Level 0.5 (viola)

Solos in this level use the most basic techniques and are suitable for beginners. Special attention has been placed on selecting material that is imaginative and engaging and represents a variety of world cultures. Level 0.5 repertoire is ideal for beginning readers.

Many of these selections are key-compatible with settings for violin and cello. These may be performed with any combination of violins, violas and/or cellos with piano accompaniment to provide beginners with an introduction to chamber music playing.

0.5: Entirely in first position; primarily or entirely on upper strings; no need for fourth finger; half steps between second and third fingers; mostly separate bows; may have occasional short slurs; may use bow recovery lifts; simple and repetitive rhythm patterns largely of quarter and eighth notes.

Comparable repertoire: Introducing the Violin, first half of volume 1; Suzuki Viola School, first half of volume 1