Hey Presto! Music Theory for Violists Book 1 is the first book in a carefully structured six-book series created especially for beginner viola players.

The book begins with the stave and alto clef – exactly where viola students need to start – and introduces notes that reflect the instrument’s open strings rather than defaulting to piano-based middle C. By aligning theory with what students are physically playing in their early lessons, new concepts feel logical, relevant and immediately useful.

Designed with young learners in mind, the explanations are clear, concise and accessible. The material progresses in small, manageable steps, allowing most children to complete the activities independently with only minimal guidance from a teacher or parent. Key ideas are revisited in varied ways to reinforce understanding and build secure foundations from the very beginning.

Friendly characters Presto, Bravo and Poco guide students through the pages, adding personality and encouragement along the way. Varied and engaging activities make this a positive and enjoyable first experience of music theory.

In Book 1, students explore:

The stave and the alto clef sign
Bars and bar lines
Space and line notes
Time values and rests
Bowing directions
Leger lines
The four viola strings
Stems
Time signatures
Notes moving step by step
Accidentals
Dynamics

This first book lays the groundwork for future learning and forms the foundation for the rest of the series, which gradually develops knowledge towards Grade 1 theory level and beyond.

Ideal for use in individual lessons, beginner classes, or for guided home study

Hey Presto! Music Theory for Violists Book 1

Other books in this series

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