Viola Time Runners: A second book of easy pieces for viola - Tapa blanda

There are an impressive variety of styles within these simple pieces and a well-graded learning curve. Since many violists start out playing the violin, there is a relative lack of beginner-friendly publications, so these volumes will be welcomed by many viola teachers. The accompanying CD will allow enterprising pupils to further their instrumental progress and aural skills easily at home; a simple piano part is also available, and approximately a quarter of the pieces here are duets for pupil and teacher or two pupils. (Matthew Jones, Music Teacher June 06)

[David and Kathy Blackwell] strive to provide accessible music that will inspire and instill musical self confidence in youngsters - and they succeed . . . Viola Time Joggers and Viola Time Runners deliver upbeat and playful tunes sure to appeal to viola upstarts . . . Both books are accompanied by well-produced, easy-to-follow CDs, a bonus for younger players, with musical styles varying from ragtime to the classics . . . These books are a good choice for teachers seeking pedagogy for their younger, first-time players. The whimsical cartoon illustrations coupled with fun, light music make for colorful curricula. (Heather K. Scott Strings June 06 (USA))

. . . Kathy Blackwell, an experienced fiddle teacher, has succeeded in her attempt to provide music for young children which is entertaining as well as instructive. (Tim Homfray The Strad Dec 2005)

These delightful volumes are a wonderful compliment to any beginner violist study method. (Lisa Moody, Canadian Viola Society Newsletter Spring 07)

Viola Time Runners is compatible with Fiddle Time Runners: all of the tunes (except the C string pieces) may be played together by viola and violin, either in unison, in unison with a few simple changes, or with the ensemble parts provided. The book uses the finger patterns 0-12-3-4 and 0-1-2-34, and includes 'C string specials'; extra pieces to give plenty of practice on the C string. Play-along tracks with lively and characterful accompaniments are available to download from a Companion Website, and piano and viola accompaniments are available separately.