Essential Technique for Strings with EEi: Viola

Essential Technique for Strings Book 3 for Viola is designed for intermediate students ready to advance their playing and musicianship. Ideal for private lessons, classroom instruction, or independent study, this method book builds upon foundational viola skills with structured exercises and performance etudes that guide learners toward expressive and confident playing. Perfect for teachers, adult learners, and advancing students, it supports steady technical and musical development.

What’s Inside: This comprehensive method includes scales, shifting studies, tone control, bowing exercises, and musical interpretation specifically written for the viola. The book also integrates ensemble-style pieces that prepare students for real-world performance. It features Essential Elements Interactive (EEi) access — an innovative online platform offering over 150 video lessons, interactive play-alongs, assessments, and real-time feedback. Students can learn at their own pace while receiving professional-level guidance from the comfort of home.

Why It’s Valuable: This resource strengthens left-hand dexterity, improves intonation, and enhances rhythmic precision. It promotes consistent practice through guided instruction and visual demonstrations, helping players develop a balanced tone and musical confidence. Teachers appreciate its flexibility for group or private instruction, while students value its motivating, structured approach. The book connects seamlessly with earlier volumes, ensuring smooth progression through the Essential Elements series.

Trusted by teachers and loved by students. A thoughtful gift for aspiring violists, this book inspires musical growth and expressive performance — perfect for recitals, classroom learning, or personal enrichment.

Allen works as a performing-arts career consultant and teaches at his own dance studio in Colorado Springs.