Good book to start learning how to play. Easy to read. Book came looking clean and new. There was a problem with the code not being accepted for the online registration if the program though. That was remedied with the school teacher obtaining a different code.

I've been a big fan of Essential Elements books. I've been studying with Hal Leonard since I was a kid. Aside from the useful information in the book, many of their books had audio CDs. This is nice for me, because I can't always understand music--even though I've learned to read it--unless I hear it. I understand basic notes, but the more complicated music baffles me in written form, so I do better playing by ear. When I decided to take up viola, I looked for Essential Elements. They don't do CDs anymore but online sites. BUT, I encountered something that initially was discouraging. This company assumes most of its users are enrolled in classes. I guess it is primarily used by music teachers. Though I had a student activation code, I needed a teacher to register me on the site first. The problem is, I am self-study...so initially it looked like I wouldn't have access to the web site. I did find another web address in the back of the book that had the lessons for the book but lacked some of the bells and whistles of their main site. The main site has the ability to record and has other helpful features. Their secondary site is just a library. However, I contacted the company, and they set up an account for me--so now I have access to the main site. If you are self-study like me, you will have to contact them--but they are very nice about it. If you are under thirteen, your parents will need to do it. Otherwise, they just need to know what instrument you are playing and that you are over thirteen years of age.

I enjoyed how this book had a nice progression in technique. I felt like I was exposed to a variety of technique and there are pieces at the end that you will be able to play after learning everything in the book. There is a more technically difficult piece, an intermediately difficult piece, and an easy piece. The small sections of music throughout each lesson helped to apply the technique each time I learned it. As I progressed, I would go back and play these pieces from lessons before. A good amount of scales and a few varieties. I have used the Suzuki method and that method has more full pieces to play to practice with. However, this book did a great job of focusing on making sure I had the technique learned. They provide a two line piece to practice. I would have chosen Essential Elements first and then Suzuki. Suzuki is going to offer more opportunities to play it, even though it left me with less teaching of the skill itself. Essential Elements is something I will go through every few months to make sure I have the skill down. I am starting book 2 soon and my friend that started Viola also purchased this book. Great book to teach a student from if you are teaching Viola. I have no idea if the other books are the same for other instruments. The Viola book has been invaluable to me. I learn visually. I learn by practicing right after I learn a technique. I felt this offered a solid understanding and proficiency before moving me forward. I appreciated that I could listen to the lessons online through video. They have an online option to go through the book online after you purchase the physical copy. Teachers can utilize this as a way to program in lessons for a student and the student goes into their portal and finds the lessons they are to practice for the week.

We got this when our son started viola. It's durable and and has good insight for learning. It's what the school wanted him to have. And he's doing great

This is the book school requested and it’s cheaper than the same version at the brick and mortar music store.

Essential Elements for Strings Viola - Book 1 is an excellent resource for any beginner viola student! The book is well-structured, starting with the basics and gradually building up to more complex techniques, making it perfect for someone just starting out. The exercises are clear and easy to follow, with plenty of helpful tips and explanations throughout. The pacing is just right, allowing students to develop their skills at a comfortable speed. Plus, the accompanying online resources provide additional support, making practice sessions even more effective. Whether you’re a new viola player or a teacher looking for a reliable beginner's guide, this book is a fantastic choice. Highly recommend it!

I used this book back when I was a child learning violin. And viola in elementary. And i learned perfectly. Now I am looking at it and once again am relearning the viola. It's fantastic. Highly recommend for all beginners