The Viola: A Complete Guide for Teachers and Students - Tapa dura

"This book is a gem."--Canadian Music Educator's Association Newsletter "At long last the area of string pedagogy has been enriched by the observations of one of the most dedicated and analytical viola teachers in the country. Barrett's publication...is a valuable source for the musician who wishes a one-volume reference tool containing not only traditional and contemporary listings of literature for the viola but also pedagogical and musical aspects of viola teaching....In a lucid and cogent style, the author discusses and offers solutions for such practical issues as workable learning sequences connected with lesson planning, efficient organization of student practice time, avoidance of poor practice habits, transference from violin to viola, and left- and right-hand technique....Professor Barrett's book, the result of many years of successful teaching, is a rare contribution, filling what hitherto has been a void in the realm of viola teaching."--American String Teacher "This fine book...contains literature for viola, musical aspects of teaching, pedagogic aspects of teaching, and viola music in print. The list of works is extensive...Highly recommended for violists of whatever degree of proficiency. I think the work is outstanding."--Louis Kievman, President, American String Teachers Association

The second edition is extensively expanded in its graded lists of studies and solos, in its encyclopedic catalog of viola literature in print, and (perhaps most important) in its treatment of the musical and pedagogical aspects of teaching the viola. A work already unique has been augmented in all its major aspects. The excerpts that follow are from reviews of the out-of-print first edition.