Intermediate FUNdamental Cello Book.
Can the three editions be used together in a mixed string class?
Yes. Coordinated violin, viola, and cello versions make the series especially useful for school orchestra programs, small ensembles, sectionals, and group lessons.
Do the books include letter names inside the notes?
Yes. Letter names inside the note heads provide continuing visual support while students strengthen staff-reading fluency and move toward more independent playing.
Can a parent without a music background help with practice?
Yes. Large notation, clear diagrams, limited material per page, and plain-language instructions make it easier for parents to supervise practice. Periodic guidance from a qualified teacher is still recommended.
Can teachers use the books as supplements?
Absolutely. Teachers can use them as the main second-year method or select individual pages and songs to reinforce note reading, rhythm, bowing, tone, theory, and musical expression alongside another curriculum.
Where can I buy the Intermediate FUNdamental String books?
Each edition has a detailed page on MusicFunBooks.com and an individual Amazon purchase link. Use the instrument cards above to choose the correct violin, viola, or cello book.
Give second-year string students a clearer path forward
Choose the coordinated violin, viola, or cello edition and help developing musicians strengthen technique, reading, tone, rhythm, expression, and confidence without overwhelming them.